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

General information

Name of program:

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

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:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Grant

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 Department’s program inventory:

Settlement, Resettlement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, 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 the 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 for 2022–23:

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 Quebec’s 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 six 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 covering the 2020–21 reporting period was tabled at the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee meeting on November 1, 2022. 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 included 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. For the first time, the study introduced a new methodology with indicators of comparison to better understand the comparability of services in both jurisdictions and to be used as a baseline for future comparisons. 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 next biannual study covering the 2022–23 reporting period is scheduled for the fall 2023.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

There were no audit engagements related to the Canada-Quebec Accord in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

There were no evaluation completed in 2022–23.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

IRCC and MIFI (formerly Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion) meet on an annual basis, through the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee, to coordinate the implementation of Canada’s 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 was tabled at the IRCC-MIFI Joint Committee meeting in November 2022.

Explanation of variance: 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.

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, 2023

Type of transfer payment:

Grants

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2020–21

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada.

Link to Department’s program inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

Canada experienced an increase in asylum claimants starting in 2017, including both 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. While COVID-19-related travel and border measures reduced the number of asylum claimants entering Canada in 2020 and 2021, the gradual lifting of these measures, beginning in November 2021, led to an increase in the number of asylum claimants entering Canada. This resulted in additional pressures on provincial and municipal shelter systems, whose costs were exacerbated by COVID-19 related requirements (e.g., physical distancing and cleaning) and longer than average stays, influenced by a national affordable housing crisis.

As a temporary program, IHAP has contributed to the federal Government’s commitment to provide time-limited financial support to provinces and municipalities to address extraordinary interim housing pressures resulting from increased volumes of asylum claimants entering Canada in recent years. The program was extended to 2022–23 to continue addressing provincial and municipal interim housing costs given the historical nature of the volumes of claimants.

Results achieved for 2022–23:

IHAP has enabled provinces and municipalities to continue to provide interim housing to increasing numbers of asylum claimants while also providing services to other vulnerable Canadians. Starting in November 2021, with the removal of COVID-19-related border measures related to asylum claimants, historical and unprecedented volumes of asylum claimants were experienced in 2022–23. These claimants totalled 106,657 most of which continued to arrive in Quebec and Ontario. This placed additional pressures on the shelter systems and related support services of provincial and municipal partners.

In 2022–23, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided a total of $164.3 million through six grants to assist the City of Toronto, the City of Ottawa and the Province of Quebec with costs incurred in providing interim housing to asylum claimants in 2021 and 2022, including ongoing expenses related to the pandemic. Payments were made in 2022–23, because IHAP was only renewed late in 2021 with funding received through Main Estimates in 2022–23. 

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

There were no audit engagements related to the Interim Housing Assistance Program conducted in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

No evaluation has been undertaken for the Interim Housing Assistance Program.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2026–27 as part of the Evaluation of the Asylum Program.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

Following a written request by provinces and municipalities demonstrating that they incurred eligible costs in providing interim housing for asylum claimants, departmental officials engaged applicants to assess the claim and support discussions on the final amount of the funding relief. IRCC also continues to engage provinces through existing fora to better understand and help alleviate the pressures they are facing with respect to providing temporary housing to asylum claimants.

Explanation of variance: Transfer payments under IHAP were lower than planned spending, given the ongoing discussions with provinces and municipalities on eligible expenses, which resulted in lower payments than originally expected.

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.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2019

Link to departmental result:

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports.

Link to 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.

