Newcomers to Canada play a crucial role in our country’s future and our economic recovery from the pandemic. They enrich our communities, and they work every day to create jobs, care for our loved ones and support local businesses.

“Newcomers and refugees have long been a driving force behind Canada’s society and economy, and our country has a proud tradition of being an international leader in resettlement and integration. This success could not be achieved without vital settlement service organizations, such as the Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton, that help newcomers learn Canada’s official languages, find work, and build successful lives in their new communities.”

- Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“As a long-standing partner of Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada, the CESOC greatly values this funding, which will allow our teams to continue to provide support to refugees newly settled in the region. The CESOC is grateful to the Department for its trust and believes that the effective socio-economic integration of refugees is a shared responsibility between the federal authorities and the community.”

- Saint-Phard Désir, Executive Director, Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton

• The Resettlement Assistance Program is a funding program that operates in all provinces except Quebec and supports government-assisted refugees and other eligible clients upon arrival in Canada. The program provides newcomers with direct financial support and funds service provider organizations to deliver immediate and essential services. 

• Financial support includes a 1-time start-up allowance and monthly income support typically provided for up to 1 year or until clients can support themselves, whichever comes first. Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations deliver immediate and essential services to clients, generally within 4 to 6 weeks of arrival in Canada. 

• Case management refers to a comprehensive approach to supporting the settlement of government-assisted refugees and other high-needs and vulnerable newcomers facing multiple and complex barriers to integration during their first 12 to 18 months in Canada. 

• Case management services involve a comprehensive needs and assets assessment, resulting in a settlement plan that includes referrals, regular monitoring of progress and check-ins at set intervals, as well as personalized and intensive supports based on the client’s needs.

• The CESOC is a non-profit organization that aims to promote the diversity of the francophone community in eastern Ontario, more specifically in the Ottawa region.

Associated links

• Government of Canada invests $35 million to expand settlement services for newcomers in small towns and rural communities
• Resettlement Assistance Program and case management services for government-assisted refugees and other vulnerable newcomers – archived
• Resettlement Assistance Program
• Service provider organizations
• How immigration strengthens Canada

Contacts for media only

Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
aidan.strickland@cic.gc.ca

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