Details on transfer payment programs

Actual spending of $5 million or more

Canada-Quebec Accord Grant

General information

Name of program:

Canada-Quebec Accord Grant/Subvention versée en vertu de l’Accord Canada-Québec

Start date:

Financial compensation to the province (in the form of a grant) is based on the Canada‑Québec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens, which came into force on April 1, 1991.

End date:

The Accord does not have an expiry date.

Type of transfer payment:

Grants

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Ongoing

Link to departmental result:

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Settlement, Resettlement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, signed in 1991, Canada has devolved settlement and resettlement responsibility to Quebec, with a grant that includes reasonable compensation for costs. The grant to Quebec covers reception services and linguistic, cultural and economic integration services, provided that they are comparable to federally funded services in other parts of the country. One objective of the Accord is the preservation of Quebec’s demographic importance within Canada and the integration of immigrants into that province in a manner that respects the distinct identity of Quebec. The Accord provides Quebec with exclusive responsibility for the selection of immigrants destined to the province (except for family reunification and protected persons in Canada), as well as the reception and linguistic and cultural integration of these immigrants (including resettlement of refugees). Under the Accord, Canada is responsible for defining overall immigration objectives, national levels and admissibility, selecting family category and protected persons in Canada, and granting citizenship. This program uses transfer payment funding from the grant for the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration.

Quebec is responsible for selecting immigrants, as well as their reception and integration into the province. In accordance with section 26 and Annex B of the Canada-Quebec Accord, Canada is required to pay compensation to Quebec for reception and integration services, where it is established that:

• the reception and integration services (referred to in sections 24 and 25 of the Accord) offered by Quebec correspond, when considered in their entirety, to those offered by Canada in the rest of the country; and
• those services are offered without discrimination to any permanent resident in the province, whether or not that permanent resident has been selected by Quebec.

Results achieved:

The Government of Quebec is responsible for developing and publishing its own immigration legislation and policies. It reports to the provincial National Assembly on its expected results related to immigration.

While Quebec has jurisdiction over reception and integration of immigrants destined to the province, the Accord specifies that the services covered by the grant must correspond to the services offered by Canada in the rest of the country. To that end, the Joint Committee (Comité mixte) has the mandate to “study, at least once a year, reception and integration services provided by Canada and Quebec” (Annex A, numbers 3(g) and 23(b)) and to ensure that comparable services continue to be offered to newcomers across the country. Since 2014, the Joint Committee has tabled five comparative studies that show reception and integration services for newcomers to be generally comparable in both jurisdictions, therefore meeting the requirements of the Accord. The last comparative study covered the period 2018–19 and was tabled at the Joint Committee meeting on February 10, 2020. The next study is scheduled for Fall 2021.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

No audit of the Canada-Quebec Accord Grant was completed in the 2020–21 fiscal year.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

The next evaluation of the Canada-Quebec Accord Grant is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

IRCC and the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), formerly the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion, meet on an annual basis, through the Joint Committee, to coordinate the implementation of Canada’s and Quebec’s policies related to their immigration and integration objectives outlined in the Accord. IRCC and MIFI also meet biannually, through the Implementation Committee (Comité d’application), to coordinate the implementation of the Accord and develop the necessary terms and conditions of operation.

Explanation of variance:

Actual spending was higher than planned due to an adjustment in the final payment. The final payment is based on a formula in the Canada-Quebec Accord on Immigration.

Interim Housing Assistance Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP)

Start date:

March 21, 2019

End date:

March 31, 2021

Type of transfer payment:

Grants

Type of appropriation:

Main Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2019–20 and 2020–21

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

Canada experienced an increase in asylum claims from 2017 to the beginning of 2020, both with respect to arrivals through ports of entry and between ports of entry (i.e., irregular migration). Provinces called for support in managing the downstream impact of asylum flows, including interim housing pressures. Although the number of new asylum claimants dropped in the second quarter of 2020 as a result of border measures in response to the pandemic, provinces continued to experience interim housing pressures.

