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Semelhante a Capstone - Presentation - 072013
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Capstone - Presentation - 072013
- 1. Government Assisted Refugees: Employability and Integration Edmond T Cheng, Liza Wajong and Mia Nissen Saturday, July 20, 2013
- 2. Agenda • Background • Issues and Gaps • Recommendations • Wrap-up
- 3. Background
- 4. Unemployment Rate of GARs in Canada 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% GARS Canada
- 5. – 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)
- 6. Canada and GARs Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Service Provider Organizations (SPO)
- 7. – 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
- 8. 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
- 9. Higher levels of employment Employment Skills Development Educational Opportunities Social Connectedness Holistic & Multi-Faceted Approach
- 10. Issues & Gaps
- 11. – English language services for adults (ELSA) – Computer skills and access to labour market – Resume, cover letter and interview skills – Social integration Barriers to Employability
- 12. – 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
- 13. – 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
- 14. 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)
- 15. Poverty Cycle 1). Lack of proficiency in English and other skills 2). Limited employment opportunities 3). Transportation loan 4). Reliance on food banks and income assistance 5). Working multiple jobs 6). Isolation and marginalization
- 16. Recommendations
- 17. – 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 & Flexibility and Income Support
- 18. – 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
- 19. – 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
- 23. – 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
- 24. Conclusion and Further Research
- 25. Questions
Notas do Editor
- Say: all pictures are courtesy of ISSofBC with the exception of the UNHCR logo on the 4th slide which was taken from the UNHCR website, as well as the image of the Canadian flag image on slide 5 which was taken from a site called Eikongraphia Video: play from 0:15 to 2:00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FWg5AH8tu4 Hello everyone. The topic that Edmond, Liza and I will be presenting to you today is Government Assisted Refugees: Employability and Integration. We chose this topic because GAR poverty and integration is something that impacts each and every one of us directly or indirectly. By the end of this presentation, our hope is that you will be inspired to think of how you support social justice in your community to build a wealthier future for everyone including yourselves.
- Before we get into the presentation, I would like to inform you on what we will be covering. In this presentation we will be covering three key areas: background on our chosen topic, issues and gaps, and recommendations and followed by a wrap-up
- Quick stat: 25% of GARs in Canada unemployed (explain with CIC chart?), Canada’s avg. unemployment rate 7.1% June 2013 (Labour Force, Stats Canada) Bearing in mind the importance of financial stability and its far-reaching impact on all aspects of well-being, our research question is: What factors will contribute to increasing employability among the GAR population in BC? Objectives: Key aim: to identify the specific challenges GARs face and develop ways to support them accordingly. Project objectives were to: Identify the challenges that GARs in BC face when it comes to education and employment Identify the gaps in the current system Formulate solutions to address these gaps.
- Established in 1950, UNHCR (the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR definition: The 1951 Refugee Convention establishing UNHCR spells out that a refugee is someone who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.” As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Refugees, Canada undertakes the responsibility of sponsoring a number of Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) who require settlement in a safe third country Government-assisted Refugee (GAR):Convention Refugees selected from abroad by the government of Canada for resettlement. GARs hold permanent resident (PR) status upon arrival and receive financial and other support from the Government of Canada for up to one year.
