Details on Transfer Payment Programs

Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

3-year plan for Canada-Quebec Accord Grant/Subvention versée en vertu de l’Accord Canada-Quebec

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-Quebec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens, which came into force on April 1, 1991.

End date:

The Accord does not have an expiry date.

Type of transfer payment:

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

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

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

Activities: Quebec has responsibility for the selection of immigrants and their reception to 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.

Expected results:

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, the Joint Committee (Comité mixte) 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 Joint Committee has tabled four comparative studies that show reception and integration services for newcomers to be generally comparable in both jurisdictions, therefore meeting the requirements of the Accord.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

Previous evaluation was completed in 2019-20.

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

The comparison of reception and integration services between Canada and Quebec was one of the recommendations of the Evaluation of the Grant to Quebec in 2012. As part of the management response, and to meet the obligations under the Accord, Canada and Quebec agreed to jointly carry out the comparison, under the leadership of the Joint Committee. Since 2014 there have been four comparisons of services (FY: 2013–14; 2014–15; 2015–16; 2016–17).

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

Evaluation of the Grant to Quebec was completed in 2019–20. The timing of the next evaluation is subject to change given the implementation of the Policy on Results).

General targeted recipient groups

The Government of Quebec is the only recipient of the grant.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

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

3-year plan for Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP): Voted

Start date:

1951 (as the Adjustment Assistance Program; RAP in its current form implemented in 1998)

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Contributions

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:

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 primary objective is to meet the resettlement needs of eligible clients following their arrival in Canada by providing direct financial support and funding the delivery of immediate and essential services. Eligible clients include government-assisted refugees (GARs) and eligible newcomers such as persons admitted to Canada as permanent residents under public policy. 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.

Financial support for RAP clients is provided in the form of a one-time start-up allowance and monthly income support which is typically provided for up to one year or until the client becomes self-sufficient, whichever occurs first. Income support levels are generally aligned with prevailing basic social assistance rates in the client’s province of residence. Immediate and essential services are delivered through contribution agreements with RAP Service Provider Organizations (SPOs). RAP services include, but are not limited to: port of entry and reception services; temporary accommodation and assistance with locating permanent accommodation; needs assessment and referrals to other settlement programs and community-based services; information and orientation on financial and non-financial matters as well as life skills training; and, links to mandatory federal and provincial programs.

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

RAP also funds certain in-Canada activities to support the resettlement program more broadly, for example by funding the Refugee Sponsorship Training Program to support the private sponsorship of refugees in Canada and international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration to facilitate the overseas processing of refugees.

Expected results:

RAP is an element of the overarching Refugee Resettlement Program. The immediate outcomes for the broader Refugee Resettlement Program are resettled refugees receive timely protection and their immediate and essential needs are met. The intermediate outcome is resettled refugees have the tools to live independently in Canadian society. The ultimate outcome is resettled refugees live independently in Canadian society.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

An evaluation of the RAP, as part of the Resettlement Programs evaluation, was completed in June 2016.

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

Not applicable

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

2020–21; however, the timing of the next evaluation is subject to change given the implementation of the Policy on Results.

General targeted recipient groups:

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

Eligible clients undergo an intake assessment upon arrival in Canada to determine the level of support needed and the types of services required. IRCC uses calls for proposals to award contribution agreements to SPOs. A national Call for Proposals launched in early 2019 which will see up to five-year contribution agreements with service providers to be implemented effective April 2020.

3-year plan for Settlement Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Settlement Program: Voted

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:

2019–20

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:

Settlement refers to a period of settlement and adaptation by newcomers during which the government provides support and services. Services are provided until newcomers become Canadian citizens. Ultimately, the goal of integration is for newcomers to be fully engaged in Canada’s economic, social, political and cultural life. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Settlement Program assists immigrants and refugees to overcome barriers specific to the newcomer experience. The program provides assessments of needs and referrals, information and orientation, language training services, employment-related services, community connections and support services that facilitate access to settlement programming. Most services are delivered by SPOs funded by IRCC; however, certain services are delivered directly by the Department in Canada and overseas. At the same time, IRCC works with mainstream organizations, municipalities, employer associations and Francophone organizations to involve them in the provision of other services to newcomers and ensure that both Canadians and newcomers are engaged.

Expected results:

The Settlement Program’s ultimate outcome is:

• Successfully integrated and settled clients benefit Canada.

