Preparing Newcomers for Life in Canada

03/23/2014

Hong Kong, March 21, 2014 — Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander spoke yesterday to graduates of the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) – an initiative with a strong record of helping newcomers achieve success in Canada.

Alexander spoke with graduates of the CIIP who told him about their achievements and how they hope that their experience in the CIIP will help them find jobs when they arrive in Canada. Graduates stated that the program has provided them with the tools they need to contribute fully to the Canadian economy and labour market.

During his remarks, Alexander announced an additional investment in the CIIP of $1.9 million over the next six months, and highlighted the work that is underway with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) to explore new ways of delivering overseas services. This funding will help more immigrants prepare for life in Canada.

The CIIP is managed by the ACCC, which was recognized last month for its success with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada/Deloitte 2013 Public Sector Leadership Award. The gold honour was presented in recognition of the association's work in developing and delivering the CIIP – which assists newcomers in 25 countries through offices located in the Philippines, China, India, and the United Kingdom.

Since 2010, the government has invested over $18 million in the CIIP. For more information about this program, visit the ACCC website.

Quick facts

• More than 25,000 people have gone through the CIIP while they are still in their home country.
• A recent survey found that:
  • 72% of CIIP graduates who responded to the survey were employed within 12 months of arriving in Canada.
  • 93% of the respondents achieved credential assessment within six months of applying.
  • 69% of the respondents found employment in their field (2013).

Quotes

“Our government is building an immigration system that is focused on economic growth and ensuring that all Canadians, including newcomers, are able to contribute actively to Canadian society. Programs like the CIIP help immigrants on the path to a successful life in Canada by providing key information on foreign credential recognition, the Canadian labour market and settlement issues. I look forward to seeing CIIP graduates when they settle in their new lives in Canada.”

“CIIP continues to make a significant contribution towards the success of newcomers through the provision of pre-departure information and planning services that help immigrants prepare before they arrive in Canada. We're proud that CIIP has been recognized for its efforts and contributions to Canadian society and ACCC hopes to be able to deliver this valuable program for years to come.”