New Beginnings Insights of Government-Assisted Refugees into their Settlement Outcomes & The Impact on RAP SPO’s National RAP Conference February 20, 2007

Methodology of Survey Aim: To obtain the views and perceptions of Government- Assisted Refugees (GARs) in BC as to their arrival and subsequent settlement outcomes in Canada

Participants Interviews were conducted with 152 Government- Assisted Refugees aged between 20 and 87 who arrived in BC during 2003 and % male 37.5% arrived during % female 62.5% arrived during 2005 Countries of Origin AfghanistanIranRwanda ColombiaIraqSomalia EthiopiaLiberiaSudan IndonesiaMyanmarVietnam

Interview Process 24 Cross-Cultural Facilitators recruited to interview the clients in their first language Interviews took 1½ hours to complete 74% by phone 26% in person

Questionnaire Structure 1. Pre-departure information 2. Arrival and orientation 3. Subsequent settlement outcomes

1.Pre-departure Information

Key Findings 45% of respondents had been living outside their country of origin for more than 5 years and over 25% of respondents had been living outside their country of origin for more than 10 years. Many respondents wanted more information prior to their departure, e.g. about employment and educational opportunities, the need for English language skills and availability of ESL classes. 15% of respondents highlighted the need for more information about Canadian culture and lifestyle.

2.Arrival and Orientation

Key Findings 73% had no pre-existing family in Canada, while 69% had no friends when they first settled. Common challenges concerning Housing search: high rents and their limited income, language barriers, and finding housing large enough for their family.

3.Subsequent Settlement Outcomes

ESL and Education Nearly 60% of respondents from both 2003 and 2005 rated their English language skills as ‘ Not at all ’ or ‘ Beginner ’. Only 9% of respondents have undertaken additional education or skills training. Only 8.5% respondents have undertaken computer classes since their arrival in Canada.

Finances 26% of clients reported relying on food banks to feed themselves while receiving RAP income assistance. 26% of respondents reported spending 50-59% of their monthly income on rent. 28% of respondents reported spending more than 60% of their monthly income on rent.

Employment Families where no one is working – 66% Unemployment rate of all GARs – 78% 53% of GARs who arrived in 2003 are unemployed. 95% of GARs who arrived in 2005 are unemployed. Families dependent on Government assistance – 74% Of those who are employed: 44% are working in part-time jobs 78% stated that their current employment did not match their skills.

Health Respondents from 2003 rated their physical health less well than those who arrived during Among 2003 respondents – 15% stated they were disabled, 13% rated their health as poor while 17% rated their health as fair. When asked how many days out of the past month (March 2006) their health had impacted them, 30% stated more than 4 days.

Racism, Discrimination and Physical Safety 83.5% of respondents stated that they had not faced any racism or discrimination since their arrival. Only a minority (12.5%) reported some form of racism or discrimination. Of the clients who did report racism or discrimination: 74% had been subjected to verbal abuse, 21% had faced physical violence, and 5% did not wish to comment.

Despite the challenges individuals reported, 92% of all respondents stated that they were either ‘ Very Happy ’ or ‘ Happy ’ at having moved to Canada.

Impact on RAP Service Providers CIC program funding has remained unchanged since 1998 Disconnect between CIC policy and program goals is putting tremendous strain on SPO ’ s Inability to meet immediate RAP outcomes within 6 week time period

Impact on RAP Service Providers Dramatic shift in RAP client characteristics has stretched the current service delivery system to the breaking point SPO ’ s facing increasing challenges working with GARs within current RAP income support rates

Impact on RAP Service Providers Tremendous innovation happening across Canada (augmenting what should be funded under RAP) – this funding is largely unsustainable and short-term in nature SPO front-line staff are being called to tackle growing client issues without appropriate national training program/standards

Impact on RAP Service Providers Inability to dialogue with colleagues in other regions impedes our ability to strengthen RAP Recent CIC initiatives are positive and encouraging We understand CIC limitations/challenges but if we work together in partnership we will create better GAR / RAP outcomes