Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released insights from its 2024 Call for Proposals (CFP) stakeholder consultations—an annual review that helps shape the future of Canadian settlement and resettlement services.
Each year, IRCC allocates approximately $2 billion CAD in funding to programs designed to help newcomers integrate into Canadian society. These settlement services include language training, employment assistance, housing support, and referrals to key community resources. With Canada on track to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents annually by the end of 2025, the importance of these programs continues to grow.
The CFP consultations, conducted via seven webinars, engaged 1,187 stakeholders, including service provider organizations (SPOs), governmental officials, and non-IRCC funded entities. Participants evaluated the effectiveness of existing services and provided critical input on areas needing reform. Specifically, feedback focused on improving service delivery in five key areas: Right Services, Right Clients, Right Time, Innovation/Outcomes, and the Francophone Integration Pathway.
A key finding from the consultations was a consistent call to broaden the eligibility criteria for settlement services. Many stakeholders advocated for extending support to temporary residents who are actively on pathways to permanent residency—particularly international students and temporary foreign workers. These groups, while not yet permanent residents, often face significant challenges that settlement services are well equipped to address.
This proposal reflects growing concern that temporary residents—who already contribute to Canada’s labor force and academic institutions—lack adequate support to ensure they succeed and remain in the country long-term. Stakeholders highlighted that excluding these individuals from federally funded settlement programs limits their potential and may hinder Canada’s broader immigration goals.
As IRCC prepares for the 2024–2026 Immigration Levels Plan, expected by November 1, this feedback could play a pivotal role in shaping policy. The department has not yet announced formal changes but emphasized that the consultation findings will guide how future funding is targeted for maximum impact.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments as IRCC reviews these recommendations and determines how best to strengthen Canada’s support for all newcomers—including those still transitioning to permanent status.