Intermediate results of the Settlement Program include:

• Clients access services that meet their needs;
• Clients make informed decisions about life in Canada;
• Clients use official languages to function in Canadian society;
• Clients participate in the Canadian labour market;
• Clients are connected to broader communities and institutions; and
• Communities foster a welcoming environment for immigrants.

Immediate results of the Settlement Program include:

• Settlement program delivery is consistent and responsive;
• Access to IRCC-funded services is facilitated;
• Increased understanding of client settlement needs and appropriate linkages to other services;
• Clients increase knowledge of life in Canada;
• Clients improve official language skills;
• Clients acquire knowledge, skills and connections to prepare for the Canadian labour market;
• Clients increase participation in communities and social networks; and
• Partners deliver responsive and coordinated settlement and community services.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

2017–18

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

The evaluation provided valuable, comprehensive findings and data on Settlement program outcomes to the Department. IRCC is currently implementing the actions plans and program improvements that were part of the management response to the evaluation recommendations.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

2022–23 (timing of next evaluation is subject to change and is assessed as part of the annual departmental evaluation planning process)

General targeted recipient groups:

To fulfil IRCC’s objective of promoting the successful integration of permanent residents into Canada, grant and contribution agreements may be signed with the following eligible recipients for settlement services:

• provincial, territorial or municipal governments;
• international organizations;
• not-for-profit organizations including non-governmental organizations, non-profit corporations, community groups, umbrella organizations, regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities;
• businesses, including those that provide indirect services (such as employers hiring newcomers, private language schools, conference organizers, Web or production firms for tool development);
• educational institutions (including school boards, districts and divisions); and
• individuals.

Restrictions:

• Unless specifically allowed in the grant and contribution agreement, no user fees can be charged to clients for services funded by IRCC.
• For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding provided that the nature and the intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit and that it supports program priorities and objectives.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

Ongoing consultations with provinces, territories, municipalities, service providers and umbrella organizations are conducted to gather their input for settlement program priority-setting activities.

Ongoing communications continue with the National Settlement Council, whose membership includes provincial and territorial governments, settlement service providers, umbrella organizations that represent SPO interests, and other settlement stakeholders. The Newcomer Language Advisory Body is also engaged in ongoing communications.

The Department uses an open and fair Call for Proposals (CFP) process as its main approach for engaging applicants. The CFP was conducted in the spring of 2019, soliciting proposals for new grants and contribution agreements. The process included assessing new proposals, recommending the proposals for approval and negotiating the new grant and contribution agreements to be in place by April 1, 2020.

Further processes such as Expression of Interest (EOI) may be used to solicit interest for priority funding areas and experimental approaches. An EOI is a two-stage process intended to minimize the time and effort required to submit a proposal. In Stage 1, preliminary information is submitted via a Letter of Interest. Only applicants whose Stage 1 submissions pass the assessment will be invited to submit a full detailed proposal.

Details on Transfer Payment Programs under $5 Million

3-year plan for Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants: Voted

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

Global Assistance for Irregular Migrants (GAIM)

Start date:

April 2013

End date:

March 31, 2023

Type of transfer payment:

Contribution

Type of appropriation:

The program is appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2018–19

Link to Departmental result(s):

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 quickly and effectively related to irregular migration in an effort to ensure managed migration that promotes Canadian interests and protects the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Expected Results:

GAIM program contributes to the overall discouragement of human smuggling, illegal migration while ensuring intercepted migrants: - have basic needs met, including shelter, water, food, and emergency medical care; - are treated in accordance with international principles of protection including protection against refoulement; and - are returned to their countries of origin if determined not to be in need of protection as per international principles of protection.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation

2015–16

Decision following the results of the last evaluation:

Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

This is a Grants and Contributions program with total annual spending under $5 million. As per the Policy on Results, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will consider it as part of the annual departmental evaluation planning exercise by assessing Government of Canada and departmental priorities, risks and needs.

The next evaluation of GAIM is planned for 2020–21.

General targeted recipient groups:

International Organization for Migration

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

The Department will conduct regular reviews of activity and statistical reports on the implementation of the program. The Department may also review and utilize information available from other government departments or governments as appropriate in assessing the activities, application or recipient.

3-year plan for International Migration Capacity Building Program: Voted

General information

Name of transfer payment program:

International Migration Capacity Building Program: Voted

(“IMCBP”)

Known prior to April 2019 as the “Migration Policy Development Program”.

