Question Period Note: CALL FOR PROPOSALS 2019

The National Call for Proposals 2019 process solicited proposals for funding to deliver services under the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance programs from 2020-21 through 2024-25. Negotiation of funding agreements is underway.

• Settlement and resettlement service providers are selected through a national call for proposals in a fair, effective and transparent process
• Proposals are assessed based on their individual merits and other considerations, such as ensuring services are widely available, avoiding duplication, and good value for money.
• Through the National Call for Proposals process, we will work with our partners to continue to improve our settlement and resettlement programs, to ensure all newcomers have the opportunity to integrate and succeed in Canada.

• The Department launched the national Call for Proposals 2019
(CFP 2019) for the Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs in March 2019. The CFP is the Department’s largest funding process, for which we received 1315 proposals from 821 applicants.
• The CFP was significantly oversubscribed across the country and difficult funding decisions had to be made. The total amount requested by CFP 2019 applicants was $7B over 5 years, whereas total available funding was $4B over 5 years. As a result, not all funding requests could be approved.
• Of the 821 applicants, 552 (67%) were approved for funding; 269 (33%) were not approved. All applicants were informed of funding decisions on
August 9, 2019.
• Stakeholder feedback was generally positive upon the communication of results. Consistent messaging was provided to unsuccessful applicants who were inquiring about reasons for not being funded; IRCC has explained that it was a highly competitive process.
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• Prior to the writ of election, the Department negotiated and signed approximately 10% of the 824 CFP 2019 funding agreements. The Department then paused negotiations in order to respect the Caretaker Convention.
• In mid-November, the Department resumed negotiations with most of the remaining recipients.
• The Department intends to sign all remaining agreements before
April 1, 2020.
• The ongoing suite of Settlement and Integration services include: needs and assets assessment and referrals; information and orientation services; language training services; employment-related services; building community connections and support services.
• Services that respond to new and emerging needs include: supports for clients with unique barriers (e.g. vulnerable youth, women, seniors, refugees, LGBTQ2+, clients with disabilities); language and employment services; programming that engages employers; consolidating a francophone Integration Pathway; fostering the entrepreneurial spirit of newcomers; mental health and well-being; and small-centre, remote, and northern services.
• The Resettlement Assistance Program provides help to convention refugees upon their arrival in Canada. These services include: reception at the port of entry; temporary accommodations; assistance in finding a permanent place to live; basic household items and orientation and support to starting life in Canada.

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