Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot Program extended

Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot Program extended

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Toronto Pride 2017 - file photo-mosaicedition.ca-ea
Toronto Pride 2017 - file photo-mosaicedition.ca-ea

March 23, 2018 – Ottawa, ON – Canada has renewed a cost-sharing agreement with Rainbow Refugee Society until March 31, 2020. As of April 1, additional funding of $100,000 will be made available to support refugees sponsored under the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot. 

The goal of the pilot is to increase awareness of the unique needs of LGBTQ2 refugees amongst Canadian sponsors, and to strengthen overall sponsorship of this vulnerable group. Through the pilot program, the Government of Canada and private sponsors have increased the number of LGBTQ2 refugees Canada has provided protection to in recent years.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that the Government will collaborate with Rainbow Refugee Society and LGBTQ2 stakeholders to increase the resettlement of LGBTQ2 refugees in Canada, along with developing a longer-term strategy to support the resettlement of this vulnerable group. 

 The Government will continue to work with LGBTQ2 stakeholders and key partners to help ensure the necessary supports are in place to make refugees’ integration in Canada as smooth as possible.

Our commitment to providing protection to the world’s most vulnerable people is fundamental to our identity as Canadians, and I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Pilot Program,” said Ahmed Hussen.

Toronto Pride 2017 - file photo-mosaicedition.ca-ea
Toronto Pride 2017 – file photo-mosaicedition.ca-ea

” LGTBQ2 refugees face unique settlement and integration challenges,” noted the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Toronto Pride 2017 - file photo mosaicedition.ca-ea
Toronto Pride 2017 – file photo mosaicedition.ca-ea

The funding provided through this initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada supports refugees’ initial costs when they first arrive in Canada. This includes start-up funds to buy clothes and basic household items. It also provides privately sponsored refugees with three months of income support for their first year; private sponsors provide the remaining nine months.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada currently funds 10 service provider organizations that give specialized support to LGBTQ2 refugees.

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