The IHAP contributes to the Government’s commitment to provide financial support to provinces and municipalities to address extraordinary interim housing pressures resulting from increased volumes of asylum claimants entering Canada in recent years. In spring 2020, the program was extended until March 31, 2021, to continue addressing provincial and municipal interim housing costs and help with rising expenses from COVID-19.

Grants provided through the program have helped provincial and municipal governments deliver effective interim housing solutions for asylum claimants.

Results achieved:

The IHAP has enabled provinces and municipalities to continue to provide interim housing to asylum claimants without impacting services available to other vulnerable Canadians. While border and travel restrictions implemented in March 2020 related to COVID-19 contributed to a significant decrease in asylum volumes, some jurisdictions continued to struggle with adequate shelter capacity and incurred significant costs to implement health and safety protocols.

In 2020–21, IRCC provided a total of $69 million through three (3) grants to help the City of Toronto and the Government of Quebec with their 2020 interim housing costs for asylum claimants, including rising costs due to the pandemic.

In 2020–21, IRCC also provided the Government of Quebec with a payment of $94 million for the costs incurred by the province for providing interim housing to asylum claimants in 2019. This payment was a result of a commitment made by the federal government to reimburse some of Quebec’s 2019 costs.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

Not applicable.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

The Department received written requests from the Government of Quebec and the City of Toronto that demonstrated that they had incurred interim housing costs associated with asylum claimants in 2020. Departmental officials engaged applicants to assess their claims and support the Department’s processes when developing financial options for the Minister. Discussions on cost-sharing agreements were held at various levels. The Minister made the final decision on the grant amounts to be provided as per the terms and conditions of the program.

Explanation of variance:

Transfer payments under the IHAP were lower than total authorities, given the ongoing discussions with provinces and municipalities, which resulted in lower payments than originally expected. Actuals were higher than planned spending given funding was re-profiled from 2019–20 and new funding was approved later in the year.

Resettlement Assistance Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Grants and Contributions in Support of Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

Start date:

1951 as the Adjustment Assistance Program. 1998 as the Resettlement Assistant Program

End date:

Ongoing.

Type of transfer payment:

Grants and Contributions.

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Main Estimates (Vote 10).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Last updated October 1, 2020

Link to departmental result:

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Refugee Resettlement.

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is available in all provinces, with the exception of Quebec. The province of Quebec receives a separate funding allocation as part of the 1991 Canada-Québec Accord relating to the Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens and provides similar services to eligible refugees destined to that province.

RAP primarily supports Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) and other eligible clients (such as persons admitted to Canada as permanent residents under public policy) when they first arrive in Canada by providing direct financial support and funding the provision of immediate and essential services delivered by third-party service providers.

Financial support for RAP clients is provided in the form of a one-time start-up allowance and monthly income support, which is typically provided for up to one year or until the client becomes self-sufficient, whichever occurs first. RAP clients with special needs who are supported by Joint Assistance Sponsorships may receive financial support for up to two years. Income support levels are designed to align with prevailing basic social assistance rates in the client’s province of residence.

RAP funds 32 service provider organizations (SPOs) to deliver RAP services in 34 communities across the country outside of Quebec to deliver immediate and essential services to GARs and other eligible clients. These services include:

• Port of entry and reception services;
• Temporary accommodation and assistance with locating permanent accommodation;
• Needs assessment and referrals to settlement programs and community-based services;
• Information and orientation on financial and non-financial information as well as Canadian life skills training; and
• Orientation and links to essential federal and provincial programs and services.

Limited services (port of entry services) are provided under RAP to all resettled refugees, and refugees resettled under the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program may receive up to six months of RAP income support.

RAP also funds international delivery partners and service providers to identify and refer refugees in need of protection who meet Canada’s Resettlement Program criteria. It also provides funding for direct assistance to refugees in locations around the world for pre-departure resettlement activities. In addition, RAP funds in-Canada activities to support the resettlement program more broadly, for example, by funding the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program to support the private sponsorship of refugees in Canada.

