Canada's Immigrant Settlement Services Face Severe Cuts

0:00Canada's federal government is slashing funding for immigrant settlement services again, hitting Ontario hard. Last year, they cut 50 million dollars nationwide outside Quebec, and now they're planning 98.1 million more for 20. 26-2027. That's a 17.3% drop for Ontario agencies that offer English classes, job help, and orientation to thousands of newcomers. These cuts follow lower immigration numbers and a new federal budget demanding up to 15% savings across departments. Overall, spending on newcomer integration will fall from 1.125 billion in 2025 to 2026 to 700. 87 million by 2028 to 2029. Agency leaders are reeling from the pain. At Hamilton's Immigrants Working Center, director Lou Bonaventure Amassou laid off six staff last year after a 10% cut and now faces. 23% less funding, putting 30 jobs at risk. YWCA Toronto is closing child mining services, laying off four,

1:05and dipping into reserves for severance since Ottawa won't cover it. Groups are scrambling cutting programs, hunting for private donors, negotiating lower rents, and referring clients to strained provincial services. They argue needs don't vanish after the first year. Long-term support is key, especially for skilled immigrants and vulnerable groups like women, and LGBTQ plus folks, as these cuts roll out starting April, settlement ords warn of a destabilized system built over decades, forcing superficial help when communities. Need depth the most. Expect more layoffs and gaps that could echo for years. Canada News today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.