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Feasibility Study for a Pan-Canadian Settlement Organization - Project Report

(Adobe Acrobat PDF)

This report represents a second stage in the process of examining the feasibility of developing a new “voice” for the settlement sector at the pan-Canadian level. The surveys and interviews were conducted with a sampling of persons active in the provision of settlement services across Canada, both inside and outside the community-based immigrant service sector.

Background

This report is based on an environmental scan and a summary of relevant research as well as the results of a survey and various interviews and focus groups. The survey questionnaire focused on broad priorities and general organizational options, while the interviews and focus groups provided a more in-depth examination of different models of pan-Canadian consultation and organization.

Research was conducted with the long-term perspective of promoting a reasoned public discussion on ways to maximize the benefits of improved settlement to both newcomers and Canadian society.

The mandate for this project included a commitment to distribute this report widely for feedback, and to develop a mechanism to allow the settlement sector to provide direct input into the orientations that are chosen. All those who have participated– and any other stakeholders or potential partners who are interested in the issue – are encouraged to review and comment on the final product.

Contents

The report contains the following sections:

• Current Challenges in Settlement - an overview of the State of Settlement in Canada, Community-based Settlement Agencies Under Stress, Community Autonomy and Advocacy,
• Analysis of Surveys and Interviews - Survey Responses, Interviews and Key Opinions, Summary of Surveys and Key Opinions
• Some Starting Points
• Forms of Pan-Canadian Association
• Questions of Mandate and Representation
• Summary Analysis of Options
• Resources and Related Action Plans
• Appendix: Survey and Interview questions

The priorities of the survey respondents (other than securing stable funding for settlement, which was stated as a given priority) are quite clear. The top choices were research and policy work for improved models of settlement, and professional standards and employment rights for settlement workers. Policy and advocacy work on the recognition of newcomers’ internationally-acquired education, skills and experience was also chosen as a priority by many survey respondents.

Summary of Findings

The results show that there is a general consensus that the settlement process in Canada needs a new orientation, and that there are many potential allies for the community-based settlement services sector in developing this new orientation. The question of what kind of organization or coordination would aid this process gives rise to differing opinions, which vary to some degree by region as well as by individual.

Certain elements of further action appear to be clear to the authors:

1. As per the original plan, the results of this feasibility study must be discussed widely with the constituencies of the various community-based settlement umbrella organizations and any other interested parties.
2. Whatever future options are selected, they should be discussed in private by formally appointed delegates with the leadership of the CCR. The goal of these discussions should be the establishment of the maximum possible formal agreement on current and future working relationships, including approaches to securing funding resources.
3. Business meetings addressing operational and coordination issues should continue between CIC and the representatives of the umbrella organizations for the community based settlement service providers, and the expenses for such meetings should continue to be funded by CIC. The continuation of such meetings however should not be confused with a decision to use this forum as a “launching pad” for a new pan-Canadian settlement association. This option needs to be assessed on its own merits.

Beyond this, there appear to be three main possible courses of action for the sponsors of this feasibility study.

1. To use the existing network of umbrella organizations of community-based settlement providers to launch a new organization that will become the “voice” of settlement in Canada.
2. To work towards something larger, taking steps to be more inclusive.
3. To postpone any organizational initiatives, and concentrate on more effective use of existing organizations.

Language: English

Format: This report is available for download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format [185 KB, 24 pages].