Results achieved:

The expected outcomes for the Resettlement Assistance Program include meeting the immediate and essential needs of RAP clients and ensuring that resettled refugees have the tools to live independently in Canadian society.

IRCC continues to meet the immediate and essential needs of GAR clients eligible for RAP. In 2020–21, a total of 5,424 clients received RAP services (outside Quebec).

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

There were no audit engagements for the Resettlement Assistance Program for the 2020–21 fiscal year.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

An evaluation of the Resettlement Assistance Program was not completed in 2020-21. The next evaluation of RAP will be conducted as a component of the Evaluation of the Resettlement Program planned for completion in 2022–23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

RAP targets three types of recipients: (1) refugee clients, (2) service providers that provide immediate and essential services to eligible clients, and (3) service providers engaged in activities that support the Refugee Resettlement Program more broadly, for instance, by providing funding to international organizations to facilitate the overseas processing of refugees and funding to the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program to provide training, resources and support to private sponsors in Canada.

IRCC uses a fair and transparent call for proposals to award contribution agreements to service provider organizations to deliver immediate and essential services to refugees and other clients. A national call for proposals launched in early 2019 yielded 32 five-year contribution agreements for services to refugees in Canada, which came into effect in April 2020.

International delivery partners and service providers provide direct assistance to refugees in locations around the world to assist them with pre-departure resettlement activities, in close collaboration with Canadian embassies and consulates abroad. Refugee recipients undergo an intake assessment upon arrival in Canada to determine the level of support they need and the types of services they require.

Domestic service delivery partners providing support to the sponsorship community under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program via RAP funds include the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, which delivers training, resources and support to private sponsors in Canada, as well as the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) Navigation Unit, which supports SAH Association Council and the SAH Association membership writ large.

To address the challenges faced by the pandemic, in 2020–21, IRCC led a joint RAP COVID Task Team with RAP SPOs to open lines of communication, address the needs of organizations, and reassure the sector of IRCC’s responsiveness. The work of the task team helped the Department’s pandemic response by quickly identifying issues, developing resources, providing a sounding board for departmental initiatives, and fostering mutual support among RAP SPOs.

Explanation of variance:

Funding in relation to the 2020 Multi-Year Levels Plan was not included in 2020–21 planned spending. In addition, the difference between planned spending and actual spending is due to a lapse in the Income Support Program stemming from lower landings than anticipated for the GARs, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Settlement Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Settlement Program

Start date:

May 15, 2008

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates (Vote 10).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

Updated August 16, 2019

Link to departmental result:

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Settlement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

Settlement refers to a period of settlement and integration by newcomers, during which the government provides support and services. Services are provided until newcomers become Canadian citizens. Ultimately, the goal of integration is for newcomers to be fully engaged in Canada’s economic, social, political and cultural life.

IRCC Settlement Program provides services that help newcomers integrate into the Canadian labour market and society, and build a successful life in Canada. The Program includes language training services, personalized settlement plans, employment-related supports, and programming that help establish links with the community and promote a sense of belonging. The Program also funds support services, such as child care, transportation and interpretation that facilitate access to settlement programming. While most services are delivered by service provider organizations (SPOs) funded by IRCC, certain services (such as information provision) are delivered directly by IRCC in Canada and overseas. IRCC also collaborates with municipalities, employer associations, Francophone organizations and others whose work impacts newcomer settlement to ensure a welcoming environment to newcomers wherever they settle in Canada.

Results achieved:

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Settlement Program has been able to successfully facilitate access to at least one direct settlement support over 379,000 (unique clients) newcomers to Canada by over 500 organizations funded by IRCC in 2020–21.

To better understand and address the needs of newcomers, close to 184,000 unique clients received comprehensive needs assessments to guide their settlement journeys. The data shows most of those newcomers received referrals to various IRCC-funded services and other community services, including mental health and legal services. A Needs and Assets Assessment and Referral Services (NAARS) policy, revised to include the assessment of a client’s strengths (“assets”) to build on their knowledge, skills, abilities and life experiences, was implemented in 2020–21.

