The Provincial Government is calling for proposals from eligible organizations to support the settlement and integration of humanitarian migrants in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is part of an ongoing commitment to provide safe haven and support the integration of individuals seeking asylum when capacity is available.

Humanitarian migrants include individuals who have applied for refugee protection in Canada and are awaiting a decision on their claim. These individuals can live and work in Canada while their claims are being processed. Newfoundland and Labrador has agreed to assist the voluntary relocation of some humanitarian migrants currently residing in Ontario and Quebec, in collaboration with the Federal Government.

The Provincial Government will undertake intensive pre-arrival job matching that has proven to be a successful resettlement approach, as demonstrated by actions taken to welcome Ukrainians to Newfoundland and Labrador. This is an opportunity to assist local employers to meet labour market needs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador by hiring skilled humanitarian migrants.

The selected community partner will play a pivotal role in supporting housing, employment, and other essential services for these newcomers.

Eligible organizations must be non-profit or community-based entities registered in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a proven track record of working with newcomer populations. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to deliver services throughout the province, engage employers, promote community buy-in on immigration, and address the housing, employment and other settlement needs of humanitarian migrants.

This program aims to ensure that humanitarian migrants receive comprehensive support, including reception services, mental health referrals, long-term housing solutions, and employment assistance. The overarching goal is to help migrants achieve independence and community integration while addressing their immediate needs.

All proposals must be submitted electronically to settlement@gov.nl.ca by January 20, 2025.

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BACKGROUNDER

Program Overview
The Provincial Government is seeking a community partner to support the housing and indirect housing needs of humanitarian migrants who live in Newfoundland and Labrador and may arrive in this province through the current partnership between the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and the Government of Canada. Humanitarian migrants may be relocated throughout the province and, as such, this partner must have the ability and capacity to do the following:

• Deliver programs and services throughout the province.
• Develop housing, and/or hold mortgage(s) and/or lease(s) for the purposes of housing, and related property management activities.
• Ability to provide indirect housing supports such as:
  • Reception and conduct needs assessments.
  • Community navigation and connections.
  • Navigation and/or referral to mental health and other health supports.
  • Long-term housing search support.
• Provide employment supports such as pre-employment skills, job-search, job-matching, employment readiness and employment maintenance.
• Deliver a humanitarian approach to aid in the implementation and delivery of programs and policies that align with ultimate goals of community integration and independence for the clients.
• Ability to support employer and community engagement throughout the province.

Successful proposals will need to clearly demonstrate the organization’s capacity to engage employers, encourage community buy-in on immigration, and address the housing and settlement needs of humanitarian migrants.

Eligibility Criteria
Proposals are invited from organizations that:

• Are non-profit or community-based entities registered in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Have a proven track record of working with immigrant and refugee populations.
• Have a network or experience engaging with employers and housing providers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Have experience in delivering services that promote social integration, employability, and housing solutions for vulnerable groups.

Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• The organization’s experience and capacity to implement programs targeting vulnerable newcomer groups.
• A demonstrated ability to engage employers and foster community buy-in on immigration.
• The ability to deliver effective housing solutions, including working with housing providers and local authorities.
• A clear and feasible work plan, with measurable outcomes and timelines.
• A detailed budget.
• Commitment to collaboration with other community stakeholders, including local governments, service providers, and advocacy groups.

Application Instructions
All proposals must be submitted electronically to settlement@gov.nl.ca by January 20, 2025. The application must include:

• A project proposal outlining activities, outcomes, and budget.
• Evidence of community partnerships and employer engagement plans.
• A detailed work plan with timelines and measurable outcomes.