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Section II — Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

This section describes CIC's strategic outcomes and provides details on program activities with the related performance indicators and targets, 2010–2011 planning highlights, and benefits for Canadians. This section also presents the financial and non-financial resources that will be dedicated to each program activity.

Strategic Outcome 1: Migration that significantly benefits Canada's economic, social and cultural development, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Income from all sources (investment, employment earnings, self-employment and employment insurance) for skilled worker principal applicants after three years compared to Canadian benchmark	Principal applicant income is stabilized and/or improved relative to the Canadian benchmark by 2012

Immigration plays a significant role in shaping Canadian society and developing Canada's economy. CIC continues to promote Canada as a destination of choice for talent, innovation, investment and opportunity, and welcomes hundreds of thousands of permanent residents, temporary foreign workers, international students and visitors to Canada each year. CIC's challenge is to manage this movement of people while balancing goals of economic, social and cultural development and protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians. In the face of considerable volumes of applicants in both the temporary and permanent immigration streams, CIC must develop strategies to manage the multiple priorities and goals of the Immigration Program.

Since the introduction of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration in the fall of 2008, CIC has reduced the pre-February 27, 2008, backlog of federal skilled worker applications by over 30 percent and issued more than 10,000 visas for new applicants. The total federal skilled worker inventory, which includes those applications received both before and after February 28, 2008, has been reduced by 12 percent. With the legislative authority to limit the intake of new applications should the risk of new backlogs emerge, the Department has the means to ensure that the total federal skilled worker inventory continues to shrink and is eventually eliminated. In 2010–2011, CIC will build on this progress and continue to modernize the Immigration Program through analysis and monitoring of current programs and strengthened immigration planning. Key to this work will be a more robust process for establishing immigration levels over the medium term in collaboration with provinces and territories. This process will help balance competing priorities, in particular within the economic stream, and achieve greater predictability, as well as clarify roles and responsibilities related to the selection of immigrants.

CIC will maintain its commitment to family reunification and leadership in resettling refugees and people who need protection, thereby playing a significant role in upholding Canada's humanitarian tradition. CIC also works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) to attract international students to Canada.

To protect Canadians and to ensure that the benefits of a more responsive immigration system are not undermined, CIC will also continue to fulfil its role of identifying applicants for permanent or temporary immigration who could pose security or health risks to the country. CIC's success relies on effective partnerships with other departments and organizations—such as the CBSA, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the federal Department of Justice and Health Canada—and on CIC's own fraud detection and deterrence expertise.

To manage health issues related to immigration, CIC will continue to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in cooperation with the Public Health Agency of Canada, provinces and territories, and other partner countries. Any residual public health risks regarding the transmission of infectious diseases will be mitigated through the medical surveillance of newly arrived permanent and temporary residents, as required.

Canada's Immigration Plan for 2010

The levels set out in Canada's immigration plan for 2010 reflect the important role of immigration in supporting Canada's economic growth and prosperity. In addition, the plan fulfils the objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to reunite families and uphold Canada's international humanitarian obligations. To support Canada's economy as it recovers from the recession, the focus of the 2010 levels plan is on economic immigration. Further details on the ranges can be found in the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration 2009. [note 7]

Planning Ranges for 2010

Immigrant Category	Low Range	High Range
Economic Class
Federal Selected	89,000	95,200
Federal Skilled Workers	75%
Federal Business	10%
Canadian Experience Class	3%
Live-in Caregivers	12%
Quebec-selected Skilled Workers*	28,400	29,500
Quebec Business*	1,900	2,100
Provincial and Territorial Nominees	37,000	40,000
Total Economic	156,300	166,800
Family Class
Spouses, Partners and Children	42,000	45,000
Parents and Grandparents	15,000	18,000
Total Family	57,000	63,000
Protected Persons
Government-assisted Refugees	7,300	8,000
Privately Sponsored Refugees	3,300	6,000
Protected Persons in Canada and Dependants Abroad	9,000	12,000
Total Protected Persons	19,600	26,000
Others
Humanitarian and Compassionate/Public Policy	7,000	9,000
Permit Holders	100	200
Total Other	7,100	9,200
TOTAL	240,000	265,000

* Since the publication of the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration 2009, the Government of Quebec has updated the admission ranges for Quebec Skilled Workers and for Quebec Business to 32,000–33,900 and 1,800–2,000 respectively. This increase will be accommodated within the existing total planning range.