Information and orientation services were provided to more than 310,000 newcomers to increase their knowledge of life in Canada, on topics such as community resources, community engagement, education opportunities, employment and income to enable independent decision-making.

Furthermore, almost 75,000 newcomers participated in IRCC-funded language training to improve their knowledge and use of Canada’s official languages. Training is provided based on levels of knowledge and schedules to accommodate newcomers’ needs. This year, the majority of language training services were provided though distance and/or online training delivery to respect public health guidelines.

To increase community participation and connection, a suite of services were accessed by over 58,600 newcomers. They received employment-related services, including both short-term interventions (such as networking to support finding a job and individual employment counselling), as well as long-term interventions (developing work linkages through internships or mentoring, etc.). To ensure a welcoming environment for newcomers, IRCC supported 81 Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs), which promote service coordination and community planning around the needs of newcomers at the community level. With IRCC support, this year saw the establishment of the National LIP Secretariat with the mandate of improving coordination among the network of LIPs, facilitating the sharing of best practices and providing professional development. IRCC also supported 13 Réseaux en immigration francophones (RIF) to support the integration of French-speaking newcomers. RIFs played a critical role in developing and implementing community-based projects in 14 Welcoming Francophone Communities outside of Quebec.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

No audit of the Settlement Program was completed in the 2020–21 fiscal year.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

An Evaluation of Language Training Services that are part of the larger Settlement Program was completed in 2020–21.

Based on the evidence analyzed, it was found that language training services are designed to be flexible and effective in meeting the diverse needs of newcomers. The findings also showed that language progression for newcomers is mostly positive, but there are differences between clients and non-clients with respect to likelihood of progression. In the short term, clients progressed at the same pace as non-clients when using objective measures. In the longer term, clients progressed more than non-clients when using subjective measures. It was also found that some components of language training are associated with a greater likelihood of newcomers improving their language skills, such as full-time language training and multi-level classes, while others lowered chances of progression, such as continuous intake classes.

Recommendations were made regarding the outcomes measurement, as well as program improvements to foster success, including recommendations to further support newcomers, instructors and program stakeholders.

An Evaluation of Settlement Workers in Schools which is part of the larger Settlement Program is planned for completion in December 2021. The next evaluation of the Settlement Program is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

The Department uses a fair and transparent Call for Proposals (CFP) process as its main approach for engaging applicants.

In October 2020, IRCC launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for Service Delivery Improvement funding, to solicit interest to test new approaches and leverage innovations that have emerged during the pandemic. In parallel with the SDI EOI, a targeted Request for Quotations (RFQ) process for community-based governance approaches for service delivery was launched in March 2021. As part of the 2020 Service Delivery Improvement EOI process, webinars in both official languages were held. Applications for projects will begin in Fall 2021.

The National Francophone Settlement Advisory Committee, a committee of experts from the Francophone settlement sector, was established in July 2020 to provide recommendations to IRCC for a renewed model of national coordination and representation of the Francophone sector and inform IRCC policies and programs. The first phase of this committee's work involves undertaking an assessment of the Francophone settlement sector.

Ongoing national dialogue, collaboration, consultation and information exchange continued via the National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC), whose membership includes the settlement sector, consisting of SPOs, umbrella organizations that represent SPO interests, and other settlement and resettlement stakeholders. In January 2021, IRCC’s Minister participated in a meeting with NSIC regarding 2021–22 immigration levels.

IRCC also supported the NSIC-appointed Technology Task Group in consulting with the settlement sector to identify needs for effective transition to a digital approach and a hybrid (digital/in-person) service delivery model. The Department has maintained frequent engagement with NSIC to explain pandemic-related federal decisions and to share this information with the broader networks of settlement and resettlement sector members. This engagement was also used to continue sharing multilingual information on federal COVID-19 resources, benefits and programs. The IRCC Remote Settlement Service Delivery survey also gathered information to better understand the effect of the pandemic on settlement service delivery by SPOs. The survey had a very strong response rate, with 54% of settlement service agreement holders having filled out the questionnaire.

