Details on transfer payment programs

Actual spending of $5 million or more

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 effect on April 1, 1991.

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

The program is appropriated annually through the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

The grant to Quebec is as per the Canada-Québec Accord signed in 1991.

Link to departmental result(s)

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. The objectives of the Accord are 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 own 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 services offered by Canada in the rest of the country. To that end, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the province of Quebec Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) Joint Committee has the mandate to “study, at least once a year, reception and integration services provided by Canada and Québec” (Annex A, sections 3(g) and 23(b)) and to ensure that comparable services continue to be offered to newcomers across the country.

Since 2014, the IRCC-MIFI 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.

As requested by the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee, collaboration on the comparative study covering the 2020–21 reporting period began in the fall of 2021. The study was influenced by efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required adjustments to the scope and design of service delivery. As such, the comparative study for the period of 2020–21 includes an overview of how the settlement sector responded to the disruption of regular business cycles by recalibrating service delivery and harnessing sector innovation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. As with previous studies, in 2020–21, the overall comparability of the integration systems (with respect to reception and integration services) for the Canadian and Quebec jurisdictions faced similar challenges in establishing public health measures, border closures and service delivery interruptions. The study has been completed and is scheduled to be tabled at the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee meeting in 2022.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

There were no audit engagements for the Canada-Quebec Accord Grant in 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

An evaluation of the grant to Quebec was completed in January 2020. The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

IRCC-MIFI (formerly Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI)) meet on an annual basis, through the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee to coordinate the implementation of Canada and Quebec’s policies related to the immigration and integration objectives outlined in the Accord.

IRCC and MIFI also meet biannually, through the Implementation Committee, to coordinate the implementation of the Accord and develop the necessary terms and conditions of operation.

Under the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee, co-chaired by assistant deputy ministers of IRCC and Quebec’s MIFI, bilateral engagement continues to ensure that reception and integration services offered by Canada and Quebec are comparable. The assistant deputy ministers approve the scope, key areas of examination and schedule for the comparison, and they delegate the development of the comparison to the director-level joint working group. In 2021, IRCC and MIFI jointly established a working group of experts from both jurisdictions to develop a new methodology and a set of indicators for the 2020–21 comparative study of settlement and integration services. This work has been completed, and the study is scheduled to be tabled at the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee meeting in 2022.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 591,622,000 650,270,000 650,270,000 697,030,000 697,030,000 46,760,000
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 591,622,000 650,270,000 650,270,000 697,030,000 697,030,000 46,760,000
Explanation of variances

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

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 the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2022–23

Link to departmental result(s)

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Settlement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

For Canada to realize the economic, social and cultural benefits of immigration, newcomers must integrate successfully into Canadian society. Integration is a two-way process that involves commitment on the part of immigrants to adapt to life in Canada, and on the part of Canada to welcome and adapt to new peoples and cultures. Settlement refers to a short period of mutual adaptation between the newcomers and the host society, during which the government provides support and services to newcomers.

The IRCC Settlement Program plays a major role in the integration of newcomers by assisting immigrants and refugees to overcome barriers specific to them so that they can fully engage in social, cultural, civic and economic life in Canada. The program aims to provide newcomers with support prior to their arrival in Canada. Once in Canada, the program provides needs and assets assessments as well as information required to make informed decisions, develop and leverage employment and language skills, and support to build networks within their new communities. The program also supports the integration of French-speaking newcomers through the Francophone Integration Pathway, which consists of a suite of settlement services in French, offered by Francophone communities outside of Quebec, and aimed at facilitating reception, support, economic and socio-cultural integration, as well as the creation of lasting ties between newcomers and Francophone communities. IRCC funds the delivery of settlement programming across the country and outside Canada, and contributes to the capacity enhancement of recipient organizations.

Results achieved

Despite the ongoing pandemic, in 2021–22, the Settlement Program was able to successfully support settlement services to almost 427,000 newcomers to Canada through direct services provided by over 550 service provider organizations (SPOs).

To understand and address the needs of newcomers, slightly over 200,000 newcomers received comprehensive needs assessments to guide their settlement journeys. Most Settlement Program clients received referrals to various IRCC-funded services and other community services, including mental health and legal services. Information and orientation services to increase knowledge of life in Canada on topics such as community resources, finding a place to live, building your community, education opportunities, and finding employment were provided to more than 350,000 newcomers. Almost 24,000 clients received settlement services at nearly 80 designated Francophone SPOs to help facilitate integration into their new Francophone communities.