Program Activity 1 – Immigration Program [note 8]

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	129.4	136.2	139.3
Full-time Equivalents	1,275	1,259	1,266

Explanation of Change: Planned spending in 2011–2012 increases by $7 million over the previous year, mainly due to additional funding to modernize the immigration system and manage the backlog. This trend continues in 2012–2013 as planned spending rises another $3 million due to a further increase in the funding to modernize the immigration system and manage the backlog.

Expected Result

The arrival of permanent residents who contribute to Canada's economic, social and cultural development; and the protection of the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Labour market participation—employment rates for very recent immigrants (individuals who have been immigrants to Canada for less than five years) compared to the Canadian average	Improvement in participation rate relative to Canadian average by 2013
Number of permanent resident arrivals by category according to the immigration plan	Target ranges are set in the 2010 immigration plan

In 2010–2011, CIC will continue to focus on modernizing the Immigration Program and monitoring progress on the commitments of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration. Under 2008 amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has the authority to issue instructions establishing priorities for processing certain categories of applications. To improve this process, CIC will analyse the impact of the first set of Ministerial Instructions, [note 9] including a gender-based analysis component, and continue to monitor the commitments and activities funded through Budget 2008. The Department will also continue to advance policy work to strengthen immigration planning and the federal skilled worker points system, and to address the alleged misconduct of third-party intermediaries (immigration consultants).

CIC aligns the selection of new immigrants with Canada's labour market needs, while supporting family reunification objectives. Labour market participation of new immigrants is an important indicator of the success of the Immigration Program. Employment also helps to accelerate a new immigrant's integration into Canadian society.

To protect the safety and security of Canadians, CIC will continue to work with the CBSA, the RCMP and CSIS to ensure the appropriate background screening of immigrants. With the support of public security and anti-terrorism funding, CIC will contribute to national and border security through the Permanent Resident Card Program, which provides permanent residents with a secure status document that complies with international travel document standards.

Through the ongoing management of health risks and by screening applicants for medical conditions that are likely to be a danger to public health and safety or are expected to cause excessive demand on health and social services, CIC will continue to ensure that immigration does not threaten the health and safety of Canadians.

Benefits for Canadians

Immigration continues to have a significant influence on Canadian society and economic development. The tens of thousands of permanent residents who arrive in Canada every year and begin building their new lives by integrating into their communities and the economy are enhancing Canada's social fabric and contributing to labour market growth. Changes that strengthen the integrity of the Immigration Program and that modernize and improve the immigration system will benefit Canada by more effectively targeting the skills needed by Canadian employers and admitting more quickly those individuals with needed skills, thereby strengthening the economy. Through family sponsorship, Canadians and permanent residents are able to reunite with family members.

Program Activity 2 – Temporary Resident Program [note 10]

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	114.2	109.8	119.4
Full-time Equivalents	682	642	656

Explanation of Change: Planned spending in 2011–2012 decreases by $4 million compared with the previous year. Although funding for the biometrics project increases, this increase has been offset by reduced funding for the imposition of a visa requirement on Mexico and the sunsetting of funding related to the International Experience Canada initiative.

In 2012–2013, planned spending increases by $10 million due to additional resources for the Temporary Resident Biometrics Project.

Expected Result

The arrival of temporary residents who contribute to Canada's economic, social and cultural development; and the protection of the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Number of foreign workers by skill level (arrivals)	Anticipated demand: 185,000 – 220,000 persons
Number of foreign students by level of education (arrivals)	Anticipated demand: 85,000 – 95,000 persons
Number of temporary resident visas issued	Anticipated demand: 820,000 visas
Number of temporary resident applications processed by category	Anticipated demand: 380,000 foreign worker applications 160,000 foreign student applications 1,025,000 visitor visa applications

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)—jointly administered by CIC, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), the CBSA and the Quebec Ministère de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles—allows employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis when Canadians or permanent residents are not available. Changing demographics and growth in the economy resulted in a surge in the program between 2004 and 2008. Since 2004, admissions have increased by 71 percent in response to growing employer demand. Applications for temporary work permits diminished somewhat in 2008 and 2009 with the economic slowdown. As Canada's economy continues to recover in 2010, employer demand for temporary foreign workers is expected to remain strong in the next few years. CIC continues to make regulatory changes to the TFWP to address issues, such as program worker protection and employer compliance with program requirements.