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 assessment, assets assessments and 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 Quebec, and aimed at facilitating reception, support, economic and socio-cultural integration, and 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 for 2022–23:

IRCC is investing approximately $1billion in 2022–23 to support the settlement needs of newcomers (outside of Quebec) through the Settlement Program. Settlement services include information and orientation to help newcomers make informed decisions about their settlement and better understand Canada’s laws and institutions, language training to help with integration into communities and the labour market, community connections services to help build a sense of belonging, and employment-related services such as job-search orientation, employer connections and information about foreign credential recognition pathways. In 2022–23, the Settlement Program was able to successfully support settlement services to 607,866 newcomers to Canada through direct services provided by over 550 service provider organizations (SPOs) to help newcomers prepare for life in Canada and successfully integrate. This includes close to 80 francophone service providers, which support the integration of French-speaking newcomers into francophone-minority communities. Tailored supports are also available to newcomer populations that face additional barriers to services and who are at increased risk of marginalization, including racialized newcomers, females, youth, seniors, people living with a disability, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

To understand and address the needs of newcomers, 295,269 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 504,129 newcomers.

Furthermore, 100,325 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 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 68,825 newcomers in 2022–23. Through Community Connection activities, 103,680 clients received services to network with Canadian peers, learn to access services in the community, and create linkages with local organizations. IRCC launched the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot in 2018 to support targeted employment services for racialized newcomer females through the Settlement Program. While the Pilot officially ended in March 2023, funding for some projects is being extended until March 31, 2025 to address ongoing need.

To ensure a welcoming environment for newcomers, IRCC supported 86 Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) in 2022–23 to promote service coordination and community planning around the needs of newcomers at the local level. IRCC also supported nine new Zonal Immigration Partnerships (ZIPs) in their efforts to attract, welcome and retain newcomers to small and rural centres. Since its launch in 2020, the National LIPs Secretariat (NLS) continues to foster partnership building and strengthen collaboration and information sharing among LIPs and ZIPs across the country. NLS acts as a focal point and unified voice for LIPs at national tables, including consultations leading to the Call for Proposals 2024. IRCC also continues to support LIPs by expanding their eligible activities to include anti-racism and anti-discrimination initiatives, and supporting the mobilization of key community partners to support Afghan and Ukrainian arrivals to Canada.

IRCC also supported 13 Réseaux en immigration francophones (RIFs) to attract, recruit, welcome and integrate French-speaking newcomers. In 2022, the RIF Logic Model has been revised to strengthen and expand the RIFs’ role in community engagement, community capacity building and promotion of francophone immigration. In 2022–23, the 14 communities (outside Quebec) participating in the Welcoming Francophone Communities Initiative continued to implement the activities outlined in their community plans, which aim to create spaces where French-speaking newcomers would feel welcomed and facilitate long-lasting linkages between them and the host community. Furthermore, in November 2022, IRCC piloted the funding of a delegation of 20 Francophone community organizations at the Destination Canada Mobility Forum in Paris (France) and Rabat (Morocco). The Forum promoted immigration to Francophone communities outside Quebec, and helped immigration candidates make informed decisions regarding the region in which they wish to settle and start creating links with their future home community before they even begin their Canadian immigration journey.

In August 2021, IRCC announced an investment of $100 million over three years (2021–24) for Service Delivery Improvement – archived (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, 78 successful projects were approved for funding. All projects are underway and will end no later than March 31, 2024. Under the 2022–23 Equity Request for Quotations, IRCC is supporting 17 projects in the area of anti-racism, mainstreaming gender equality, and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus). Projects funded under the research and capacity building streams will identify gaps and barriers to newcomer integration and fund initiatives to build the capacity of small, racialized organizations. Others funded under the service delivery stream will increase the ability of service provider organizations to address racism in newcomer service delivery.

Efforts have been made to further consolidate the Francophone Integration Pathway (FIP), a suite of settlement services in French and offered by francophone organizations, to facilitate lasting ties between newcomers and Francophone communities outside of Quebec. In 2022–23, 61% of French-speaking newcomer clients have accessed at least one service provided by an IRCC-funded francophone service provider organization, compared to 57% in the previous fiscal year.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

A review of Settlement Network’s Management of the Administrative Flat Rate is currently in the reporting phase and will be tabled September 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

No evaluation has been undertaken for the Settlement Program.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

In 2022–23, IRCC strategically engaged key internal and external partners on different elements of the Settlement Program ahead of the 2024 Call for Proposals in order to inform them of IRCC’s approach to program changes, and to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to provide feedback, given the key role that stakeholders play in newcomers’ settlement and integration experience.

