Evaluation of settlement service programs for newcomers in ontario: A geographical perspective

This article presents an evaluation of the two largest settlement programs—LINC and ISAP—in the province of Ontario in terms of their geographical distribution and funding allocation and in relation to the settlement patterns of new immigrants. This study found that the current locations of both programs largely match the settlement patterns of newcomers in Ontario. However, in the Toronto CMA, where over 75% of Ontario's newcomers live, settlement services remain concentrated in the historical immigrant reception area of the City of Toronto, although many new immigrant groups settle directly in suburbia. Adoption of the proposed National Allocation Formula for Ontario would reduce the disparities, but a modified model is needed for more equitable allocation of services and resources. This study should have useful policy implications. Because the Canadian government is contemplating new policies that would require future newcomers to move to smaller urban centres or rural towns to reduce overconcentration in large metropolitan areas, equitable provision of settlement services in these centres and towns will become more important.