Settlement Services

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides immediate and essential support to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) who are selected overseas on the basis of their need for protection through Canada’s Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. RAP, which is separate from the Settlement Program, provides a bridge to assist incoming refugees in their settlement and community integration journey. While we provide needed support for GARs, all settlement services are available to every newcomer residing or moving to Sault Ste. Marie.

Under RAP, GARs are provided with immediate resettlement assistance, orientation services and income support upon arrival in Canada within the first 4 – 6 weeks they arrive. Financial support is administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered directly to clients. Other services such as assistance at reception centres, the provision of temporary accommodation, help in finding permanent housing and orientation to life in Canada are provided by Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) through Contribution Agreements. Using a hub and spoke model, the Sault Community Career Centre has partnered with Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA) for the RAP program.

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) program services include:

• Airport reception
• Temporary and Long-term accommodation
• Referrals to health care services
• Linking clients to federal and provincial programs such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), etc.
• Orientation on housing, education, health, employment, etc.
• Financial orientation
• Life skills training and support
• Help with Immigration related applications
• Language assessment
• Referrals to other essential services in the community

We work towards moving refugees to a healthy state of independence by creating an inclusive and accessible environment.