Resolution number
11
Whereas
- Settlement workers provide essential services in providing support during transition and adaptation of immigrants and refugees;
- Settlement workers have immense linguistic, cultural and crosscultural skills that are in demand by both the host community and immigrants and refugees;
- The majority of settlement workers are immigrants, visible minorities and women;
- Two of the four priority groups as identified by the federal government's employment equity plan are visible minorities and women;
- The ISAP contracts provided by the Department of Immigration to settlement agencies refuse to acknowledge and/or provide funding for any benefits except those mandated by law (i.e. CPP and UIC);
- Settlement agencies are independent and should not be subject to government wage freezes;
Therefore be it resolved
That the CCR write to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration urging him to fully recognize Settlement Worker skills by providing funds to allow settlement agencies to implement an adequate salary structure and benefit package including health and retirement plans.
Working Group
Immigration and Settlement