The document discusses modernizing Ontario's settlement system to better support immigrants. It outlines shared objectives of maximizing immigration's contribution while ensuring immigrants can utilize their skills. It also emphasizes the need for an integrated, accessible system with flexibility, quality, and a focus on local needs and results. The system should have common performance standards and funding models to deliver innovative, dynamic programming across the province based on defined client needs and outcomes. There are opportunities to design programs around client needs, promote coordination between services, and develop consistent administrative processes.

1. Modernization of Settlement: Definitions and Vision Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration 2009 OCASI Executive Directors’ Forum Katherine Hewson Assistant Deputy Minister Citizenship and Immigration Division

2. Shared Objectives Maximize the contribution of immigration to achieve the social, demographic and economic goals of Canada and Ontario. Ensure immigrants have the opportunity to fully utilize their skills within the Canadian labour market as quickly as possible. Foster partnerships and the participation of municipal, community and private sector stakeholders in immigration. Recognize that the continuum of programs and service required to support successful social and economic integration must continue to evolve to respond to changing and emerging need. (from Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement)

3. Building on Our Progress New COIA initiatives jointly planned with MCI include: Increased municipal engagement, including Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) and funding for municipal immigration websites Expansion of language training to include more advanced and occupation-specific training; coordinated assessment Co-funding of some provincial bridging programs Development of Orientation Ontario course Expansion of CIC’s Terms and Conditions to include some pre-arrival and labour market services aligns with Ontario’s vision for an integrated system of services for immigrants. Research with OCASI on needs of immigrants and another project on needs of French-speaking immigrants.

4. Evolving Settlement Needs MCI’s definition of “settlement” is holistic and encompasses a range of activities to achieve social and economic integration. Core services required by immigrants are mainstream programs (e.g. housing, education, social assistance, health, employment and training). Settlement agencies are often the first point of contact to these services. E.g., mental health needs of immigrants. Public services must also be delivered in a way that meets the needs of Ontario’s diverse population, including newcomers.

5. Principles for Service An integrated, cohesive, coordinated system of programs and services for immigrants supported by core design principles: Access : Immigrants know where to go for services; appropriate services are available; eligibility criteria that reflect reality of newcomer population Flexibility : Services are flexible and responsive; can adapt to a range of individual and community needs. Quality : Services meet immigrants’ needs and are provided effectively and professionally. Cohesion : System-wide coordination and consistent programming to facilitate clear pathways for meeting individual goals and strong linkages among service providers and program types. Focus on local planning and community input. Focus on results : Programs/services are outcomes-based and accountable; meet a measurable provincial standard of overall service quality; streamlined reporting requirements.

6. Operating Vision Common Contract – Outcome Based Performance Flexible funding model to support innovative and dynamic programming Capacity building Report results and trends / needs Service Provider Perspective – Strategic partnerships with other service providers/responsive to emerging needs Local needs addressed through local planning and community-wide coordination (LIPs, RNEN, Local Labour Market Planning tables) Ministry Perspective – Government priorities; oversight and policy development Immigrant Services – clear entry points/access to services/multi-channel Multi-service locations/province-wide coverage/services mobile and dynamic Deliver immigrant services based on defined client needs & outcomes Refer to other support services as required Manage provider relationship Monitor performance Develop streamlined processes to support integrated service delivery Client Perspective – Continuum of services; no eligibility gaps; alignment with core programs (e.g. health, education, housing, employment)

7. Opportunities to Leverage There is an opportunity to: Examples that MCI can leverage: Design programs focusing on client needs Focus on end-to-end programming that meets newcomers’ needs: e.g., information, language, employment, education, housing, mental health Promote system-wide coordination; linkages among programs and services Create linkages to other provincial programs – health, social services, employment Develop consistent standards and administrative processes Build upon work by the sector and other sectors to develop standards Develop an outcome based performance management system Work with the sector to research and develop benchmarks for settlement and integration