In addition, correspondence and communication with SPOs continued on a regular basis, to address agreement management, in-person and virtual activity and financial monitors, and the review of qualitative and quantitative reporting from SPOs. It was also carried out at community meetings organized by umbrella organizations, LIPs, RIFs, and other relevant stakeholders.

IRCC also finalized the review of results from the fourth annual Newcomer Outcomes Survey (NOS), which included questions on race. As the only source through which the Department collects data on all newcomers, the NOS is a vital tool for 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.

Ongoing engagement with service delivery partners and stakeholders supports IRCC’s program policy and operational goals of developing and delivering programming that is responsive to the needs of clients and communities. The National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC) has been IRCCs main mechanism for information exchange, stock taking, and the sharing of innovative and promising practices among the settlement sector, institutions and other partners, key settlement, resettlement and integration stakeholders, provincial/territorial governments, and other federal government departments. In 2022–23, IRCC held two videoconference meetings of the NSIC to discuss emerging issues for groups facing multiple barriers and inequities, and to seek NSIC members’ views on ways to increase uptake and knowledge of tax benefits among newcomers. Together with settlement sector leadership, IRCC has also been reviewing its current engagement model with a view to strengthening the two-way dialogue between the settlement sector and the Department going forward.

In 2022–23, IRCC continued engaging with IRCC’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG), a forum dedicated to engagement between youth (aged 16 to 24) and officials on a range of departmental-related issues and priorities. Since the fall 2022, the YAG has focused on the theme of refugee resettlement, with a view to develop recommendations for the Department on this topic. On November 10, 2022, a videoconference was held during which the Refugee Resettlement Policy Branch presented on Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Program and sought the YAG members’ views on this program. On February 7, 2023, Minister Fraser met with the group and shared his reflections in response to members’ questions on refugee resettlement, family reunification, and public attitudes toward refugees. At this meeting, the YAG also engaged with Afghanistan Settlement Branch to discuss housing as it relates to the (re)settlement journey and mass arrivals. The YAG met in Ottawa on May 15–16, 2023 to engage senior officials on a variety of topics, and to advance their group work to develop refugee resettlement recommendations for the Department, which will be presented in Summer 2023.

Francophone Focus

In 2022–23, the Comité consultatif national en établissement francophone (National Francophone Settlement Advisory Committee, or CCNEF), co-led by IRCC, continued to advance discussions on francophone settlement programming and on ways to better support the francophone settlement sector. A preliminary report highlighting key findings was produced in June 2022. In January 2023, the CCNEF convened in-person in Ottawa to discuss and validate these findings and continue the analysis of key themes related to Francophone settlement programming. The final report, including recommendations for IRCC, is on track to be delivered in late Spring 2023.

From May to August 2022, Canadian Heritage held pan-Canadian consultations on the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, including a thematic session on francophone immigration with community stakeholders led by IRCC on June 22, 2022. These consultations allowed community, national and regional stakeholders, provincial/territorial government stakeholders, and the general public to share their opinions on key issues and inform the development of the proposed initiatives.

Explanation of variance: Funding in relation to the 2022–2024 Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan, for the Afghanistan humanitarian commitment, and for the Special Immigration Measures for Ukrainian Nationals were not included in 2022–23 Planned Spending.

Actual spending was lower than planned as a result of a late-in-the-year lapse due to the nature of the activities performed, including SPO delays in recruiting staff due to labour shortages, as well as delays in planned activities.

Resettlement Assistance Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): Voted

Start date:

1951 as the Adjustment Assistance Program; Resettlement Assistance Program in its current form was implemented in 1998

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2022–23

Link to departmental result:

Permanent residents are welcomed and benefit from settlement supports.

Link to Department’s program inventory:

Refugee Resettlement Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

RAP’s objective is to meet the resettlement needs of clients by funding the delivery of immediate and essential services, providing direct financial support, and funding pre-arrival refugee resettlement activities and services. Eligible clients include government-assisted refugees 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.

