News release

May 12, 2023—Vancouver, BC— Pre-arrival settlement services are key to setting newcomers up for success in Canada. They provide newcomers with the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their new lives in Canada before they arrive, which helps them successfully transition into their communities and find work faster.

The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Citizenship, Refugees and Immigration, an investment of nearly $12 million to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. to help deliver important pre-arrival services to new immigrants. This is part of overall settlement funding extensions that were announced yesterday.

Minister Sajjan had the opportunity to visit S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of 15 service providers that offer information, orientation, and referrals to newcomers. This organization offers online and in-person services abroad to newcomers before they arrive in Canada, including information about the Canadian workplace, soft skills development, and employment counselling, as well as services tailored to refugees that help them prepare for jobs in Canada. 

Investments in pre-arrival services and organizations like S.U.C.C.E.S.S. are investments in the newcomers and families joining Canada’s diverse communities, and help them grow while strengthening Canada’s economy.