Furthermore, almost 76,500 newcomers participated in IRCC-funded language training to improve their knowledge and use of Canada’s official languages. Language training services were provided in person, online and/or through a combination of these two approaches.

To increase knowledge about and access to the labour market, a suite of employment-related services were accessed by over 49,000 newcomers in 2021–22. Through Community Connection activities, almost 72,000 clients received services to network with Canadian peers, learn to access services in the community, and create linkages with local organizations.

To ensure a welcoming environment for newcomers, in 2021–22, IRCC supported 86 Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) to promote service coordination and community planning around the needs of newcomers at the local level. To foster partnership building and strengthen collaboration and information sharing among LIPs across the county, a new National LIPs Secretariat (NLS) continued to act as a focal point and a voice for LIPs at the regional and national level. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NLS took on a central role in gathering and disseminating information on a number of topics relevant to LIPs and post-pandemic recovery. IRCC also supported 13 Réseaux en immigration francophones (RIFs) to attract, recruit, welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. In 2021–22, the 14 communities (outside Quebec) participating in the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative, continued to implement the activities reflected in their community plans. The RIFs also played a critical role in developing and implementing projects as part of this Initiative.

In August 2021, IRCC announced an investment of $100 million over three years (2021–24) for Service Delivery Improvement (SDI) initiatives to improve the way newcomers access settlement services and support them and the broader settlement sector in recovering from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following an Expression of Interest (EOI) process, seventy-eight (78) successful projects were approved for funding.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

There were no audit engagements for the Settlement Program in 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

In 2021-22, IRCC Settlement Program officers continued to directly engage SPOs through regular correspondence and communication regarding agreement management, in-person and virtual activity and financial monitors, the review of qualitative and quantitative reporting from SPOs, and at community meetings organized by umbrella organizations, LIPs, RIFs, and other relevant stakeholders.

In June 2021, IRCC launched a Call for Proposals (CFP) for Resettlement Assistance Program and Case Management Services for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) and other Vulnerable Newcomers. Twenty-three (23) projects were selected for funding to support the implementation of the 2021–23 Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan by building community capacity to resettle GARs and vulnerable newcomers. In addition, new Resettlement Assistance Program SPOs were established in 9 smaller communities across Canada with 3 year agreements effective April 1, 2022.

IRCC also assessed Requests for Quotations in March 2022 for projects to deliver immediate and essential in-person port of entry services at Pearson Airport, such as assistance with immigration and customs procedures and temporary accommodations.

IRCC also finalized the review of results from the third annual Newcomer Outcomes Survey (NOS) which included, for the first time, questions on race. As the only source through which the Department collects data on all newcomers, the NOS is a vital tool to understanding the overall integration outcomes of newcomers to Canada. It also provides insights into trends and barriers to inform settlement program policy and decision-making.

In 2021–22, IRCC played a key role in the dissemination and sharing of information to and among SPOs and other settlement organizations in a variety of ways, at both the national and regional level and both formally and informally. IRCC has a number of forums that bring together SPOs, including the National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC), a pan-Canadian mechanism for ongoing national dialogue, collaboration, consultation, planning and information exchange among governments and key partners and stakeholders, as well as regional summits designed to address region-specific information, gaps and needs. Over the course of 2021–22, NSIC held five videoconferences to discuss COVID-19 adaptations, anti-racism, immigration targets, the settlement of Afghans, digital service delivery and measures to support persons facing multiple barriers and inequities.

Francophone Focus

To fulfill its mandate, the Comité consultatif national en établissement francophone (National Francophone Settlement Advisory Committee) coordinated, in February 2022, a series of strategic dialogues involving key stakeholders from Francophone communities across the country. These dialogues enabled productive exchanges on current issues related to Francophone settlement services and on proposed solutions to enhance the Francophone Settlement Sector. Preliminary recommendations will inform a renewed model of service delivery in support of the Francophone settlement sector.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 0 14,433,955 40,000,000 15,817,311 15,817,311 (24,182,689)
Total contributions 773,742,211 786,481,494 845,645,490 864,779,039 832,413,887 (13,231,603)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 773,742,211 800,915,449 885,645,490 880,596,350 848,231,198 (37,414,292)
Explanation of variances

Funding in relation to the 2021–23 Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan and for the Afghanistan humanitarian commitment were not included in 2021–22 Planned Spending.

