Call for Proposals for Settlement Services in British Columbia

VANCOUVER, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has issued a Call for Proposals for the delivery of settlement services in British Columbia (B.C.), which assist newcomers to succeed in their new lives in the province.

The Call for Proposals will be open for a period of five weeks, beginning today and ending July 8, 2013. Following a review of all received proposals, CIC will determine which organizations or individuals will receive funding to provide settlement services in B.C, starting in April 2014, when the Government of Canada resumes management of federally-funded settlement programs in the province.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping newcomers integrate into and fully contribute to our economy and communities quickly," said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney. "To that end, the federal government has tripled settlement funding since 2006, and ensured that each region of Canada receives a fair share of national funding for settlement services so that newcomers have access to the same quality of services regardless of where they choose to settle."

The Government of Canada has significantly increased settlement funding for provinces and territories outside of Quebec since 2005-06, from less than $200 million to approximately $600 million in 2013-2014. This includes an increase of settlement funding in British Columbia from only $39.5 million in 2005/06 to $100.6 million in 2013/14.

Settlement funds are for programs and services that address newcomers' needs, supporting their establishment and integration into Canadian society. Services include language training, career counseling, which includes help finding jobs that match newcomers' skills and education, help establishing professional and community networks and contacts, and other general information and referrals.

"The Government of Canada's number one priority remains jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity," said Minister Kenney.  "Part of our plan for economic growth includes improving outcomes for newcomers, and as evidenced by increases in settlement funding, we remain committed to helping newcomers succeed."

CIC has been working collaboratively with the Government of British Columbia over the past year to share best practices and provide joint updates to the settlement sector so that British Columbians will not experience any interruption of service during the transition process.

Agreements of a maximum of two years will be signed with successful applicants, after which point individuals and organizations will be invited to compete in the national Call for Proposals.

Application forms, guidelines, and other reference materials for organizations and individuals wishing to apply for funding under the British Columbia Call for Proposals 2013 are available on the CIC website at www.cic.gc.ca/bccfp.

The deadline for application submissions is July 8, 2013 at 5 pm (Pacific Time).

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Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.

SOURCE: Citizenship and Immigration Canada

For further information:

(media only), please contact:

Alexis Pavlich
Minister's Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Media Relations 
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
[email protected]