- Canada is a country with a long tradition of welcoming refugees from all over the world. Although the topic of immigration opens the door to political debate, the fact is that Canada is a country of immigrants and while policy has not always been not perfect, Canada does have a long history helping refugees out of dire circumstance.. second only to USA for country resettling refugees. In response to international concern over Canada's immigration system, Canada enacted the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) on June 28, 2002 IRPA changed the focus of refugee selection, placing greater emphasis on the need for protection and less on the ability of a refugee to become established in Canada Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) was created in 1994 to: link immigration services with citizenship registration; promote the unique ideals all Canadians share and help build a stronger Canada (CIC mandate). Briefly talk about RAP (Resettlement Assistance Program): funded and administered by CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada), delivered by Service Provider Organizations. 1 year income assistance, 15 day temporary housing, 4-6 weeks orientation SPOs (Service Provider Organizations): With funds from CIC, service provider organizations deliver many services and programs to help make it easier for newcomers to adjust to life in Canada. For example, Immigrant Services Society (ISS) of BC
- UNHCR definition of integration: The UNHCR defines ‘integration’ as a mutual, dynamic, multifaceted and on-going process. From a refugee perspective, integration requires a preparedness to adapt to the lifestyle of the host society without having to lose one’s own cultural identity. From the point of view of the host society, it requires a willingness for communities to be welcoming and responsive to refugees and for public institutions to meet the needs of a diverse population (2002, p. 12). Successful integration of refugees is said to be linked to achievement and access in a number of key domains including: employment, housing, and social services like education and health. Also important is social connectedness both with their cultural community and the community at large (CIC, 40). Hyndman's observation that measurement of integration is difficult, therefore, academic circles focus on measurable domains such as: employment status and earnings, official language abilities and educational attainment, health and housing (Hyndman, 7).
- Unemployment: unemployment rate of GARs is much higher than the provincial average. While it might be expected that individuals who arrived during 2005 would not yet be in a position to seek employment, 53% of GARs who arrived in 2003 are still unemployed. Even if people have found employment, 44% are working in part-time jobs and 78% stated that their current employment did not match their skills. (Poverty Reduction BC, 2009). Literacy: Nearly 60% of respondents from both 2003 and 2005 rated their English language skills as ‘Not at all’ or ‘Beginner’ (ISSofBC New Beginnings). In Metro Vancouver, only 66% of the average rent is covered by the RAP shelter payment, the lowest proportion of any GAR-receiving city in Canada (Siggner, Atkey and Goldberg, 2007). Poverty: GARs receive the support payments for one year, after which time they are expected to be self-sufficient. Total payments received over the year would allow a reference family of two adults and two children (aged seven and three) to meet approximately three-quarters of some measure of low-income – 74.6% of the after-tax LICO and 77.7% of the Market Basket Measure (MBM) (Poverty Reduction BC, 2009).
- Introduction of multi-faceted approach: Through our findings, we argue a multi-faceted approach will bring about higher levels of employment. Specifically, employment outcomes can be improved by modifying the RAP program, expanding and strengthening community support programs, and by developing social enterprise initiatives.
- In this section I will outline the importance of literacy and job skills development in relation to employability; and the issues and gaps preventing GARs from easily accessing these opportunities.
- Proficiency in English [is] a significant determinant of the likelihood of employment and labour force participation in the long term” (8). Unfortunately “most clients wait up to six months to be enrolled in an ESL class” (New Beginnings, 30) A one to six month waiting period presents a major hardship to GARs because English is often required in order to find stable long-term employment. Once GARs do become proficient in the English language, it is important that they are able to access the labour market. “While not all jobs require computer skills, increasingly job searching is done through the Internet. Therefore, individuals who do not have a basic level of computer skills will face increased difficulties in accessing the labour market” ISS employment counselors and GARs stressed “the need for an orientation on how to look for jobs in Canada, which would cover resume writing, Internet searches and interview preparation” (New Beginnings, 48). By becoming proficient in English and computer skills, it will hopefully contribute to financial stability, which then has a trickle-down effect on a number of areas including continued education, mental health, and social integration into the community.
- In this section, I will be discussing issues and gaps related to the resettlement assessment program, or also known as RAP, as well as issues and gaps related to income support. RAP provides income support for 1 year and essential services to GARs during the orientation period, which typically takes place between the first 4 to 6 weeks of arrival into Canada (also known as the orientation period). These services include: designating available health care programs, providing assistance with locating permanent accommodations, opening bank accounts, and giving them an overview of financial products and services (New Beginnings, 24). However, after the first six weeks, most GARs are either unaware of what programs and services are available, may be on a long waitlist, or feel that they are unable to register for certain programs and services, such as ESL, due to young children in the family and the need to start earning income (New Beginnings, 19). Generally put, RAP support time is not long enough, wait times for continuing language and education are too long, and GARs experience pressure to accept low paying, part-time jobs to relieve their financial burdens. This positions GARs into a cycle of poverty, because they are not able to do the things necessary to obtain long-term, stable employment. From an income support perspective, there are numerous indicators to suggest that income support levels are insufficient. 57% of GARs report using food banks 61% of GARs report difficulties in repaying their transportation loan And 33% of GARs report financial issues as the greatest difficulty in terms of resettlement It has also been calculated that CIC income support equates to less than one-half the income required to meet the Low Income Cut-Off level (LICO) in Canada. To further compound this problem, GARs who are still unemployed when the one year of RAP income support expires have to transition to social assistance at the regular rate; as opposed to the disability rate. This transition to a lower income level drops them even further below the LICO line.