Explanation of variance:

Funding in relation to the Multi-Year Levels Plan 2020 was not included in 2020–21 planned spending. Actual spending was lower than planned as a result of activities that did not materialize as planned during the fiscal year due to COVID-19 and because of imposed pandemic restrictions across the country.

Actual Spending of less than $5 million

Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration: Voted

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration (IOM): Voted

Start date:

Canada has contributed to the IOM every year it has been a member, from 1951 to 1961, and from 1991 to the present day.

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Contribution^{Footnote 1}

Type of appropriation:

Funds are appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2010–11

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The IOM is the leading international organization in the field of migration. It operates under the guidance of its Member States and is directed by its constitution, which describes its mandate and operational framework. As an IOM member, the Department has an increased capacity to meet its objectives related to:

• managed migration that promotes Canadian interests and protects the health, safety and security of Canadians; and
• international recognition and acceptance of the principles of managed migration consistent with Canada’s broader foreign policy agenda.

Contributions to the IOM allow Canada to:

• participate in the organization’s governance and decision-making mechanisms, including evaluation and audit and budget-setting practices;
• enhance its knowledge of global trends and approaches to managed migration;
• advance its international priorities on migration, which include: helping to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, promoting international cooperation on migration issues, and assisting in the search for practical solutions to migration problems;
• provide humanitarian assistance for migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons; and
• deliver IRCC programs in the areas of resettlement, migration health and capacity building.

Results achieved:

The annual assessed contribution to the IOM allowed IRCC to successfully achieve the following results:

• influenced IOM programs and policies;
• gained knowledge and understanding about global migration;
• ensured that Canadian values and interests are reflected in the IOM's approach to global migration;
• advanced Canada’s position on managed migration and international protection in multilateral forums; and
• used enhanced knowledge and understanding to inform IRCC policies and programs.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

An evaluation of Canada's Membership in International Forums and Organizations, which includes Canada's Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), began in 2020–21. It has an anticipated completion date of Fall 2021.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

IRCC coordinates the Government of Canada’s institutional relationship with the IOM and is also responsible for the payment of Canada’s annual assessed contribution (i.e., membership fee).

IRCC officials actively monitored IOM activities and developments and engaged and consulted with IOM officials on governance, financial, policy and operational issues. Ongoing participation in the two governing bodies – the IOM Council and the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance – as well as in meetings of the Budget Reform Working Group and the Working Group on Partnerships, Governance and Organizational Priorities, allowed Canada to play a role in shaping the organization’s governance and administration, priority setting, and use of resources.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) also maintained a strong relationship with the IOM as a partner in the delivery of developmental and humanitarian assistance. About every two years, senior Government of Canada officials (from IRCC and GAC) meet with IOM management to discuss shared priorities and ways to improve the bilateral relationship. There is also continuous and ongoing open communication between IRCC and IOM.

Explanation of variance:

The variance is attributable to exchange rates with respect to the annual membership payment to the IOM.

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants: Voted

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants (GAIM): Voted

Start date:

April 2013

End date:

March 31, 2023

Type of transfer payment:

Contribution

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2018–19

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The purpose of the program is to respond to international crises related to irregular migration quickly and effectively in an effort to ensure managed migration that promotes Canadian interests and protects the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Results achieved:

The GAIM program contributes to the overall discouragement of human smuggling and illegal migration. At the same time, it ensures that intercepted migrants:

• have their basic needs met, including shelter, water, food, and emergency medical care;
• are treated in accordance with international principles of protection, including protection against refoulement; and
• are returned to their countries of origin if they are determined not to be in need of protection as per international principles of protection.