Canada has introduced a number of initiatives to attract and retain international students, recognizing the economic, social and cultural benefits that international students bring to the country. In contrast to the recent decline in temporary foreign workers, the number of student admissions and demand for study permits actually increased during the recession. As part of Canada's commitment to attract international students, CIC will continue to support DFAIT in its efforts to promote Canada as a destination of choice for international students. Recent changes to work permit programs for international students during their term of studies and after graduation, combined with the launch of the Canadian Experience Class, will also serve as tools to attract and retain top students from foreign countries. In addition, CIC will continue implementation of a range of on-line services for international students. CIC will also work with provinces, territories and stakeholders to improve program integrity measures for international students who are participating in work permit programs to ensure that these students are primarily in Canada to study and are maintaining satisfactory academic standing.

In 2009, the Canadian visa offices in India partnered with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges to introduce the Student Partners Program. This pilot program has two main objectives: to increase the approval rate for study permit applications destined for participating colleges, and to ensure that Canada's immigration system is not abused or subjected to fraud through this program. The primary tools to meet these objectives are: (a) a streamlined but more demanding set of verifiable support documents; (b) a commitment by member colleges to report back concerning the attendance status of students; and (c) single points of contact and dedicated communication channels to manage information flow. To date, the pilot program has been extremely successful. The 20 participating institutions have seen significant improvements in both processing times and approval rates for study permits issued, with relatively few cases of concern for abuse or fraud.

It is important to highlight that entries under temporary resident streams (workers, international students and visitors) are largely driven by demand and fluctuate from year to year. In 2008, CIC received visitor visa applications from over one million people, temporary foreign worker applications from almost 376,000 people and student applications from over 165,000 people. Applications in temporary streams are often time-sensitive, and there are no planned targets (minimum or maximum number of arrivals) nor is there a mechanism to limit the number of applications received. As a result, changes in volumes for temporary streams can affect CIC's overall processing capacity, increase processing times and constrain the ability to deliver on permanent resident targets. To ensure CIC delivers on permanent resident targets, CIC assigns locally engaged staff and temporary duty resources to alleviate additional seasonal pressures in the temporary resident streams.

Addressing concerns for border integrity and security, Canada announced funding, in Budget 2008, to introduce the use of biometrics data to verify the identity of foreign nationals in the visa-issuing process. The Temporary Resident Biometrics Project will strengthen identity management by making relevant and reliable identity information available to CIC visa officers and CBSA border officers; reduce the likelihood that known inadmissible persons gain entry to Canada; reduce program abuses; and facilitate the processing of legitimate travellers to Canada from countries requiring visas. [note 11] Under the auspices of the Five Country Conference, the governments of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand signed a joint declaration to pursue biometric data sharing for immigration purposes [note 12].

Benefits for Canadians

Temporary foreign workers make economic, social and cultural contributions to Canada. They help generate growth for a number of Canadian industries by meeting short-term and acute needs in the labour market that could not easily be filled by the domestic labour force. International students contribute economically as consumers and help to enrich the fabric of Canadian society and culture through their diverse experiences and talents. Once experienced and trained in Canada, certain temporary workers and international students represent a key talent pool to be retained as immigrants through programs like the Canadian Experience Class. Tourists create a demand for services in the hospitality sector, while Canadian businesses benefit from the specialized expertise of business visitors.

The implementation of the Temporary Resident Biometrics Project will allow overseas visa officers and border service officers to make informed decisions based on accurate identity and immigration admissibility information, and it will permit border service officers to verify applicants' identity at Canada's ports of entry. As a result, the Government of Canada will be in a better position to reduce identity fraud, enhance the safety and security of Canadians through strengthened criminality screening, and facilitate the processing of legitimate applicants by confirming identity promptly.

Strategic Outcome 2: International recognition and acceptance of the principles of managed migration consistent with Canada's broader foreign policy agenda, and protection of refugees in Canada

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Number of protected persons and Convention refugees granted permanent residence	19,600 to 26,000 persons, as identified in the 2010 immigration plan
Percentage of positions initiated or supported by Canada that are eventually reflected in international policy debate	CIC responds to ad hoc requests