- I previously briefly mentioned the transportation loan in the previous slide. The loan is provided to cover medication examinations abroad, travel documents and transportation to Canada (CIC, 2012). GARs are expected to start repaying the loan after they have been in the country for more than six months (New Beginnings, 49). The loan then starts collecting interest after a 12 months interest free period (New Beginnings, 49). What this means for GARs is that in order to start paying down the transportation loan and subsequently, the interest on the loan, GARs are often forced to find multiple low paying jobs part time jobs. As a result, those GARs that are not able to obtain education and training in a timely manner soon after arrival are often unable to access educational opportunities at all. This illustrates the poverty cycle and how it affects the long-term employment and financial future of GARs in Canada.
- Gowah is a perfect example of a government assisted refugee that was and possibly still is experiencing financial hardship. Her and her six children aged between 3 and 16 came to Canada in November 2006 from Liberia. Her transportation loan was over $8,600 and she was expected to pay $125 a month, which is $1,500 a year $125 a month doesn’t sound like a lot, but when look at how much an average GAR makes in a year, which is about $22,500 before tax and just over $19,000 after tax, there isn’t much left after deducting all the expenses. Transit will cost about $1,092 a year for a monthly one zone transit pass, $,3500 a year for food, $10,000 a year for rent, $1,000 a year for clothing. The loan and all the expenses I just mentioned totals to about $17,000 a year. So if we take $19,000 - $17,000, Gowah would only be left with about $2,000. So what does this all mean? It means that Gowah will probably need to find multiple low paying part time jobs in order to make ends meet, which then prevents her from obtaining educational and employment skills in order to find long term higher earning jobs. And this, as mentioned in the previous slide, is called the poverty cycle
- In this slide I will be discussing in more detail the cycle of poverty that I briefly touched on in the previous slide. Starting at number 1 and going clockwise, a lack of proficiency in English and other skills can contribute to limited employment opportunities. Limited employment opportunities coupled with the fact that they have a transportation loan to start repaying, forces GARs to seek income assistance and become reliant on food banks. In order to repay their loans and meet their basic needs, GARs often have to take on multiple low paying part time jobs Which then forces them into further isolation and marginalization because they do not have the opportunities to build the language and employment skills required in order for them to become integrated with their community.
- In the previous sections, we have identified the gaps in RAP’s program delivery, the challenge of accessing education, and GARs unemployment. In this section, we wish to propose the recommendations in support of allowing GARs to achieve financial stability and social integration in BC. There are three important measures to be implemented: modification to RAP by means of rate increase and the interest elimination of transportation loans; the development of stronger community support programs; and the development of a refugee-oriented social enterprise programs. In doing this, we foresee a better integration outcome for GARs such as the ability to obtain jobs more easily, earn higher income, and become less dependent on government support.
