National Settlement Conference 2
(Calgary - October 2-5, 2003)
Closing Plenary:
Key Recommendations and Next Steps
At the closing plenary session of the National Settlement Conference
II, the moderator, Naomi Alboim, identified 15 common themes on recommendations
that arose during the conference. She stated that there were many recommendations,
both general ones and very specific ones, but that most of them could
be categorized under one of these overarching themes. In addition, she
pointed out that while many of the recommendations were aimed at Citizenship
and Immigration Canada (CIC), it is important to note that they in fact
encompassed a much larger target audience. For example, many recommendations
are aimed at improving the service of the sectors themselves.
It was noted that CIC cannot be the only department involved in the integration
of newcomers and that cooperation with other departments is also necessary.
Some recommendations are aimed at other federal departments, including,
among others, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and Health Canada.
The need for lateral involvement and collaboration with other sectors,
such as employers and schools, was also noted.
After outlining the 15 main themes arising out of the recommendations
from the working groups, the plenaries and the VSI working groups, she
proceeded to highlight the main recommendations arising out of the VSI
working groups and the next steps. These are outlined below.
The 15 Themes Arising out of the Recommendations
Funding
- There were a number of themes that emerged with regard to funding.
The issue of service contracts and a desire to move towards multi-year
and core funding were prominent topics. This includes ensuring enough
funding to provide basic service provisions, but also to move beyond
this to include preventative funding, community development and advocacy.
- Another recurring theme centered on the need for the sector to diversify
its funding sources. In order to maintain independence, it was viewed
as necessary to examine alternate funding sources beyond CIC and the
government. This serves a dual purpose: first, in helping to maintain
independence; and second, to encourage buy-in from alternate funding
sources.
Significant Policy Changes, New Policy Development and Policy Clarification
- There were a number of specific recommendations dealing with particular
areas of policy. These pertain not only to CIC and the federal government,
but are extended to the provincial level as well. Examples of areas
of recommendation include amnesty to immigrants without status, loan
eligibility, access to services, eligibility for francophone services,
and confidentiality and disclosure issues.
Program Design Changes
- A number of specific recommendations emerged that related to program
design changes. Some of these include financially supporting the coordination
of the management of volunteers and changing eligibility criteria for
certain programs.
Specific Suggestions for the Need for Resources
- A common suggestion centered on the need to develop common resources
that can be easily accessed by those in the sector. This includes the
development of manuals, toolboxes, handbooks and templates. The ready
availability of such resources would assist with not having to “reinvent
the wheel” each time a resource is required, when it might already
be available. Concrete examples of these resources might include developing
a Toolbox for the Small Centre Strategy, a Manual for the Host Program,
a Template for Language Benchmarks and Competency Assessment Tools.
Suggestions for Improvements to Program Implementation
- In some areas, it was felt that although program design and policy
development might be sufficient, the actual implementation could be
more effective. Recommendations along these lines addressed processing
delays, greater consistency and a smoother application of programs.
The Need for Information Sharing Mechanisms
- Many workshops addressed the need for ongoing information sharing
and for mechanisms to support it. Examples may include regular forums
such as conferences and the sharing of best practices, which could be
supported through electronic means or newsletters.
The Need for Public Awareness Strategies
- There was an expressed need for further public awareness campaigns,
aimed at multiple sources, including employers, employees, immigrants
and the general public. These may include running anti-racism campaigns;
promoting immigrants’ involvement in the political process; highlighting
the benefits of immigration to the general public; raising awareness
of francophone issues; and running campaigns to promote participation
in Host, in volunteer activities and to promote sponsorship. One workshop
suggested that a “Year of Immigration Integration” would
be an effective conduit through which to promote a range of settlement
and integration related issues.
The Need for Information and Training
- There were suggestions to improve training and information availability
related to both potential and new immigrants as well as to service providers.
As an example, for immigrants, there is a need for information regarding
pre-arrival issues, domestic violence prevention strategies, and health
and education issues. For service providers, there is a need for further
information on culturally sensitive services and health issues, such
as concerns about HIV/AIDS.
Research
- The need for further research was highlighted with respect to many
areas. Some particular examples of areas that would be conducive to
further research include health, language acquisition and training.