Actual spending was lower than planned as a result of late in the year lapse due to the nature of the activities performed, and also given the shifts in service delivery related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A re-profile request for $10.1 million in Settlement funding has been approved to move funds from 2021–22 to 2022–23 to address the expected Afghanistan refugee arrivals.

Resettlement Assistance Program

Start date

In February 1951, the program was first launched as the Adjustment Assistance Program; in 1998, it was renamed the Resettlement Assistant Program

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation

The program is appropriated annually through the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2022–23

Link to departmental result(s)

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Refugee Resettlement Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

The Resettlement Assistance Program’s (RAP) primary objective is to meet the resettlement needs of clients following their arrival in Canada by providing direct financial support and funding the delivery of immediate and essential services. Eligible clients include GARs and certain persons in refugee-like situations admitted to Canada under a public policy consideration. The province of Quebec receives a separate funding allocation as part of the Canada-Quebec Accord to provide similar services to eligible refugees destined to that province.

Income support is administered directly by IRCC and can be provided for up to 12 months if the RAP client’s income is insufficient to meet their own needs and the needs of any accompanying dependants. In most cases, RAP clients also receive start-up allowances for expenses related to furniture and other household supplies.

Immediate and essential services are delivered through contribution agreements with SPOs. RAP services include, but are not limited to: port of entry services; temporary accommodation and assistance in securing permanent accommodation; assistance opening a bank account; life skills training; orientation sessions; and links to settlement programming and mandatory federal and provincial programs.

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

RAP also funds certain in-Canada activities to support the private sponsorship of refugees (such as the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program), as well as activities overseas such as the International Organization for Migration to support resettlement and RAP objectives.

Results achieved

IRCC continued to meet the immediate and essential needs of GARs. In 2021–22, a total of 12,641 GARs received RAP servicesFootnote 1 (outside Quebec), an uptake rate of 95% for GARs. The Department funded 9 new RAP SPOs in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and New Brunswick. To further support GARs in having the tools to live independently in Canadian society, 89% of GARs accessed IRCC Settlement services within their first year of arrival.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

An evaluation of the Resettlement Programs (GAR, Privately Sponsored Refugees, Blended Visa Office- Referred Refugees and RAP) was completed in October 2016. The next planned evaluation of the Resettlement Assistance Program is scheduled for completion in 2022–23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

In 2021–22, IRCC regularly consulted with RAP SPOs through national and regional engagement tables to help support capacity building to provide immediate and essential services to refugees, including those from Afghanistan. IRCC partnered with other government departments and stakeholders to receive Afghan GARs, while continuing to respect evolving public health guidelines, and adopted new strategies to resettle them in Toronto, Halifax, Saint John’s, and Saskatoon.

In June 2021, IRCC held a Call of Proposals (CFP) targeted to select communities for RAP and Case Management Services under the Settlement Program. As a result, new RAP SPOs were established in 9 smaller communities across Canada.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 0 12,000,000 21,374,855 32,463,785 29,000,000 7,625,145
Total contributions 112,362,154 68,066,132 124,328,063 289,915,132 185,498,417 61,170,354
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 112,362,154 80,066,132 145,702,918 322,378,917 214,498,417 68,795,499
Explanation of variances

Funding in relation to the 2021–23 Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan and for the Afghanistan humanitarian commitment were not included in 2021–22 Planned Spending.

In addition, the difference between planned spending and actual spending is due to a lapse identified in the Income Support Program stemming at year-end from lower landings than anticipated for the GARs due to later than expected Afghanistan Refugee arrivals.

A re-profile request for $81.1 million in RAP funding has been approved to move funds from 2021–22 to 22–23 to address the expected Afghanistan refugee arrivals

Actual spending of less than $5 million

Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration

Start date

Canada was a founding member of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 1951 but withdrew membership in 1962. Canada subsequently rejoined the organization as a full member in 1991.

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

ContributionsFootnote 2

Type of appropriation

The program is appropriated annually through the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2010–11

Link to departmental result(s)

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada

Link to the department’s Program Inventory

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Contributions to the IOM allow Canada to:

  • participate in the organization’s governance and decision-making mechanisms, including setting policy and program directions, budget setting practices, as well as evaluation and audit exercises;
  • enhance its knowledge on 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;
  • oversee the delivery of humanitarian assistance for migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons internationally; and
  • oversee the delivery of IRCC programs in the areas of resettlement, integration, migration health and capacity building.

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.

