Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Targets for 2024 and Beyond Series - Part 3 Support Programs for Refugees in Canada

What Is the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)?

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is designed to offer immediate and critical support to government-assisted refugees when they first arrive in Canada. These services aim to help refugees navigate the initial challenges of starting life in a new country, providing them with guidance, essential resources, and financial support to cover basic needs.

The RAP ensures that refugees receive help with several important aspects of their lives, allowing them to settle more easily and confidently in their new community.

Key Services Provided to Government-Assisted Refugees

When refugees arrive in Canada through the RAP, they gain access to several vital services, all aimed at making their transition smoother and ensuring that they have the support they need. These services include:

Greeting at the Airport: Upon arrival, government-assisted refugees are met at the airport by service providers who guide them through the initial process of resettlement. This warm reception helps ease the immediate stress and confusion of arriving in a new country.
Temporary Housing: Refugees are provided with temporary housing while they search for a more permanent place to live. This support gives them time to adjust and make informed decisions about where to settle long-term.
Help Finding Permanent Housing: Assistance is offered to find suitable permanent housing, which includes guidance on understanding local housing markets, rental agreements, and tenant rights.
Registration for Mandatory Federal and Provincial Programs: Refugees receive help registering for essential programs, such as health insurance, social assistance, and other provincial or federal support services, which are crucial for their well-being.
Orientation to the Community: One of the key supports provided is orientation to the local community. This includes providing important contacts for safety and emergency services, introducing refugees to their new city, and helping them navigate important public systems like education, transportation, and health care. Additionally, orientation sessions explain Canadian customs, laws, and the local climate, giving refugees the tools they need to adapt.
Financial Literacy Support: Refugees often need guidance on managing their finances in a new country. The RAP offers basic financial assistance, including help with budgeting, opening bank accounts, and using debit and credit cards. This ensures refugees can manage their money effectively as they start their new lives.
Life Skills Support: For refugees who may have higher needs, RAP also offers life skills training. This can range from helping individuals navigate everyday activities in Canada to offering more specific support related to their unique circumstances.
Referrals to Other Refugee Programs: In cases where refugees need additional services or support beyond what RAP provides, they can be referred to other local programs tailored to their specific needs. This ensures that no one falls through the cracks and that specialized assistance is available where necessary.

Financial Support Through RAP

In addition to the vital services mentioned above, RAP also provides eligible refugees with financial support. This can include both a one-time household start-up allowance and monthly income support payments. These payments help refugees cover their basic needs, such as food, rent, and clothing, as they transition to their new environment.

The amount of financial support given depends on the provincial social assistance rates in the province where the refugee settles. Generally, these financial supports are available for up to one year or until the refugee can financially support themselves, whichever comes first.

The household start-up allowance covers essential items needed to set up a household, such as furniture, bedding, and kitchen utensils. Meanwhile, the monthly income support payment helps refugees meet their daily living expenses as they settle into their new life.

Importance of RAP for Refugees

The support provided through RAP is a lifeline for newly arrived refugees. Without these services, the transition into Canadian society could be significantly more challenging. Navigating a new culture, learning how to access health care, understanding the education system, and securing employment are all difficult processes for anyone moving to a new country. RAP’s combination of financial aid and practical support ensures that refugees do not have to face these challenges alone.

Recommendations for Improving RAP

While the RAP is a comprehensive program, it could benefit from a few enhancements:

Expand Access to Language Support: Although orientation services are helpful, providing refugees with early access to language learning resources can significantly accelerate their integration into Canadian society.
Increase the Duration of Financial Assistance: Given the complexities of finding employment, particularly for refugees who may need language training or skill development, extending the period of financial assistance beyond one year could give families a more stable foundation.
Tailored Employment Support: Offering employment counseling and job skills training as a core service within the RAP could be a valuable addition. Helping refugees enter the workforce more quickly would provide them with greater financial independence sooner.

Conclusion

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is a vital component of Canada’s refugee support system, offering essential services and financial support to government-assisted refugees during their first year in the country. By providing help with housing, community orientation, financial literacy, and more, RAP sets refugees on the path to success in their new lives. With some enhancements, such as extended financial aid or expanded language training, the program could become even more effective in supporting refugees’ long-term integration into Canadian society.