Ottawa has announced more than $35 million over three years to help expand resettlement capacity and settlement services.
Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said $21 million will be used to add new Resettlement Assistance Program service providers in four provinces.
“With this new investment, we’re going to help resettle government-assisted refugees in nine additional small- and medium-sized communities across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and New Brunswick,” Fraser said during Monday’s announcement.
The organizations will help reduce pressure on the 32 existing service providers and provide refugees with an opportunity to settle in communities where affordable housing is more readily available.
The remaining $14 million will be invested in case management services for 14 existing service providers so they can help more vulnerable newcomers with support and referrals to successfully settle into their new communities.
Fraser said the funding will go a long way in helping newcomers and refugees across Canada.
“Simply put, it’s often the biggest decisions of the families’ lives who choose to come here, and we need to make sure that we have the supports in place these families are going to need as they settle into their new home,” he said.
Fraser added that newcomers play a crucial role in Canada’s economic success and diversity, particularly as we seek to fill gaps in the country’s labour force after the pandemic.
