Integration timeline

• Newcomers (not defined)

Key findings

• 74% of respondents reported that newcomers experienced challenges in accessing services
• The 5 most needed services for newcomers were: i) language & workplace training; ii) housing, employment, childcare & health; iii) info & orientation; iv) transportation; v) needs assessments, inclusion, translation
• 91% of the participating organizations provided services to immigrants who are ineligible for Citizenship and Immigration Canada funded services

Key populations

• Immigrants in 8 rural communities (Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Brooks, Lloydminster, Fort Saskatchewan) in Alberta

Community organizations: n/a

Future research/gaps identified:

• The top 5 key gaps in the organizations were:

  i) Language/literacy training specifically for employment

  ii) Childcare

  iii) Legal services & referrals

  iv) Foreign credential recognition

  v) Specialized programming for youth, women, and seniors

Key recommendations

• Expand the services that settlement services organizations provide
• Increase capacity of settlement services organizations
• Increase support for collaboration between settlement services organizations
• Create centralized yet flexible service delivery model

Locations

• Red Deer
• Wood Buffalo
• Lethbridge
• Medicine Hat
• Grande Prairie
• Brooks
• Lloydminster
• Fort Saskatchewan
• Alberta

Open access: Yes