Pre-departure services for RAP clients are delivered through funding arrangements with international partners, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

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

Income support is administered directly by the Department 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.

Limited services (port of entry services) are provided under RAP to all resettled refugees. Refugees resettled under the Blended Visa Office-Referred Refugees 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 (for example, the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program).

Results achieved for 2022–23:

In 2022–23, IRCC continued to meet the immediate and essential needs of government-assisted refugees (GARs) and certain other eligible clients through the RAP. The program continued to support an increasing number of GAR arrivals, including those from Afghanistan. Pre-departure services continued to be provided to all resettled refugees (GARs, Privately Sponsored Refugees, Blended Visa Office Referred Refugees and Joint Assistance Sponsorship), and to all other clients eligible through RAP who elected to use these services. Exceptional temporary accommodation supports to Afghan clients in transit countries in 2022–23 was also provided. 

In 2022–23, there were 23,759 GAR admissions across the country, compared to 14,526 admissions in 2021–22. During the period, a total of 20,843 GARs received RAP services (excluding Quebec), an uptake rate of 95% for GARs. To further support GARs in having the tools to live independently in Canadian society, 93% of GARs outside of Quebec accessed IRCC Settlement services within their first year of arrival.

Communities across Canada continued to face tight rental market conditions and RAP faced pressures due to extended stays of clients in temporary accommodation and delays in moving clients into more permanent accommodation. In response, RAP provided funding to SPOs to implement additional housing search supports, testing new ways of providing temporary housing supports, and providing additional supports to clients in the tightest markets who face additional barriers to securing housing (e.g., larger families or those with accessibility and/or safety considerations). 

During the period, continued efforts to extend the resettlement community footprint were undertaken to include smaller and more remote communities. This was carried out to alleviate pressures on service provider organizations created by increased volumes of GAR arrivals, as well as to better support client resettlement and integration, accounting for cost of living considerations.

Through Canada’s Afghan initiatives , IRCC facilitated the resettlement to Canada of 10,734 GARs as well as 1,283 additional clients through the Extended Family Public Policy (EFPP) of former Afghan interpreters for a total of 12,016 clients in 2022–23. Of this total, 11,943 Afghan clients were resettled to 60 medium and smaller sized cities across Canada, excluding Quebec. All GARs resettled to Canada receive up to 12 months of RAP income support, whereas EFPP clients are provided with a one-time payment equal to three months of RAP income support.  

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

There were no audit engagements related to the RAP conducted in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

No evaluation has been undertaken for the RAP.

The next planned evaluation is underway and scheduled to be completed in 2023–24.  

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

In 2022–23, IRCC regularly consulted with RAP settlement provider organizations through national and regional engagement tables to help support capacity building with respect to the provision of immediate and essential services to refugees, including those from Afghanistan. The RAP National Coordinator has continued to play an instrumental role in providing centralized planning and communication to RAP SPOs and settlement service providers across Canada to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan refugees. The Afghanistan National Resettlement Steering Committee held an in-person meeting in October 2022 to discuss progress made and forward planning to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to welcome at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023.

Explanation of variance: Funding in relation to the 2022-2024 Multi-Year Immigration Levels Plan, for the Afghanistan humanitarian commitment and for the Special Immigration Measures for Ukrainian Nationals, were not included in 2022–23 Planned Spending.

A re-profile request for $20 million in RAP funding has been approved to move funds from 2022–23 to 2023–24 to support the expected arrivals of Afghans.

 

Actual spending of less than $5 million

Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

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

Start date:

The IOM is the leading United Nations (UN) agency in the field of migration, having joined the UN system as a related organization in 2016. Canada was a founding member of the IOM in 1951, but withdrew membership in 1962. Canada subsequently rejoined the organization as a full member in 1991 and has paid its annual Assessed Contributions ever since.

