Photo credit: Reuters
As of March 31, BC-based service providers are facing drastic cuts and, in some cases, the total loss of immigrant settlement funding.
The Tylee reports that Immigrants, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told The Tylee the funding cuts were made across Canada in regions where they do not expect newcomers will arrive, or where alternative settlement service providers exist.
An IRCC communications adviser said: “In making these difficult decisions, we carefully consider the number of newcomers expected to arrive, the needs for those accessing services, relationships with our partner organizations and available resources.”
the funding cuts are tied to immigration and refugee rate cuts the federal government announced in 2024 to bring immigration rates back to pre-COVID levels.
After March 31, the federal government will provide $1.2 billion in annual funding for settlement services across Canada, not including Quebec. This includes an “initial investment” of $155.6 million BC.
This is an increase in funding of 4.2 per cent over last year. However, the additional funding is only going to areas where the government will be resettling newcomers, which does not include as many BC locations as previously received in 2024.
BC settlement service providers say the cuts put into question whether newcomer families and single adults will be able to access the and supports the need to thrive in Canada.
Collingwood Neighbourhood House in Vancouver will lay off about 20 staff when existing funds run out on March 31. Robert Moy, youth settlement lead at Collingwood, is one of those losing their jobs. He said: “It’s less about me having a job and more about the work that we started in this neighbourhood.
“In the last 10 years, these programs have been instrumental in this neighbourhood to building culture and identity, while addressing community needs and bringing people together.”
