January 24, 2011

The Honourable Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada
1168 137 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2J 6T6

Dear Minister Kenney

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is the national voice for over 18,500 social workers in Canada, and promotes excellence in social work practice, education, and research.  Social Workers are recognized professionals that deliver critical, necessary, and valued services to thousands of Canadians on a daily basis. 

In this regard, social workers are on the front line of delivering critical services to the most vulnerable in our society. Of serious concern to CASW is the recent announcement by Citizenship and Immigration Canada that $53 million is being cut from settlement programs, $43 million from Ontario agencies alone. 

From the perspective of CASW, immigrant services provide necessary gateways to accessing affordable and suitable housing, engaging in community, accessing social service supports and importantly, developing the skills necessary to compete for employment in Canada. Research shows that recent immigrants are more likely to be living in unacceptable housing conditions as compared to non-immigrants. 

The short-sightedness of this decision is appalling given the critical support immigrant services provide to new Canadians transitioning into our economy and especially unwarranted given that new Canadians are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the most recent economic downturn while concurrently having the least opportunities to engage in our economy as it rebuilds.

Given these realties, CASW is appealing to the Government of Canada to revisit and overturn its decision and to restore the $53 million being cut from settlement programs across Canada.

Thank you for your time in reviewing this critical decision to the future of Canada.

Sincerely,

 

Darlene MacDonald, MSW, RSW
President, CASW 

cc: Justin Trudeau, Liberal, Immigration Critic

Olivia Chow, NDP Citizenship & Immigration Critic

Thierry St-Cyr, Bloc Québécois en matière de citoyenneté et immigration

CASW Member Organizations