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 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 evaluation and audit, and budget setting practices.
• Enhance its knowledge on global migration trends and approaches to managed migration.
• Advance its international priorities on migration and protection, which include promoting well-managed migration systems and deterring irregular migration; facilitating economic growth and addressing labour market needs; supporting other states’ efforts on settlement and integration; promoting balanced public narratives on migrants and refugees; contributing to international efforts for refugee protection; and responding to emerging global trends and policy issues.
• Deliver IRCC programs in the areas of resettlement, migration health and capacity building.
• Provide humanitarian assistance for migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons (Global Affairs-related priority).

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.
• International recognition and acceptance of the principles of managed migration consistent with Canada’s broader foreign policy agenda.

Results achieved for 2022–23:

IRCC continued working closely with the IOM in 2022–23 to arrange travel, facilitate immigration medical exams, and deliver pre-embarkation health checks and other pre-departure medical services, as well as cultural orientation, to all travel-ready refugees. IRCC also partners closely with the IOM toward capacity building to help improve the migration systems and outcomes in countries and regions.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

There were no audit engagements related to the Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

No evaluation has been undertaken for the Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

As lead department in the overall relationship between the IOM and the Government of Canada, 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, as well as the IOM’s alignment with the UN system as an UN related organization.

In 2022–23, Member States of the IOM completed a budget reform exercise which led to consensus agreement to increase Assessed Contributions to address a chronic shortfall in the organization’s administrative budget.

IRCC also participates in the organization’s formal working groups on Partnerships, Governance and Organizational Priorities, and Budget Reform. Moreover, IRCC was and continues to be present at all informal consultations organized by the IOM and is an active participant at the International Dialogue on Migration, an international biennial migration policy and governance conference led by the IOM. Additionally, Government of Canada officials meet regularly with IOM management to discuss shared priorities and ways to improve the bilateral relationship.

Explanation of variance: The amount represents the yearly membership payment to the International Organization for Migration. Variance is attributable to exchange rates.

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants

Start date:

April 2013

End date:

March 31, 2024

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 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 [IOM]). 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 led by Global Affairs Canada.

Result achieved for 2022–23:

In 2022–23, the Global Assistance for Irregular Migrant (GAIM) program provided $2,365,150 in contributions, assisting 156 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.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

Audit completed by Internal Controls in 2022–23 recommended that the next contribution agreement should be entered in the Grants and Contributions Systems portal.

A financial monitor was completed in the 2022–23 fiscal year by the Grants and Contributions Financial Management team (GCFM) and no overpayments or follow-up items were identified for the period of review.

There were no internal audit engagements related to GAIM conducted by the Internal Audit and Accountability Branch in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

An Evaluation of the Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants was completed in October 2022.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2027–28.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

Monthly meetings are held with the IOM to continuously oversee activities and ensure the program continues within the intent and letter of the contribution agreement. GAIM contains elements that require the IOM to seek approvals from IRCC before undertaking significant new activities. Ad hoc liaison is also conducted regularly as required by operations. This engagement with the recipient organization, the IOM, along with other program oversight is done by IRCC International Network’s Irregular Migration and Risk Intelligence.

Engagement with the ultimate end recipients of assistance, that is, smuggled persons—who are distinct from IRCC applicants—is done by the IOM and overseen by IRCC.

Explanation of variance: GAIM 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.

International Migration Capacity Building Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

International Migration Capacity Building Program: Voted

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 (IMCBP).

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:

2022–23

Link to departmental result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada

Link to 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:

1. membership in international organizations related to migration
2. the advancement of capacity building efforts
3. an increase in the development and exchange of migration-related information and expertise

Results achieved for 2022–23:

The IMCBP has several funding streams: IMCBP Core, the Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope (MCEE), the Venezuela Crisis Capacity Building Program Envelope, support to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries (CAP), and the Americas Capacity Building Envelope.

