Overview

Abstract (English)

This research report presents the results of a fact-finding tour of non-profit immigrant settlement agencies in New Brunswick. At a time when this Maritime province needs immigration to prevent population decline, these agencies are partnering with governments to offer services of key importance for the settlement of newcomers, including those in non-urban communities. As much of the research on settlement services in Canada has focussed on the larger metropolitan centres, this study contributes to filling an existing research gap. Based on semi-structured interviews with 21 key informants working in 18 organizations, we first draw a portrait of the services offered by the agencies and the clients they serve. We then describe the resources available to the settlement agencies and the mechanisms they use for governance and performance of their functions in an accountable and transparent manner. After paying particular attention to some gender-related issues, we summarize the main challenges as self-reported by the agencies. We also stress that settlement issues tend to be very locally driven and that the non-profit settlement agencies can count on a number of competitive advantages to fulfill their mission. The report briefly discusses some key policy issues before concluding with a focus on the tension observed in the relationship between governments and the non-profit sector in the delivery of settlement services. Relevant policy recommendations are listed at the end of the document.

Abstract (French)

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