More funding is being put into pre-arrival settlement services for people moving to Canada to provide them with the information they need to find a job and a place to stay.

The Canadian Government is providing $18.4 million to Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan), one of four intake service providers.

Canada French


The aim of pre-arrival services is to directly connect people with the information they need through a streamlined process so that they can apply for jobs before they move.

‘Pre-arrival services provide permanent residents with information and settlement support so they can make informed decisions about their new life in Canada and begin the integration process before they arrive,’ said Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen.

Services are provided in English and French. ‘In an increasingly globalized world, the pre-arrival services are essential to empower newcomers to successfully integrate in Canada, thus having a positive impact on the Canadian economy. CICan is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to work with newcomers, helping them to succeed in Canada,’ said Denise Amyot, chief executive officer of Colleges and Institutes Canada

As part of the programme there will also be in-person services offered in China, India, and the Philippines, along with a pilot project for in-person Francophone services in Morocco.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Government has also announced the creation of a five-year pilot programme aimed at helping newcomers settle in rural and Northern parts of the country.

It will test community driven approaches to address the diverse labour market needs of smaller communities and Hussen said that it builds on the success of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot that was launched in March 2017 to help drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada.

‘Immigration is a central pillar of Canada’s economic success. The economic and social benefits of immigration are apparent in communities across Canada. By creating an immigration pilot aimed at rural and Northern communities, we’re looking to ensure that the benefits of immigration are shared across the country,’ he explained.

Removing barriers to economic development and promoting growth in local communities across the country is a priority, according to Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development Canada. ‘This Pilot will support the economic development of smaller communities by testing new, community-driven approaches to address their diverse labour market needs,’ she said.

Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development said it will help the economy grow. ‘Communities throughout rural and northern Canada are important to the growth and prosperity of our country. Regional economic development is a priority of our government, and we will continue to seek out innovative solutions like this pilot project to help our economy grow for all Canadians,’ he pointed out.