IRCC’s IMCBP projects undertaken in 2022–23 contributed to the development and strengthening of migration and protection systems in different countries, which enabled migrants and refugees in vulnerable situations and communities facing mobility challenges to receive support and protection and improve their condition. For the target countries and regions, this support was made possible by providing technical assistance, training and necessary resources, including technology and equipment, to state authorities and organizations to improve migration service provision, management capacity and governance. Through the IMCBP, IRCC has contributed to the strengthening of institutional capacities to ensure safer, more orderly, and regular migration internationally. Canada’s bilateral and multilateral relationships with international organizations and the state authorities concerned were facilitated and strengthened through various international fora, conferences and meetings aimed at increasing open dialogue and cooperation, strategic consultation and evidence-based information sharing on international migration and protection. Enhanced cooperation on international migration and refugee protection is key to the success of projects, and helps ensures that Canadian efforts are aligned with current international migration and protection needs.

In the Americas, Canada partnered with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and International Labour Organization (ILO) to support efforts to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration while addressing irregular migration and forced displacement in the hemisphere. This includes providing targeted support to host countries of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. Initiatives focused on strengthening migration governance, asylum and protection systems, socio-economic integration of migrants, refugees and returnees, and promoting positive narratives on the contributions of migrants and refugees to their communities.

The following activities occurred in 2022–23 through IMCBP funded projects:

• ILO in Central America supported member countries of the Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) to develop and approve a Regional Strategy for the Recognition of Skills, a key component to facilitate regional mobility and migrants’ integration to the labour market.
• In Panama and Colombia, ILO supported the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants. ILO undertook a mapping and study of the challenges that refugee and migrant females and LGBTQI+ face in accessing vocational training and skills certifications pathways in Colombia and Panama. The study will inform a publication with short- and medium-term policy recommendations.
• Canada partnered with the IOM to support the integration of migrants in Venezuela and Panama by promoting their regularization and access to employment. Preliminary results include expansion of the national registration system for temporary migrant workers to other productive sectors such as construction and transport sectors. The transport sector alone could create a regular pathway for approximately 2,000 migrants.
• In partnership with the UNHCR, Canada continued to support Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) efforts to strengthen Mexico’s asylum system. In 2022–23, there were increased digitization efforts in key offices in Mexico to expedite case processing and adjudications, as well as installation of mobile offices to increase COMAR’s presence in high migratory flow areas.
• The IOM worked with the Mexican and British Columbia governments to encourage ethical recruitment from Mexico to Canada through an innovative multi-stakeholder approach. This project contributed to increased awareness and capacity to effectively address a cross-section of issues related to international ethical recruitment and related risks to migrant workers. It also helped to build awareness and capacity of recruiters in Mexico on ethical international recruitment and develop relationships between recruiters in Mexico and employers in British Columbia.
• The IOM supported stakeholders and government authorities in Panama and Costa Rica to increase cross-border coordination and improve capacity to identify and address the protection needs of vulnerable migrants crossing borders.

Canada also continued to support targeted projects in other regions, including the implementation of measures in Pakistan and Nigeria to provide training and equipment to the governments of both countries to strengthen their border management capacity and counter migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons:

• Though Canada’s support in Pakistan, along with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 200 government officials were trained on data management, investigation and victim protection, which contributed to over 1,900 victims of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIPSOM) being identified, and an increase in TIPSOM investigations and prosecutions, with over 1,900 investigations and 1,000 prosecutions conducted.
• In Nigeria, Canada’s support to the IOM Border Management project contributed to over 1,300,000 international travellers scanned at the Abuja and Lagos airports using the IOM Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) systems delivered through our projects, with over 100 potential human trafficking victims identified by Nigerian authorities using MIDAS.