The overarching objectives of CIC's second strategic outcome are to promote the Canadian vision of managed migration internationally and to offer Canada's protection to those in need. Managed migration has long-term benefits, such as minimized risks for the countries of destination as well as the migrants; viable programs that address labour market issues and demographics; and improved economic benefits for all stakeholders. Internationally, migration and humanitarian issues continue to gain the attention of governments, bilateral and multilateral forums, non-governmental organizations, and academic and other research institutes. CIC is expanding its leadership role in framing and advancing important international migration policy, protection and governance dialogues. These dialogues explore the links between migration policy and development assistance, health, environment, trade and human capital flows. Given the complexity of these links, CIC works in partnership, both domestically and internationally, to develop and implement a strategic agenda on global migration and protection, and to identify opportunities for advancing Canada's policy and program priorities.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the end of 2008, there were some 42 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including 15.2 million refugees and 827,000 asylum-seekers (pending cases). Canada partners with other countries and with international and civil society organizations to come to the aid of displaced individuals. Canada works closely with the UNHCR to search for durable solutions for refugees, especially those in protracted refugee situations. Every year, Canada resettles 10,000 to 12,000—or one out of every 10—of the refugees resettled globally, and offers protection to many more who come to Canada seeking refugee protection. CIC will continue to engage with stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to develop and implement timely, efficient and effective refugee protection policies and programs.

Program Activity 3 – Canada's Role in International Migration and Protection

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	4.0	4.0	4.0
Full-time Equivalents	18	18	18

Expected Result

Canada influences the international policy debate as part of its responsibilities with respect to international migration and refugee protection.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Number and description of new or renewed international agreements and/or other arrangements led, undertaken or established (multilateral, regional, bilateral, including international organizations)	CIC responds to ad hoc requests; not possible to forecast demand accurately

For the period 2010–2013, CIC will continue to refine its strategy for international engagement. The Department will also define its strategic migration policy agenda for targeted international regions, and it will manage and direct Canada's participation in key international forums regarding migration. CIC will continue to represent Canada's immigration interests in major international meetings and negotiations; it will effectively align departmental and government positions and engage other governments by encouraging mutually beneficial exchanges that promote increased understanding of migration trends and perspectives. CIC will also continue to monitor international developments that affect the arrival of refugees in the country and expand its international asylum dialogue with other governments. Canada will continue to support the search for durable solutions to refugee situations internationally, in particular protracted refugee situations, through multilateral organizations and other diplomatic channels.

Benefits for Canadians

Developments in international migration affect Canada's economic, social and cultural fabric, as well as the capacity to travel and conduct trade internationally. Policies and programs that affect the international movement of people—across Canada's borders and outside them—also have a direct bearing on the safety and security of Canada and Canadians at large, whether they are at home or travelling abroad.

Canada, as a recognized international leader in migration management, has the opportunity and responsibility to play a strategic role in global migration forums. In recent years, as more countries have developed immigration and refugee programs, the profile of migration management has risen steadily—a trend that is expected to continue, if not accelerate—and is likely to lead to increased competition for skilled migrants.

Through its active participation in international forums, Canada demonstrates leadership in the areas of refugee protection, human rights and the promotion of cultural diversity. This leadership supports efforts to ensure greater human security and to influence the international policy agenda related to migration management and protection. It ensures that Canada can continue to shape the future of its immigration and refugee programs, as well as preserve its ability to set immigration policies to meet its economic, social, cultural and humanitarian objectives, in accordance with its legal and international obligations. It will also permit Canada to foster better managed migration principles internationally by sharing its insights, experience and vision. Canada's continued involvement in international forums will strengthen intergovernmental relationships and international networks, particularly with the United States, Mexico, and Central American and European states.

Program Activity 4 – Refugee Program [note 15]

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	102.4	80.3	80.3
Full-time Equivalents	113	108	108

Explanation of Change: Planned spending under the Refugee Program includes expenditures to cover health care for refugee claimants under the Interim Federal Health Program. Spending for the Interim Federal Health Program is expected to be at the same level or higher than 2010–2011 and previous years. However, the planned spending table for 2011–2012 and beyond does not yet reflect these additional requirements.

Expected Result

Persons in need of protection and Convention refugees are protected by Canada by upholding our international obligations and humanitarian traditions, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Number of protected persons and Convention refugees granted permanent residence by category	CIC to admit refugees and protected persons in numbers that align with 2010 Immigration Levels Plan ranges: 19,600-26,000

Canada has a long history as a tolerant, compassionate and humanitarian nation, and lives up to these values through the Refugee Program. As a signatory to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Canada has a legal obligation to provide safe haven to individuals in need of protection. This obligation is reflected in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. With non-governmental partners, Canada operates one of the largest refugee resettlement programs in the world. The growing role of the private sponsorship community within the Canadian resettlement program is indicative of the commitment among Canadians to humanitarian work.

