Serving Self-Sufficient Immigrants Marc Colbourne Manager, Immigrant Settlement March 15, 2014 Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour

Overview Alberta Settlement Outcomes Survey GoA Initiatives –Welcome to Alberta Web Portal –Learning English with CBC –Pre-Arrival Moving Forward

Alberta Settlement Outcomes Survey Goal: To provide an evidence-base to guide decisions about the scope and character of future settlement services in Alberta. Telephone survey conducted in Looked at: –Experiences with settlement services in the province –Information needs –Economic and social integration

Alberta Settlement Outcomes Survey 52.9% of newcomers to Alberta have not accessed settlement services. More than 45% said they had no need for help to settle in Alberta. –Obtained information online or from their employer. Government websites second only to family and friends as a source of information.

“Welcome to Alberta” Web Portal Orientation Information Pathways to Permanent Residence Video Tutorials Interactive Map

Learning English with CBC Online, Podcast model Connect anytime from anywhere In addition to language learning, program connects people to current events and increases understanding of Canadian culture.

Pre-Arrival Currently looking at increasing pre-arrival services to align with Survey results Reducing barriers to settlement while facilitating connections to employers and communities Seamless delivery with current settlement services

Moving Forward Continued evidence-base to guide directions Increased partnerships Flexibility

Thank You! Marc Colbourne Manager Immigrant Settlement Workforce Strategies Division Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (780)