In 2022–23, IRCC continued to invest in existing and new projects through the IMCBP to allow Canada to contribute to the strengthening of migration and protection systems, to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration while deterring irregular migration, and to promote open and evidence-based discourse on migration and refugee issues. These investments will continue to support Canada’s migration and protection diplomacy priorities and leadership role. IMCBP’s expenditures for 2022–23 reached $19.6 million and the projects funded will contribute to:

• Supporting migration and protection governance management at national and local levels to improve access to protection services for Afghan refugees outside of their country of origin. This may include support to improve their access to the labour market and better social integration, to improve access to basic health services, and to collect data on the living conditions of Afghan refugees and displacement trends.
• Supporting existing projects in the Americas and funding new projects to address a range of migration and protection challenges, including strengthening migration governance, asylum and protection systems, and socio-economic integration of migrants, refugees, and returnees.
• Supporting projects in other regions or that are global in nature to contribute to strengthening international migration and protection governance, such as work related to promoting balanced narratives on migration and promoting complementary pathways.

Projects funded in 2022–23 will be reported on in future fiscal years.

Findings of audits completed in 2022–23:

There were no audit engagements related to the IMCBP in 2022–23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022–23:

No evaluation has been undertaken in 2022–23 for the IMCBP.

The next planned evaluation is scheduled for completion in 2024–25, and will focus on the Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022–23:

As standard practice, contact between IRCC project sponsors and recipient organizations, such as the UNHCR, the IOM, and the ILO, 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.

IRCC also conducted scoping and monitoring missions to India, Nigeria, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras to assess the preliminary results of each project against proposed outcomes, as well as to engage with relevant stakeholders and identify new meaningful initiatives where Canada could contribute the most.

Through the IMCBP, IRCC has continued to pay the membership fees of international organizations related to migration, including the Regional Conference on Migration, the Global Forum on Migration and Development, and the Inter-Governmental Consultations on Migration, Asylum and Refugees (IGC). IRCC’s contribution and active engagement in these organizations allows Canada to contribute to direction-setting and helps advance Canada’s migration and protection diplomacy priorities, strengthens Canada’s relationships with other countries and stakeholders, and allows for the exchange of information on best practices:

• In December 2022, the Regional Conference on Migration organized its XXVII Vice-Ministerial meeting in San Salvador. Canada’s participation in this meeting provided the opportunity to engage multilaterally and bilaterally with Central American countries on promoting regional cooperation and common approaches to address shared migration challenges including irregular migration, and expansion of regular pathways for temporary and permanent migration. Canada also leveraged this opportunity to engage bilaterally with key countries and international organizations active in the region to discuss potential areas of collaboration and obtain an overview of their most pressing challenges.
• In 2022–23, the Chair of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) launched roundtable discussions to strengthen international cooperation and policy development on six key topics: the impacts of climate change on human mobility, human rights and migration, diasporas, labour migration, public narratives on migration, and multi-level governance. As a member of the GFMD, Canada has carried out work to promote balanced and evidence-based public discourse on migrants and refugees, recognizing the broader impact discourse can have on social cohesion, support for diversity, economic growth, and innovation. Canada co-chairs the GFMD Working Group on Public Narratives on Migration, which brings together stakeholders from local and national governments, international organizations, civil society, the business sector, and youth, to promote balanced and evidence-based public discourse on migrants and refugees by showcasing the rich contributions they make to communities.
• Canada’s membership in the IGC enabled senior and working level exchanges with IGC member states on a host of valuable immigration, asylum and border management programming issues. Canada had the opportunity to discuss best practices and challenges related to temporary protection programs and long-term planning for Ukrainian displacement following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 through a series of meetings and workshops that generated helpful outcome materials for member states like questionnaire compilations, background reports, and meeting summaries on responses and plans for displaced Ukrainians. Canadian representatives also benefited from focused discussions on topics such as migration diplomacy, and the latest advances and challenges in asylum, immigration, technology, and border management programming.

Canada also contributed to the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), including support for the Transatlantic Council on Migration. Canada’s participation in MPI events has contributed to strengthening engagement with states and stakeholders, and Canada has also benefit from MPI’s advice and expertise, including through targeted discussions.

Explanation of variance: Funding in relation to the support to the IOM for Comprehensive Action Plan for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, and the Americas Capacity Building Envelope, were not included in 2022–23 Planned Spending.