CIC has set a target range for admissions in 2010 of 7,300–8,000 for government-assisted refugees and 3,300–6,000 for privately sponsored refugees. Programs and policies related to the Resettlement Program will continue to be reviewed, in cooperation with partners and stakeholders, to improve refugee settlement outcomes.

For 2010, CIC anticipates that 9,000–12,000 individuals in Canada and their dependants abroad will be granted permanent residence in Canada as Convention refugees or persons in need of protection. These targets are based on the number of claims made in previous years and the number of claims anticipated to be finalized by the Immigration and Refugee Board. [note16] The asylum system faces a number of challenges, including a growing inventory that results in longer processing times. In response, Canada has taken measures to address processing times to ensure applicants' needs are being met in a timely manner. In 2010–2011, CIC will continue to focus on reviewing policies and programs for refugees and protected persons in order to provide protection where needs are greatest and to ensure program integrity.

The Interim Federal Health (IFH) Program provides temporary health coverage for refugee claimants, asylum seekers, Convention refugees, victims of human trafficking and persons under detention by the CBSA. Coverage is provided to those who demonstrate a financial need and do not qualify for provincial or territorial health coverage. Through a network of 18,000 registered health-care providers across Canada, the IFH Program will continue to provide coverage to approximately 110,000 beneficiaries. Pressure arising from the costs of the IFH Program continues to grow as a result of the increase in the number of refugee claimants and extensions in the period of coverage due to longer processing times. If this situation continues, CIC expects additional increases in the cost of the program in the coming years. In 2010–2011, CIC will review its IFH Program and related policies as it continues to strengthen the accountability framework.

Benefits for Canadians

Promoting human rights and refugee protection has been an expression of Canada's humanitarian tradition since the Second World War. CIC plays a significant role in upholding Canada's international obligations and humanitarian tradition with regard to refugees, and promotes Canadian values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Strengthening Canada's refugee programs and demonstrating its continued leadership in refugee protection, human rights and the promotion of cultural diversity, through active participation in various international and regional forums and partnerships, will support Canada's broader contributions to a safe and secure world.

Strategic Outcome 3: Successful integration of newcomers into society and promotion of Canadian citizenship

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Income from all sources (investment, employment earnings, self-employment and employment insurance) for all immigration categories after five years and after 10 years, compared to Canadian benchmark	Improvement in immigrant incomes relative to Canadian average by 2012
Social participation measured by donor and volunteer rates	Maintain or improve on current levels of 80% giving and 20% volunteerism by immigrants
Increased participation of new and established Canadians in citizenship events	15% of citizenship events will be held off-site annually by 2011

CIC develops policies and programs to support the settlement, refugee resettlement and longer-term integration of newcomers into Canadian society and acquisition of citizenship. Settlement policies and programming, developed through the Integration Program, set the stage for newcomers' participation and contribution to Canada. As immigrants and refugees seek to overcome challenges specific to settling in a new country, settlement programming provides support to maximize newcomers' potential and realize their aspirations, eventually leading to their full participation and citizenship in Canadian society. In Canada, welcoming newcomers and assisting with settlement and longer-term integration is a shared effort; the achievement of this strategic outcome, therefore, depends on partnerships and contributions from the federal government, provinces, territories, employers, service providers, community organizations and others.

To better support the integration of newcomers into Canadian society, the Multiculturalism Program has three objectives: to build an integrated, socially cohesive society; to improve the responsiveness of institutions to the needs of a diverse population; and to actively engage in discussions on multiculturalism and diversity at the international level.

The acquisition of citizenship is a significant step in the integration process, as it invests newcomers with the full range of Canadian rights and responsibilities and fosters their sense of belonging to Canada. This process takes place in the context of a broader sense of citizenship that is shared by all Canadians. Supporting citizenship involves providing an environment where civic participation and the expression of identity are fostered through various tools for promoting and celebrating citizenship and through enhancing the meaning of Canadian citizenship. CIC will continue its efforts to promote Canadian citizenship and its meaning and integrity. The objective is to increase civic literacy and a sense of belonging for both new immigrants and individuals who are Canadian-born. To that effect, greater focus is being brought to Canadian values and history, institutions that shape Canada, and the rights and responsibilities associated with Canadian citizenship.