Results achieved

In 2021–22, Canada’s efforts, led by IRCC, to reform IOM governance resulted in a positive outcome, as the governance structure now permits equitable access for all member states to the Bureau Council. Positions on the Council Bureau allow member states to influence and advance global migration-related priorities and play a leadership role on world migration issues. The previous structure had excluded approximately one fifth of the IOM members, including Canada, due to the way representation was determined. Canada will have an opportunity to run for a Council Bureau position in 2025.

IRCC continued working closely with the IOM in 2021–22 to arrange travel, facilitate immigration medical exams, and deliver pre-embarkation health checks and other pre-departure medical services to all travel-ready refugees.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

There were no audit engagements for the Annual Assessed Contribution to the IOM in 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

An Evaluation of IRCC’s Memberships in International Migration Forums and Organizations was completed in December 2021.

The evaluation found that there was a continued need for IRCC to fund Canada’s membership in international migration forums and organizations, and overall, the international migration forums and organizations provide good value for money. While benefits varied at the individual forum and organization level, Canada has contributed to international positions through its membership in international forums and organizations.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

As lead department in the overall relationship between the IOM and the Canadian government, IRCC participates in the two governing bodies—the IOM Council and the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance—which allows Canada to play a role in the organization’s governance and decision-making. Because the IOM is state led, Canada has a responsibility to ensure due diligence with respect to how the organization appropriates and uses its resources.

In 2021–22, Canada participated in discussions on reforming the executive governance structure to permit all IOM member states equitable access to the four Council Bureau positions which was successfully negotiated in November 2021. To address IOM’s administrative budgetary shortfall, IRCC also contributed to the organization’s budget reform discussions which are still ongoing.

IRCC also participates in the organization’s formal working groups on United Nations relations and budget reform. Moreover, IRCC was and continues to be present at all informal consultations organized by the IOM. Additionally, Government of Canada officials meet regularly with IOM management to discuss shared priorities and ways to improve the bilateral relationship.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 2,077,075 2,105,966 2,200,000 2,200,000 2,109,858 (90,142)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 2,077,075 2,105,966 2,200,000 2,200,000 2,109,858 (90,142)
Explanation of variances

The amounts represent yearly membership payment to the IOM. Variance is attributable to exchange rates.

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrant

Start date

April 2013

End date

March 31, 2023

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

The program is appropriated annually through the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2018–19

Link to departmental result(s)

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.

The program provides transfer payments in the form of contributions to trusted international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (such as the International Organization for Migration). It contributes to the overall discouragement of human smuggling and irregular migration while ensuring that intercepted migrants:

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

The program is part of Canada’s broader, multi-departmental Migrant Smuggling Prevention Strategy, which is led by Global Affairs Canada.

Results achieved

In 2021–22, the Global Assistance for Irregular Migrant (GAIM) program providing $1,273,773 in contributions, assisting 20 intercepted migrants,. These funds contributed to repatriation, housing, food and medical care for stranded migrants as well as continuing the safe migration campaigns in Sri Lanka. This assistance in turn contributed to the overall discouragement of human smuggling and illegal migration while ensuring intercepted migrants have basic needs 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 determined not to be in need of protection as per international principles of protection.

There were fewer intercepted migrants in 2021–22 due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. The number of illegal migrants is expected to increase as the pandemic subsides.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

There were no audit engagements for the GAIM Program in 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

The last evaluation of the GAIM was conducted in November 2015. An evaluation of GAIM is currently underway and is planned for completion in 2022–23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

In 2021–22, IRCC continued to meet monthly with the IOM administrators of the GAIM program to discuss the needs and administration of the program and other related topics as needed.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 1,342,284 1,141,197 3,000,000 3,000,000 1,273,773 (1,726,227)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 1,342,284 1,141,197 3,000,000 3,000,000 1,273,773 (1,726,227)
Explanation of variances

The GAIM program is intended to hold $3,000,000 annually, in anticipation of the possible need for repatriation and other assistance of smuggled and intercepted migrants. The contribution agreement is intentionally higher than the annual expenditure to ensure that funds are readily available when needed. The expenditure for 2021–22 is slightly higher than fiscal 2020–21 because of increased travel due to relaxation of global travel restrictions.

International Migration Capacity Building Program

Start date

In February 2003, the program was first launched as the Migration Policy Development Program; in 2019, it was renamed the International Migration Capacity Building Program.

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grant

Type of appropriation

The program is appropriated annually through the Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2019–20

Link to departmental result(s)

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 International Migration Capacity Building Program (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 facilitates 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

Results achieved

In 2021–22, to build the capacity of Nigeria and Pakistan to respond to the needs of vulnerable migrants, particularly vulnerable women and girls, training and equipment were provided to the governments of both countries to strengthen their border management capacity, counter migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and deter irregular migration.

