GTC-IP Communiqué
The Going to Canada – Immigration Portal (GTC-IP) Stakeholder Update
August 2004 http://www.directioncanada.gc.ca
Strategy and Concept Development – A look back at 2003
The Going to Canada Immigration Portal (GTC-IP) is an initiative to significantly
enhance the current Going to Canada website. The portal will assist prospective
immigrants and newcomers in making more informed immigration decisions
and facilitate their subsequent integration into Canada’s economy
and communities. The Portal is a key element of the Government of Canada’s
(GoC) Immigration Labour Market Integration solution.
Over 2003-04, the GoC has been busy conducting research and consultations,
while taking preliminary steps to develop services and tools that will
lead to substantive enhancements on the current Going to Canada website.
Consultations have included discussions with provinces, territories, service
providing organizations, occupation associations, regulatory bodies, education
associations, employers and other government departments.
In December 2003, the GoC worked with Deloitte Consulting to conduct
a needs analysis, develop a new site map for the Portal, and propose an
approach to implementation; a key preliminary step of the GTC-IP. The
process involved interviews, an online survey and five half day fora.
Over 200 stakeholders including federal, provincial/territorial, education,
employers and non-government organizations from across Canada participated
in the activity by providing input and feedback.
Based on the results and recommendations stemming from the Site Mapping
project, a conceptual mock-up of the GTC-IP was developed and focus tested
nationally and internationally in March and April 2004. The findings are
currently being analyzed and will be taken into account, as appropriate,
during implementation of the GTC-IP.
Proof of Concept – Public Opinion Research
In March of 2004, the Government of Canada conducted a public opinion
research exercise to test the reactions of clients and service staff to
the proposed concept of the GTC-IP.
The research consisted of 3 components
- Immigrant Survey
- 399 recent immigrants (arrival in Canada within 5 years)
- Immigrant Focus Groups
- 2 sets in Toronto
- 2 sets in Ottawa
- Survey of service provider organizations (SPOs) and missions
- 123 respondents (63 SPOs/60 Missions)
Two design mock-ups of the site were tested. The first design provided
users with an interface of icon enhanced text headings to highlight main
navigation topics. The second design mock-up provided an interactive map
interface to navigate the content and services. Findings indicate that
a winning combination of the site design would be a combination of the
two approaches.
Additional broad observations include:
- The proposed portal objectives mirror information needs of the potential
and new immigrant to Canada.
- Although largely supportive, clients emphasize the need for practical
and accurate information.
- Considerations to be addressed when moving forward on development:
- Logic (navigation and layout);
- Text/content/on-line services; and
- The use of graphics
From Concept to Reality – A Phased Approach over Five years
The following information, tools and services are currently being developed
in preparation for implementation over the next two years.
- New information to assist potential immigrants and newcomers to Canada
in acquiring Canadian post-secondary credentials;
- Piloting of a non-governmental service that specializes in providing
on-line translation services on a non-profit basis to people coming
to Canada;
- A tool that identifies the forms and documentation an immigrant will
need to complete in order to work in their occupational and geographic
preference areas;
- A tool that will allow immigrants to self-assess their language skill
levels in reading, writing, speaking and listening against the Canadian
Language Benchmarks (CLB) and the Standards linguistiques canadiens
(SLC);
- A self-administered language assessment tool, based on CLB, that
will help internationally trained nurses prepare for the CELBAN; and
- A comprehensive, centralized website that will inform internationally
trained physicians of the steps involved to practice as a physician
in Canada.
Activities are being planned to support the future development of the
GTC-IP. These include:
- On-line roadmaps for occupations;
- Tailored information and enhanced services for foreign students wishing
to study in Canada;
- Tailored labour market information specific to immigrants;
- Services and tools to support learning recognition job search preparation
and opportunities;
- Development of language assessment and training tools;
- Development of an interactive map that presents Canadian information
important to potential immigrants in a spatial context; and
- An interactive “Orientation to Canada” tutorial that
helps immigrants prepare for life in Canada while they are still abroad.
Upcoming Activities and Events
- Visit the Canada Site booth at Toronto’s CNE - August 20, 2004
to September 6, 2004;
- One day workshops in the provinces and territories – September,
2004;
- Federal – Provincial – Territorial multi lateral workshop
reporting back on bilateral workshops – Winter 2005.
Interested in participating?
The Government of Canada is interested in working with organizations
to enhance the Going to
Canada site. If you are interested in participating in this initiative,
please refer to the contact information below.
Please note: This is not a request for proposals. Submitting a proposal
will not guarantee a response.
GTC-IP Communiqué is published by the Government
of Canada. For additional information on the GTC-IP initiative, or to
get involved, please contact us at GTC-SRC@cic.gc.ca
or visit http://integration-net.ca.
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