Download - Capstone - Presentation - 072013
Government Assisted Refugees:Employability and Integration
Edmond T Cheng, Liza Wajong and Mia NissenSaturday, July 20, 2013
Agenda
• Background
• Issues and Gaps
• Recommendations
• Wrap-up
Background
Unemployment Rate of GARsin Canada
GARS Canada0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
– Leads and coordinates action to protect refugees
– Definition of refugee
– Canada as a signatory to the UNHCR
– Definition of Government Assisted Refugees (GAR)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Canada and GARs
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)
Service Provider Organizations (SPO)
– Definition of integration• Mutual, dynamic, multifaceted and an on-going process
– Linked to achievement in a number of domains• Employment, housing, and social services
– Measurable domains• Employment, language, education, health and housing
Integration
Unemployment higher than provincial average
English language skills are beginner or not at all
Housing is often unsuitable
Poverty and income assistance
Current Situation of GARs in BC
Higher levels of employment
Employment Skills Development
Educational Opportunities
Social Connectedness
Holistic & Multi-Faceted Approach
Issues & Gaps
– English language services for adults (ELSA)
– Computer skills and access to labour market
– Resume, cover letter and interview skills
– Social integration
Barriers to Employability
– RAP services: • health care programs and assistance with locating housing• opening bank accounts and overview of financial products
– RAP support time
– Income support• Using food banks (57%)• Difficulties in repaying CIC transportation loan (61%)
RAP Flexibility & Service Delivery and Income Support
– Transportation loan coverage and amount• Loan covers medication examinations abroad• Travel documents and transportation to Canada• Loan can be up to $10,000 CAD
– Expected to start repaying after six months
– Cycle of poverty
Transportation Loan Repayment
Gowah• Gowah and her six children arrived in
Canada in November 2006 from Liberia
• Transportation loan was over $8,600 and expected to pay $125/mth. ($1,500/year)
• GAR’s avg. yearly income is approx. $19,000 (after tax)
• Avg. yearly living wage income is approx. $29,500 (after tax)
Poverty Cycle
Recommendations
– SPO should be provided with funding flexibility
– Implementation of case management approach
– RAP service should be extended to 12 months
– Transition from RAP income support to social assistance
RAP Delivery & Flexibilityand Income Support
– Elimination of the interest on these loans
– Extension of the grace period before repayment
– Enable GARs to be in a stronger position to pay off transportation loan
Zero Interest Transportation Loan
– Mobilizing community volunteers • Integration is a two-way process• Engage them with their surrounding community
– Engaging GARs with neigbourhood house services• Pre-employment and neighbourhood-based language
training programs
– Promote community engagement activities • (i.e. The Bridge Brochure)
Community Support
The Bridge Brochure
– Definition of social enterprise• A business with a social purpose
– Engaging social enterprise is suitable for GARs• Socially conscious and empowers GARs• I.E. Common Thread
– Tends to have a clear established structure• Will not be too overwhelming for those involved
Social Enterprise Initiatives
Conclusion and Further Research
Questions