The GAIM program specifically assisted intercepted irregular migrants in Turks and Caicos, Senegal, Mali, and Madagascar. The intercepted irregular migrants are primarily nationals of Sri Lanka.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

No audit was completed in the subject fiscal year. Further program review and evaluation is planned for late 2021.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

No evaluation was completed in the subject fiscal year. Further program review and evaluation is planned for late 2021 and 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

The Department conducted regular reviews of activity and statistical reports on the implementation of the program. The Department also reviewed and utilized information available from other Federal government departments or governments as appropriate in assessing the activities, applications or recipients. The IOM is the only direct recipient of GAIM funding. The GAIM program and its activities are evaluated throughout the year and are explicitly reviewed quarterly following the submission of an invoice from the IOM and prior to sign off of payment. Any discrepancy between actual activities that were undertaken and planned activities is a result of 2020–21 being an atypical year for global travel and, consequently, for irregular migration. In the absence of most traditional transatlantic flight routes, irregular migration was significantly inhibited.

Explanation of variance:

Actual spending is lower than planned because the GAIM program depends on demand, which was lower than expected because of COVID-19.

International Migration Capacity Building Program: Voted

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

International Migration Capacity Building Program (IMCBP): Voted

Prior to April 2019, the program was known as the “Migration Policy Development Program.”

Start date:

In February 2003, the terms and conditions for the Migration Policy Development Program were approved. The program was classified as a grants program in 2009.

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Grant

Type of appropriation:

Funds are appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2019–20

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

The purpose of the IMCBP is to provide funding for initiatives that advance global migration policies and programs, in support of Canada’s migration and humanitarian objectives.

The main objective of the IMCBP is to support the development of well-managed migration systems that facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration through:

• membership in international organizations related to migration;
• the advancement of capacity‑building efforts; and
• an increase in the development and exchange of migration-related information and expertise.

In 2019, the authority approved the revised terms and conditions and the program was renamed the International Migration Capacity Building Program. In 2019–20, the “Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope” (MCEE) was created and added to the IMCBP. The goal of the MCEE is to deliver capacity‑building assistance focused on improving cooperation and engagement with targeted countries. The MCEE was put in place for six years, and will disburse $21M over its lifetime.

Results achieved:

The IMCBP achieved the following results:

• strengthened migration and refugee protection systems in sending, transit and receiving countries;
• facilitated safe, orderly and regular migration, while deterring irregular migration; and
• promoted open, evidence-based discourse on migration and refugee issues.

Findings of audits completed in 2020–21:

Not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2020–21:

IRCC conducted two evaluations in 2020–21: an evaluation of Canada’s International Migration Capacity Building Program (IMCBP) Funded Projects, and an evaluation of Canada’s membership in International Forums and Organizations. The two evaluations have an anticipated completion date of Fall 2021. These evaluations exclude the MCEE, which is planned to be evaluated in 2023–24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2020–21:

Ongoing communications occurred on a regular basis with project sponsors within IRCC and with recipient organizations (trusted partner organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration).

Canada’s membership in international multilateral organizations, such as the Regional Conference on Migration, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees, allowed IRCC participants to regularly attend various governance meetings, exchange information on best practices, advance Canadian migration priorities, and develop bilateral partnerships with other countries.

Pursuant to the program’s terms and conditions, the Department used an internal call for proposals (CFP) for projects as its main approach for engaging with sponsors and recipients. The most recent CFP was conducted in the summer of 2020, to solicit proposals for new grant arrangements. Regular contact between IRCC project sponsors and recipient organizations occurred during each project’s implementation to ensure advancement and compliance. Pursuant to the grant arrangements, recipients were required to report on the progress of their activities and results of their project.

The MCEE targets countries for engagement based on interdepartmental agreement through an Assistant Deputy Minister-level steering committee. Potential initiatives are typically advanced through country-level scoping visits to ascertain needs and priorities, and to identify potential implementing partners. Based on the findings made during the scoping mission, potential partners are asked to submit proposals for funding.

Similar to the core IMCBP, IRCC maintains regular contact with implementing organizations throughout project implementation. Initiatives under the MCEE may also be monitored by IRCC staff. Implementing partners are required to report on project progress during the implementation period and IRCC monitors progress against expected results, as well as risks and delays to implementation, and raises any concerns and challenges with project partners.

Explanation of variance:

Actual spending was lower due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and border closures.