To this end, CIC and NGOs are seeking group sponsorship in designated communities across Canada to provide the refugees emotional support and orientation about life in Canada and in the communities into which they will be moving. While the refugees are in the bases, we will be meeting with them to determine their needs and the most appropriate actions to assist them. Canada has a long history of sponsoring refugees. Both the federal government and private groups sponsor refugees. This involves such service as orientation and income support.
Some refugees however have needs which go beyond what is normally available.
Meeting these needs is done through partnership between the federal government and the private sponsorship group. The federal government provides up to 24 months of income support while the sponsorship groups facilitate integration by providing orientation and emotional support. Their number however is far beyond what Canada normally accepts. As a result, there is a need for more partnership groups than we have had in many years. These sponsoring groups will help refugee families adapt to their new surroundings and local communities.