Better Federal and Provincial Collaboration and Cooperation
- A number of recommendations focused on the need for the federal and
provincial governments to work more closely together. There were recommendations
concerning the content of federal–provincial agreements, as well
as the related accountability mechanisms. In addition, suggestions were
addressed to the municipal level. It was suggested that municipal governments
should be involved in policy design and that they should be present
at the policy table. The Small Centre Strategy in particular highlights
these issues.
The Need to Develop Collaborative and Strategic Mechanisms with Other
Stakeholders
- The need for the sector to work collaboratively with other stakeholders
was a frequent topic. It is important that the sector develop and foster
relationships with those doing similar and parallel work. Recommendations
were aimed at improving relationships with schools, communities, post-secondary
institutions, regulatory bodies, health facilities, and local, regional
and national organizations.
Accountability
- There was a series of recommendations that were aimed at making not
only CIC but other federal departments more accountable to the sector
and to the people the sector serves. These recommendations include the
need for accountability structures to be reviewed and made more streamlined.
Concrete examples might include published plans of action, published
annual reports and two-way accountability frameworks, or a reporting
mechanism whereby the government would demonstrate compliance with the
Accord.
The Need for Pan-Canadian Policies and Programs That Allow for Regional
Variations
- There was a desire expressed for jointly determined pan-Canadian policies
and programs that would also respond to regional variations and to a
bottom-up approach to implementation.
Specific Recommendations Relevant to Immigrant Sub-Groups
- A number of specific recommendations were put forward regarding various
sub-groups of the immigrant population which, taken as a whole, cover
nearly the entire immigrant community. Specific recommendations were
put forth in the areas of youth, seniors, women, men and francophone
communities.
Recommendations on Maturing the Relationship Between the Sector and
the Federal Government (including CIC)
- There were a number of recommendations dealing with both the vehicles
and the processes through which the sector could aim to mature its relationship
with CIC and the federal government. In particular, processes might
be explored which would promote the participation of certain sub-groups
in policy and program implementation and development. It was also suggested
that there be a continuation of the joint processes, perhaps including,
but not limited to, national working groups, regional umbrella groups,
regional roundtables and the use of champions and spokespeople.
The VSI Working Groups
The moderator also outlined the main recommendations that arose out of
the VSI working groups’ papers and presentations, as well as those
arising out of discussions.
1 - Maximizing Current Settlement Work
- There was a strong recommendation that CIC promote inclusive and innovative
partnership building practices through facilitating strategies for agencies
to increase the participation of refugees and immigrants in developing
and implementing settlement practices.
- There is a need to support national network providers (i.e., LINC/ELSA/MIIP-ESL).
- There is a need to provide pre-arrival information to immigrants on
a range of issues.
- There is a need to provide long-term funding with streamlined accountability
for the full continuum of services, including ESL, employment and community
development.
- There was a strong desire to continue with the working group.
2 - Small Centre Strategy
- There was a recommendation that funding should be provided to develop
a toolbox.
- Resources should be provided to small centres that want to attract
and retain new immigrants.
- There was a strong desire to continue with the working group.
3 - Settlement Accord
- There was a recommendation that a mechanism be developed to facilitate
an ongoing dialogue.
- There was a strong desire to continue with the working group.
4 - Settlement Standards, Professionalization and Accountability
- It was suggested that a one-year pilot project be initiated and that
an evaluation of that project be conducted.
- There was a strong desire to continue with the working group.
Next Steps
In terms of next steps, the following commitments have been made.
Conference Proceedings
The moderator reiterated CIC’s commitment to publishing the proceedings
of the conference, which will be vetted through the JPC and will be provided
to all conference participants in hard copy and on the Web site.
Analysis of the Recommendations
- A wide range of recommendations was put forward at the conference
and through the working groups. They vary in terms of level of specificity
and also in terms of to whom they are addressed. The JPC will address
these recommendations and develop a matrix to help respond to these
issues by the end of this fiscal year in March 2004. This document will
also serve as a report in terms of the VSI initiative.
Series of Options for Ongoing Relations
- The JPC has committed to developing a series of options for processes
and vehicles to guide ongoing relations between the government and the
sector. It will form the basis of a plan addressing options for continuing
the relationship. The JPC will continue to function in order to see
all three steps through. There is a commitment to developing a series
of recommendations for future directions by the end of June 2004.
Index
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