Start date:

In February 2003, the terms and conditions for the Migration Policy Development Program (MPDP) were approved. The program was classified as a Grants program in 2009. In 2017–18, there was a one-time transfer of $1 million to the MPDP and the program envelope was permanently increased to $1 million in 2018–19.

In 2019, the authority approved the revised terms and conditions and the program was renamed the International Migration Capacity Building Program (IMCBP). The IMCBP provides funding for Canada’s membership to several international migration related forums and for capacity-building projects in this regard (including, but are not limited to, policy development, research, technical assistance).

As of 2019–20 the IMCBP includes a pilot stream, the “Migration Cooperation and Engagement Envelope,” which provides funding over three years to deliver capacity-building assistance focused on improving cooperation and engagement with targeted countries.

End date:

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

Grant

Type of appropriation:

Funds are appropriated annually through Government of Canada Estimates.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions:

2019–20

Link to Departmental Result:

Potential permanent residents are selected for immigration to Canada

Link to Department’s Program Inventory:

Asylum

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

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

• a) the advancement of capacity building efforts; and
• b) an increase in the development and exchange of migration-related information and expertise.

Expected results:

Expected results for the IMCBP are:

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

2012–13

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

2020–21

General targeted recipient groups:

• International organizations and other foreign grant beneficiaries;
• Not-for-profit non-governmental organizations, institutions, organizations, and agencies operating at the international level from within or outside Canada; and
• Individuals and private sector organizations operating at the international level from within or outside Canada.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

Ongoing communications occur on a regular basis with project sponsors (including members of the International and Intergovernmental Relations branch, the International Network and other IRCC branches) and with recipient organizations (trusted partner organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration).

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

Pursuant to the program’s terms and conditions, the Department uses an internal Call for Proposals (CFP) for projects as its main approach for engaging with sponsors and recipients. The last CFP was conducted in the spring of 2019, soliciting proposals for new grant arrangements. Regular contact between IRCC project sponsors and recipient organizations takes place throughout each project’s implementation to ensure advancement and compliance. Pursuant to the grant arrangements, recipients are required to report on the progress of their activities and results of their project.

A planned evaluation of the IMCBP in early 2020–21 will include interviews with sponsors and recipients, providing them with an opportunity to give feedback on the program. It will also include a review of the program’s effectiveness in meeting IRCC and whole-of-government objectives.

3-year plan for the Annual Assessed Contribution to the International Organization for Migration (IOM): Voted

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 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 as it felt that IOM’s main purpose—addressing the issue of refugees in the aftermath of World War II—had been achieved. Canada subsequently became an observer in 1972 and a member in 1991.

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 programs:

As an IOM member, the Department has an increased capacity to meet its objectives related to:

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

Contributions to the IOM allow Canada to:

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

Expected results:

The expected results are to:

• allow IRCC to influence IOM programs and policies;
• gain knowledge and understanding of global migration;
• ensure Canadian values and interests are reflected in the IOM's approach to global migration;
• advance Canada’s position on managed migration and international protection in multilateral forums; and
• use enhanced knowledge and understanding to inform IRCC policies and programs.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

2020–21

General targeted recipient groups:

International organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

IRCC officials actively monitor, engage and consult with the IOM through both institutional and ad hoc meetings. Ongoing participation in the two governing bodies—the IOM Council and the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance—allows Canada to play a role in the organization’s governance and decision making. The Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance debates and determines the organization’s administrative and governance expenditures, while the IOM Council predominantly adopts recommended measures and resolutions. 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.

IRCC also participates in the organization’s formal working groups on UN relations and budget reform. Moreover, IRCC is present at all informal consultations organized by the IOM.

Every two years, senior Government of Canada officials meet with IOM management to discuss shared priorities and ways to improve the bilateral relationship. Continuous and ongoing open communication between IRCC and IOM takes place at the working level. Lastly, in addition to IRCC, Global Affairs Canada also maintains a strong relationship with the IOM as a partner in the delivery of developmental and humanitarian assistance. Nevertheless, it should be noted that IRCC is the lead in the overall relationship between the IOM and the Canadian government.

A planned evaluation of the Assessed Contribution to the IOM in 2020–21 will include a review of program effectiveness in meeting IRCC and whole-of-government objectives.