- To allow resources to be appropriately targeted based on need, SPOs should be provided with the funding flexibility to modify individual service provision based on client need(s)” (CIC, ix). In other words, front line workers should be allowed more flexibility in supporting the needs of their clients. Another recommendation in this area is the implementation of a Case Management approach, which was mentioned in our Gaps Analysis section. Will seek to enhance and tailor existing service models to respond to the special challenges of high needs refugees.” Finally, we believe RAP service delivery should be extended to 12 months. This is mainly because SPOs and front line workers have identified the current 4 to 6 week period as inadequate.Iit was noted in many instances; SPOs have continued to provide support such as guidance and counselling to GARs well past the initial 4 to 6 week period as prescribed under RAP" (CIC, 42). This is directly linked to the increased number of GAR clients with increased barriers since the introduction of IRPA. When the 1-year of RAP Income Assistance comes to an end, those still unemployed GARs transition to social assistance at the "regular" rate. But there is a gap as RAP falls below LICO. There is also a gap when GARs transition from RAP to SA; therefore, the recommendation is to permit unemployed GARs to enter provincial SA rates at the disability rate as they transition off of RAP. So why is it important to permit unemployed GARs to enter provincial SA rates at the disability rates as they transition off of RAP? Because GARs generally require more time to adjust to life in Canada, recover from traumatic events they may have experienced and learn an official language before they are in a position to sustain employment. Structuring RAP to support the process of settlement increases the likelihood of GARs to gain and sustain employment once their initial settlement process is complete.
- As Canada is the only country charging interest on loans to refugees, we propose propose policy makers to follow the example of the rest of the international community that accept refugees – and do away with this interest as it is extremely difficult for GAR families to support themselves especially if they are still unemployed after the twelve-month period under RAP income supports. We also propose the extension of the grace period before they have to commence repayment of transportation loan because with the barriers facing GARs such as trauma, illiteracy and low employment skills, it is unrealistic for the CIC to expect that GARs will be self-sufficient after a twelve month period. To be self-sufficient means GARs would have to earn a steady income in order to satisfy their basic needs. Eliminating the interest on the transportation loans will enable GARs to be in a stronger position to pay off their transportation loan.
- Integration is a two-way process. It is a dynamic process involving both newcomers and receiving communities (AMSSA, 2013). We recommend mobilizing community volunteers to reach out to GARs and their families and engage them with their surrounding community. A neighbourhood house delivers a wide range of social services, including pre-employment and neighbourhood-based language training programs. Engaging GARs with these programs will address their skill and training needs, at least at a community level. In the case that they are on a wait list for ELSA classes, GARs can participate in the community-based language programs first prior to join the formal ELSA programs. This project aims to promote community engagement activities, including dialogue circles, community dinners, leadership development and mentoring programs” (ANHBC, 2013). And example of this is the BWIN Project (Note: elaborate here).
- Action: show brochure to class
- Social enterprise can be defined as a business with a social purpose. Our findings suggest positive outcomes when immigrant and refugees are involved in these initiatives, such as when refugees are encouraged to become social entrepreneurs and eventually attaining financial stability. Engaging in a social enterprise may be suitable for GARs because it is socially conscious in achieving its purpose and empowers GARs through job skills development. And example of this is Common Thread (Note: elaborate here). As a long-term goal, development of a GARs-based co-operative would be possible; it tends to have a clear and established structure, meaning that the commencement of a co-operative will not be too overwhelming for those involved. For example, an online public education about co-operatives is available and is easily accessible at anytime (Co-ops Canada, 2013).
- GARs and their families face a tremendous challenge of integration. Our research identifies critical gaps in the system that impede their process of integration. The emerging themes of this discourse are: Access to employment Language training Health issues Access to housing Family reunification Credential recognition Community Support And Social Enterprise Initiatives We conclude that a holistic approach of support is needed to provide GARs with a good start to life in British Columbia. None of the services can be successfully delivered alone. Canada has a long history of protecting refugees, and an effective strategy would need to interlink pertinent resources in the process of increasing the capacity of host communities to embrace newcomers and assist them to have positive and successful experiences. Video: play from 0:53 to the end http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c1lYaBWr8s
- GARs and their families face a tremendous challenge of integration. Our research identifies critical gaps in the system that impede their process of integration. The emerging themes of this discourse are: Access to employment Language training Health issues Access to housing Family reunification Credential recognition Community Support And Social Enterprise Initiatives We conclude that a holistic approach of support is needed to provide GARs with a good start to life in British Columbia. None of the services can be successfully delivered alone. Canada has a long history of protecting refugees, and an effective strategy would need to interlink pertinent resources in the process of increasing the capacity of host communities to embrace newcomers and assist them to have positive and successful experiences.