Program Activity 5 – Integration Program [note 17]

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	1,013.4	1,023.2	1,023.2
Full-time Equivalents	415	414	415

Explanation of Change: Planned spending in 2010–2011 is $10 million lower than in subsequent years due to a temporary transfer to other program activities to support the implementation of the Global Case Management System.

Expected Result

Newcomers contribute to the economic, social and cultural development needs of Canada.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Labour market participation—Employment rate compared to Canadian average after five years and after 10 years	Improvement in participation rate relative to Canadian average by 2012

Canada's approach to integration is one that encourages a process of mutual accommodation and adjustment by both newcomers and the larger society. Newcomers' understanding of and respect for basic Canadian values, coupled with Canadians' understanding of and respect for the cultural diversity that newcomers bring to Canada, is fundamental to this approach. As well, the cooperation of governments, stakeholders and other players, such as employers and volunteers, in providing newcomers with the support they need for successful economic and social integration helps Canada realize the full benefits of immigration.

Through agreements with CIC, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec are responsible for the design, delivery and administration of settlement services in their respective jurisdictions, supported by federal funding. In all other jurisdictions, CIC manages settlement services, with different forms of co-management in Alberta and Ontario. CIC will continue to support the settlement, resettlement, adaptation and integration of newcomers to Canada by moving toward the full implementation of a modernized approach that is outcome-based and responsive to newcomer needs. [note 18] Enhanced delivery of orientation, adaptation and language programs will: provide support and services to assist in the settlement and long-term integration of newcomers; help newcomers contribute to the economic, social, cultural and civic development needs of Canada; and encourage participation by a range of players, such as employers and volunteers, in the provision of settlement services and the fostering of welcoming communities for newcomers.

The development of tools to measure the impacts of settlement and resettlement programs will further strengthen public confidence in Canada's support to newcomers, including refugees. Engaging stakeholders in formal program evaluations and in the development of performance measurement indicators will ensure that partners delivering programs understand their accountability for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of CIC-funded programs, and for promoting social inclusion.

Canada's Economic Action Plan

After the First Ministers' Meeting in January 2009, Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP) [note 19] committed to supporting CIC's Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) [note 20] and the Foreign Credential Recognition Program of HRSDC, in partnership with provinces and territories, to develop a pan-Canadian framework on foreign credential recognition. This framework will support the efforts of governments in the development of a common approach to foreign credential recognition, including timely assessment and recognition. This approach would enable internationally trained individuals to be better and more quickly integrated in the Canadian labour market, and at levels commensurate with their skills and experience. The CEAP allocated $50 million over two years to CIC and HRSDC. [note 21] Of this amount, CIC received $13.7 million for 2009–2011.

In 2010–2011 and beyond, the FCRO will continue to work with its federal partners, provinces and territories, and key stakeholders to ensure the success of the framework's implementation, beginning with initial target occupations by December 2010. The FCRO will play an important role in the development of tools and initiatives that will improve pre-arrival information and processes, beginning overseas, for regulated occupations, where feasible. Implementation of the framework will include reporting by all parties.

In expanding and enhancing its pre-arrival and overseas services, the FCRO will build on current Government of Canada offerings in India, China and the Philippines by October 2010. The services will be extended to a broader group of immigrants, including both the federal skilled worker and provincial nominee categories and their dependants. These services will be expanded to the United Kingdom (London) in 2011, which will include off-site and virtual services to the British Isles, Scandinavia and the Persian Gulf. The FCRO is currently developing indicators to measure the performance of the pre-arrival and overseas services.

The FCRO will strengthen on-line offerings to share best practices and expand integration services and tools for newcomers through the development and launch of a website, the Pan-Canadian Information Centre. The FCRO will continue to work with key stakeholders, including provinces and territories, regulatory bodies, postsecondary institutions, employer associations, and immigrant-serving organizations, to develop the website, which is scheduled to be launched in December 2010.

Benefits for Canadians

CIC's Integration Program is an integral part of Canada's immigration system and contributes to creating an integrated society. The successful settlement of newcomers influences their long-term success in Canada and, ultimately, has an impact on all Canadians. In addressing newcomers' needs, CIC helps them to realize their goals and make enduring contributions to their new communities and to Canadian life. Newcomers' participation and contributions help enrich Canada's society, economy and communities, to the benefit of the country's prosperity.