Canada partnered with the IOM on the British Columbia-Mexico Ethical Recruitment Project (PDF, 521 KB) which concluded in December 2021. This project established the foundation for an ethical recruitment corridor between Mexico and British Columbia and addressed unethical recruitment practices.

Canada supported the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to deliver a three-day virtual technical seminar on travel document and border management technologies to Caribbean and Central American states in December 2021. This project increased awareness of tools that can be leveraged to:

  • manage irregular migration;
  • encourage adherence to ICAO Standards and recommended practices; and
  • foster intra-regional collaboration promoting adoption of border management tools and processing, including ePassport issuance.

IRCC funding to the It Takes A Community (ITAC) social media campaign supported activities to showcase the positive impact that migration can have on communities, in an effort to balance migration narratives, promote social cohesion and foster local integration of newcomers. In 2021, ITAC’s online event and initiatives generated 6.4 million social media impressions (the number of times ITAC content was displayed).

Canada provided funding for the International Migration Research Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University to develop an online interactive Gender + Migration Hub, which provides comprehensive guidance and resources to states and stakeholders on designing, implementing and evaluating gender-responsive migration policies in line with the Global Compact for Migration.

Fourteen additional international capacity building projects were approved to strengthen migration, protection and border management capacities internationally in 2021–22. The majority of these projects focus on the Americas region, including to provide targeted support to host countries of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. The activities associated with these projects will be delivered over the coming two years, with results reported in future fiscal years.

Findings of audits completed in 2021–22

There were no audit engagements for the IMCBP in 2021–22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021–22

An evaluation of the IMCBP-Funded Projects Component was completed in December 2021. The evaluation did not examine the Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope as it was deemed too early to evaluate, and it did not examine the recently secured funding to support host countries of Venezuela migrants and refugees.

The evaluation found that the IMCBP-Funded Projects Component has evolved over time, and includes participation in events, information sharing and capacity building. These projects are being used as a tool to support activities that contribute to IRCC’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, and the program is being administered with the necessary mechanisms and processes in place to support the program’s management and oversight.

Despite the successes, challenges exist for the IMCBP-Funded Project Component. Primarily, the broad purpose and objectives of the program have made it difficult to ascertain the role and position the program has within IRCC. In addition, there is a misalignment between the IMCBP expected outcomes and the more specific small-scale nature of the individual IMCBP-Funded Projects, making it difficult to determine the level and impact of the program, and if the program is achieving its expected outcomes

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021–22

As a member of 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, Canada, represented by IRCC officials, regularly attended meetings, strengthening Canada’s bilateral relationships with other countries, exchanging information on best practices, and advancing Canada’s migration and protections related priorities.

In December 2021, Canada attended the XXVI Vice-Ministerial meeting of the Regional Conference on Migration in Mexico City. Canada’s participation in this meeting provided the opportunity to engage multilaterally and bilaterally with Central American countries on deterring irregular migration, ensuring regular pathways for protection, and expanding regular pathways for temporary and permanent migration.

Following the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan in August 2021, the Intergovernmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees immediately hosted an ad hoc meeting of senior officials to discuss the crisis and to facilitate the exchange of information between member states on the movement of Afghans during the highly volatile time. Canada provided partners with the latest information on Canada’s protection supports for Afghans, created connections to other relevant states and gathered and shared knowledge to support those seeking to flee Afghanistan.

As standard practice, contact between IRCC project sponsors and recipient organizations, such as the United Nations Refugee Agency, the IOM, the International Labour Organization, continued throughout each project’s implementation to monitor progress and compliance with the grant arrangement. Pursuant to the grant arrangements, recipients were required to report on the progress of their activities during project implementation and report results of their project following completion.

Financial information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2019–20 Actual spending 2020–21 Actual spending 2021–22 Planned spending 2021–22 Total authorities available for use 2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)
Total grants 3,999,518 1,699,449 3,750,000 8,000,000 7,999,922 4,249,922
Total contributions 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 3,999,518 1,699,449 3,750,000 8,000,000 7,999,922 4,249,922
Explanation of variances

A transfer from Settlement to IMCBP and funding for Canada’s Response to the Venezuelan Migrant and Refugee Crisis in Latin America and the Caribbean Region were not included in 2021–22 Planned Spending.

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