National Initiatives

National Settlement Conference 2
(Calgary - October 2-5, 2003)

Strengthening our Settlement Vision
The Small Centre Strategy
The Regional Dispersion & Retention of Immigrants

Discussion paper developed for
National Settlement Conference II
Calgary – October 2-5, 2003

A collaboration of the Settlement Sector and Governments in association with the Voluntary Sector Initiative Project

The summaries of opinions and interpretations expressed in the VSI working group discussion papers are those of the working group members, either individually or collectively, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CIC, nor do we guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.

Table of Contents

Abstract

Acknowledgment

• Members (Past and Present)

Preface and Methodology

• Objective
• Several Jurisdictions
• Short-term Goal
• Structure / Strategy
• The Impact of Events

Introduction

Employment

• A Community Employment Database
• Credentials Recognition / Recognition of Prior Experience
• Eligibility for Government and Community Programs
• The Role of Unions and Associations
• Workplace Supports
• Income Support and the Work Ethic
• Cross-cultural Training for Workers and Employers
• Employer Participation in Immigration Initiatives
• Self-employment Opportunities
• Skilled Immigrants

Welcoming Communities

• Housing
• Initial Accommodation
• Medical Services / Other Social Services
• Education
• Access to Arts, Cultural, Recreational and Leisure Programs
• Cross-cultural and Anti-racism Resources
• Volunteer Support Programs

New Initiatives

• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Group of Five Concept
• The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program
• Government Sponsorship of Refugees Program
• International Students and Temporary Workers
• Financial Incentive
• Social Contracts and Alternatives
• Marketing

Conclusion

• Recommendations

Appendix

• A Tool Box of Ideas: A Framework

Abstract

In recognizing the well-documented realities that influence the settlement of Canadian immigrants primarily in major population centres, this discussion paper attempts to develop a framework for a more widespread regional dispersion of immigrants and their retention in the smaller communities. It challenges the communities that seek immigrants to devise and put into operation strategies appropriate to their circumstances. It also suggests ideas for communities to consider.

Acknowledgment

In partnership with the settlement sector and other governments, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has undertaken a project under the Voluntary Sector Initiative to strengthen the capacity of the settlement sector. This project involves two national settlement conferences within three years, connected by working group discussions to develop specific themes. This paper is the outgrowth of a planning meeting held in Toronto in March 2002, involving participants from governments and non-government organizations across Canada. Most had attended the First National Settlement Conference in Kingston, June 2001, and all had volunteered to serve on committees to further its goals. Those who attended the Toronto meeting accepted tasks to be completed in time for the Second National Settlement Conference in Calgary, October 2003. Working Group #2 (Small Centre Strategy) undertook the challenging regime that led to this paper.

As participants discussed the topic of this paper it became evident that there would be a number of earlier opportunities for the sharing of results. Therefore this paper appeared in four draft versions before it was completed in April, 2003. Those drafts were made available to a number of provincial ministries and to the Conference of Immigration Ministers (Winnipeg, October 2002). They were also submitted for workshop review to the Canadian Council for Refugees’ Consultation, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies, the Rural Secretariat—Agriculture Canada, the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, and the 2003 National Metropolis Conference.

Working Group #2 was co-chaired by Jean-Claude Morin, on behalf of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and by Bob Godkin on behalf of the settlement sector. Their work, and the work of all the members is gratefully acknowledged. The group’s membership reflects a wide geographic representation, and has involved the federal and provincial governments and the settlement sector.

Members of Working Group #2 (past and present)

Lisa Anderson (Citizenship & Immigration Canada, Ontario Region)

Lynne Belding (Citizenship & Immigration Canada, Prairie Region)

Lois Berrigan (Association for New Canadians, St. John's NF)

Susan Birley (Government of Saskatchewan, Regina SK)

Nellie Burke (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's NF)

Kate Dawson (Settlement Information Services, Whitehorse, Yukon YT)

Tom Denton (Manitoba Refugee Sponsors, Winnipeg MB)

Carolyn Dieleman (Government of Alberta, Edmonton AB)

Zeke Eaton (PEI Association for Newcomers, Charlottetown, PE)

Megan Edwards (Dept. of Education, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax NS)

Robert Godkin (Kingston & District Immigrant Services, Kingston ON)

Joe Hindley (Government of Saskatchewan, Regina SK)

Mary Kozorys (D.O.O.R.S. to New Life Refugee Centre, Thunder Bay ON)

Kristy Kuo (Yukon Learn, Whitehorse YT)

Xixi Li (Centre Sino-Quebec de la Rive-sud, Longueuil QC)

Jean McRae (Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, Victoria BC)

Dawn Martin (Saskatoon Open Door Society, Saskatoon, SK)

Liz McWeeny (D.O.O.R.S. to New Life Refugee Centre, Thunder Bay ON)

Jean-Claude Morin (Citizenship & Immigration Canada, Ottawa ON)

Marge Nainaar (Prince Albert Multicultural Council, Prince Albert SK)

Padmini Raju (Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women, Windsor ON)

Ed Sandau (YMCA of Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray AB)

Sue Thomas (Citizenship & Immigration Canada, Atlantic Region)

Beverly Woznow (Government of New Brunswick, Fredericton NB)

Appreciation is expressed to the various organizations and offices throughout government and the settlement sectors, that granted the members time to participate in these activities. Finally, to the Joint Planning Committee of the Voluntary Sector Initiative Project, and to Citizenship and Immigration Canada who made this all possible through both committed leadership and generous funding, heartfelt thanks.

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