Program Activity 6 – Citizenship Program [note 26]

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	62.0	60.8	54.5
Full-time Equivalents	421	421	418

Explanation of Change: Planned spending in 2012–2013 is $6 million lower than the previous year, primarily due to the sunsetting of funding for the Community Historical Recognition Program.

Expected Result

Citizens' full participation in Canadian society.

Performance Indicators	Targets for 2010
Number and percentage of people who take up citizenship from permanent residence	Maintain or improve on current rate of 85% of permanent residents who become naturalized citizens
Number of citizenship grant and proof applications processed—positive and negative decisions	Minimum of 170,000 grants and 38,000 proofs

Changing immigration patterns have generated significant growth in cultural and religious diversity in Canada. Although Canada has successfully embraced diversity as a source of strength, challenges associated with integration remain. For 2010–2011, work will continue on implementing the Department's new multiculturalism objectives with the ultimate goal of building an integrated society where all citizens can participate to their full potential.

Canada has one of the highest naturalization rates in the world, which is a strong indicator of the recognition of the value of Canadian citizenship. Given the high demand for citizenship services and other factors, such as changing rules for dual citizenship in other countries, the number of applications for citizenship grants and proofs has exceeded current processing capacity levels. The inventory of proof applications, in particular, is at an all-time high and exceeds one year's processing capacity. In addition, proof application intake is expected to remain high in 2010–2011, given the ongoing impacts of the coming into force, in April 2009, of Bill C-37. This bill restored citizenship to many people who had previously lost it and gave Canadian citizenship to children who never had it and who were born outside Canada in the first generation to a Canadian parent. CIC will continue to explore measures that will bring greater efficiency to program delivery and client service, including ways to streamline processing using web-based tools.

Citizenship is not only about legal status, but also about civic pride, participation, knowledge and endorsement of fundamental Canadian values. Accordingly, CIC has developed a Citizenship Action Plan comprising various initiatives to enhance the meaning of Canadian citizenship and the integrity of the Citizenship Program. To that effect, CIC launched in November 2009 its revised citizenship guide used by citizenship applicants to study for the knowledge test. The new guide puts more emphasis on Canadian values, history and institutions, as well as the rights and responsibilities associated with Canadian citizenship. Accordingly, CIC is revising the citizenship knowledge test to align it with the new study guide and is examining ways to ensure adequate proficiency in English or French. The Citizenship Action Plan also aims to improve program efficiency and build on progress already achieved, such as implementation of a strengthened evidence-based policy framework and amendments to the Citizenship Act to address specific citizenship issues.

Benefits for Canadians

Canadian citizenship, with its inherent rights and obligations, is the shared status that brings Canadians together and forms the foundation of Canada as a nation. The Citizenship Program contributes to a diverse society that promotes multiculturalism and social cohesion. This is achieved by granting citizenship to eligible newcomers and by enhancing the values and promoting the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship for all Canadians.

Promotional activities—such as Celebrate Citizenship Week, the Citation for Citizenship Award, reaffirmation ceremonies and citizenship ceremonies that take place in community settings—contribute to a wider appreciation of the value of citizenship and a shared sense of belonging and attachment to Canada for all Canadians. CIC encourages the participation of all Canadians in fostering an integrated society by supporting public education and promotional activities that address all forms of racism and promote historical and intercultural understanding. These types of initiatives help Canadians gain knowledge, develop strategies, and address challenges and opportunities related to multiculturalism, intercultural understanding, facing and learning about Canadian history, civic memory and pride, respect for core democratic values, and promotion of equal opportunity for all Canadians. The ultimate benefit is a more integrated and socially cohesive Canadian society.

Internal Services

Financial and Human Resources

	2010–2011	2011–2012	2012–2013
Planned Spending ($ millions)	136.3	135.3	135.9
Full-time Equivalents	1,091	1,091	1,091

CIC's internal services are groups of activities and resources that help the Department achieve its strategic outcomes. Internal services apply across CIC and are not linked specifically to a program. These services include management and oversight, communications, legal, human resources management, financial management, information management, information technology, real property, materiel, acquisition, and travel and other administrative services.

To ensure that CIC delivers quality external services and provides results to Canadians and international clients, employees must be supported with quality internal services. In 2010–2011, CIC will continue to implement its internal service agenda by developing standards for internal services to provide staff with a framework of accountability and transparency so they know what they can expect from such services. CIC will also continue to work toward implementation of periodic measurement of client satisfaction to ensure that internal services are designed around employee needs and continuously evolve in response to client feedback.

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