IRCC’s first Settlement Outcomes Highlights Report provides insight on the path to success for newcomers in Canada

News release

July 14, 2021—Ottawa—A new report, the first of its kind, finds that new Canadians give high marks to the settlement services offered to them, and see these services as crucial in setting newcomers up for success in Canada. From improving their English or French, to assisting in finding work, to helping them connect with their communities, immigrants reported that settlement services are vital to their Canadian experience.

Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the report, entitled Settlement Outcomes Highlights Report, is a high-level analysis and summary of the immigrant experience in Canada. It examines the successes and challenges of newcomers from 2015 to 2019, with an emphasis on their use of settlement services.

The majority of newcomers who received settlement services reported they were useful and met their needs. Newcomers said that these services enriched their knowledge of life in Canada, improved their language skills in English or French, prepared them for the Canadian labour market and helped them connect with organizations in their communities.

The report also draws attention to areas where IRCC can improve. These include increasing awareness of settlement services and uptake by newcomers, filling gaps in information and further examining potential barriers. Another key finding of the report is that the settlement journey is different for many newcomers. Digging into settlement outcomes is a key part of IRCC’s efforts to improve services to meet the individual needs of newcomers.

These findings will help to ensure that the Settlement Program both meets the needs of newcomers and helps communities do all they can to welcome them. They will also be critical to addressing the economic and social gaps faced by many new Canadians, and in breaking down systemic barriers and other obstacles to newcomers’ success.

There has never been a more critical time to develop our understanding of newcomer outcomes. This report is a key part of our action plan to deliver high quality settlement services, an important mandate commitment for the minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. As Canada rebuilds after COVID-19, immigration will play a vital role in both the economic and societal recovery of the country.

Quotes

“Settlement services play a fundamental role in our immigration system. They’re the key ingredient of a newcomer’s success in Canada—whether it’s help getting a job, finding a place to live or learning English or French. With immigration playing a central role in our post-pandemic recovery, these findings will help us ensure that every new Canadian has what they need to thrive in this country.”

 – The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

  • IRCC manages the Settlement Program, which is delivered by 572 local service provider organizations across Canada (outside of Quebec).

  • From April 1, 2015, to March 31, 2019, more than 1 million newcomers received settlement services in Canada. 

  • Settlement services give newcomers the information they need about life in Canada and their new community, and offer language training, help finding a job, and connections with established immigrants and Canadians.

  • All permanent residents and protected persons are eligible for IRCC-funded settlement services.

  • Between 2015 and 2019, clients of IRCC-funded domestic settlement services were

    • 48% economic class principal applicants or their spouses/dependants
    • 25% family class immigrants
    • 23% resettled refugees or protected persons
  • 92% of newcomers agreed that their community was welcoming to newcomers.

  • The Settlement Outcomes Highlights Report presents a summary of the information available in IRCC’s Settlement Outcomes Report 2021. The full report will be ready soon and will be available on request.

Associated links

Contacts

Contacts for media only

Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
alexander.cohen@cic.gc.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

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