ARCHIVED – Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, 2009

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SECTION 4
Integration of Newcomers and Canadian Citizenship

The successful settlement and integration of new immigrants is an important objective under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Immigration is fundamental to the development of Canada’s economy, society, and culture, and Canada strives to be a world leader in maximizing its benefits. In order to create a stronger nation benefiting both newcomers and Canadians, Canada is one of the few countries with a managed immigration program directed towards newcomers ultimately becoming full citizens.

Settlement

Settlement refers to the short-term transitional issues faced by newcomers, while integration is an ongoing process of mutual accommodation between an individual and society. CIC’s settlement program assists immigrants and refugees with overcoming challenges specific to the newcomer experience (e.g., lack of official language skills and limited knowledge of Canada) so that they can participate in the social, cultural, civic, and economic life of Canada. The program accomplishes this goal by providing language learning services for newcomers, community and employment bridging services, settlement information, and support services that facilitate access to settlement programming.

Each year, eligible newcomers receive, and have access to, settlement services and programs delivered by service providers such as community-based organizations funded through formal contribution agreements with the Department. CIC-funded settlement programs and services include language instruction and skills development, information and orientation, and initiatives to support social engagement, community connections, and labour market participation. Through federal-provincial agreements, [note 24] British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec assume direct responsibility for the design, administration, and delivery of settlement programs and services to newcomers who settle in these provinces.

To enhance and maintain the vitality of Francophone minority communities, the Department is working with its federal, provincial, territorial, and community partners to encourage French-speaking immigrants to settle in and integrate into Francophone minority communities. The target is to achieve a minimum percentage of 4.4 French-speaking immigrants settling in Francophone minority communities by 2023. More information on the Department’s work with Francophone minority communities [note 25] can be found on CIC’s website.

CIC also offers financial support and immediate essential services to help government-assisted refugees resettle in Canada and integrate into Canadian society. Through the Resettlement Assistance Program, [note 26] the Government ensures the delivery of essential services (such as reception services at the port of entry, temporary accommodation, assistance in finding permanent accommodation, and financial orientation) through contribution agreements with service provider organizations. [note 27] This program also provides income support for up to 12 months after arrival in most cases, and up to 24 months for refugees with special needs, such as victims of trauma or torture.

In 2008, CIC continued to focus on implementing a number of measures to help address challenges faced by newcomers and reach people earlier in the immigration process. In addition, CIC began the implementation of a modernized settlement approach that focuses on newcomer outcomes. This will enable the Department to deliver services more efficiently and improve its capacity to measure and report on results. As part of its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada committed $32 million over five years to support CIC, in partnership with HRSDC and the provinces and territories, in their efforts to develop a Pan-Canadian Framework on foreign qualification recognition. CIC’s website provides more information on various activities related to the Integration Program, including settlement services for newcomers [note 28] and the Foreign Credentials Referral Office. [note 29]

Canadian Citizenship

The acquisition of citizenship is an important step in the Canadian integration process, as it provides newcomers with the tools to participate fully in Canadian society by enabling them to fulfil their rights and responsibilities as citizens and fostering their sense of belonging to Canada. This integration takes place in the context of a broader sense of citizenship that is shared by all Canadians. Much has changed since 1947 when the first Canadian Citizenship Act took effect. In recognition of the evolution of citizenship issues, amendments to the Citizenship Act [note 30] that protect the value of Canadian citizenship were introduced and received Royal Assent on April 17, 2008. The amendments restore citizenship to many persons who lost it under previous legislation and recognize others as citizens for the first time. The amendments also introduce a limit to citizenship by descent to one generation born outside of Canada.

In 2008, Canadian citizenship was granted to approximately 176,000 individuals and CIC provided over 41,500 Canadians with proof of their citizenship. However, application intake outpaced CIC’s capacity to process cases. In response to rising inventories and longer processing times, pilot projects were conducted in 2008 to explore ways to streamline processing of applications. CIC continues to build on those efforts to improve client service as it works towards the development of online applications for the Citizenship Program.

As well as administering citizenship legislation, CIC is also responsible for promoting the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Over 2,700 ceremonies took place, where the oath of citizenship was administered and the acquisition of citizenship celebrated. Promotional activities such as Canada’s Citizenship Week, the Citation for Citizenship Award, reaffirmation ceremonies, and the 385 ceremonies that took place in the community contributed to a wider appreciation of the value of citizenship and a shared sense of belonging, loyalty, and attachment to Canada for all Canadians. CIC’s citizenship activities are further supported by the transfer, in October 2008, of the multiculturalism portfolio to the Department. More information on the Citizenship Program [note 31] and multiculturalism [note 32] can be found on CIC’s website.

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