In an exciting development, the Canadian government has proposed a substantial investment in immigrant services to enhance pre-arrival services for newcomers. The pre-arrival services help newcomers with the required knowledge and assistance to make educated decisions about their new lives. Recognizing the critical role these services play in setting the stage for a successful transition to their new lives in Canada, this investment is a significant step towards empowering newcomers even before they arrive.
On June 27, Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced an investment of approximately $6.8 million in the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) to assist newcomers in accessing essential pre-arrival services. This investment was a part of the settlement financing extensions announced on May 11, 2023.
“Through its Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program, ISANS has been providing innovative, online pre-arrival services for newcomers to Canada for the last 7 years. This national program for immigrants in Canada makes use of solid coast-to-coast collaborations in the settlement field and gives newcomers access to a platform that enables regional partners to deliver specialized, neighborhood-based services.”
– Daren Okafo, Manager, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
ISANS, a leading organization dedicated to supporting immigrants in Nova Scotia, will utilize the funding to expand and enhance its suite of pre-arrival services. These services encompass a range of crucial elements, including informational resources, cultural orientation, employment guidance, and access to settlement counseling.
By providing newcomers with comprehensive information about life in Canada, including the Canadian workplace, housing, education, healthcare, and other essential aspects, ISANS aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions before their arrival. This equips newcomers with the knowledge and confidence necessary to navigate the challenges of settling in a new country.
By channeling substantial funds into organizations like the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Canada is laying a solid foundation for newcomers to thrive and shows their commitment to the community. It recognizes that by providing essential support and resources before their arrival, newcomers will have a smoother transition and be better prepared to contribute to the economic and social fabric of the country.
