Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)

Welcoming

RAP is designed to ensure that refugee newcomers experience a safe, supported, and dignified beginning to their new lives in Canada. This program supports Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs), Joint Assistance Sponsorship (JAS) clients, One-Year Window (OYW) arrivals, and secondary arrivals.

What We Do

RAP strives to ensure that every refugee newcomer feels welcomed and supported from the moment of arrival, gains confidence navigating essential services independently, is connected to long-term community resources, and begins their resettlement journey with dignity, safety, and hope.

Airport Reception & Immediate Support

Warm airport reception and transportation
Temporary accommodation in fully-furnished reception suites or hotels
Meals, groceries, bedding, and basic necessities provided
Immediate interpretation support
Initial needs assessment for individualized planning

Essential Settlement Support

RAP provides step-by-step assistance to complete the critical first tasks:

Applications for:
- Health Card
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Bank account setup
- IRCC monthly income support
Assistance with securing safe and appropriate permanent housing
Support with lease agreements, utilities, and internet installation
Guidance to access government benefits:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
- GST/HST credit
- Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
- Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Introduction to Canadian banking, budgeting, and cost of living
Orientation to public transit and community navigation

Life Skills Training at Temporary & Permanent Housing

Life Skills instruction focuses on practical skills for independent living, delivered at both temporary reception suites and permanent accommodations.

IRCC Immediate & Essential Orientation Topics

Communication & Media
Household Management
Linguistic Duality & Francophone/Acadian Community Orientation
Public Transportation & Local Community Use
Canadian Weather
Rights & Responsibilities
Canadian Law & Justice
Family Law
Culture Shock & Cultural Adaptation
Cultural Norms & Expectations

Education & Language Support

Language assessment (LARC)
Enrollment in LINC language classes
School registration assistance through SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools)

Community Connections & Referrals

RAP links clients to numerous SODS and community supports:

Employment services
Men Like Me Program
Men’s & Women’s Programs
Parenting programs (Parent Talk)
Youth mentorship, senior groups
Driving supports and transportation guidance
Discover Canada sessions, Conversation Circles
Volunteer opportunities and leadership development
Social events, cultural outings, and community engagement activities

Note: Digital literacy tablet program is currently discontinued.

Health Navigation Support

Referrals to PATH for coordinated health support
Translation for healthcare access
SODS Emergency Health Services to assist clients with urgent medical concerns and immediate healthcare coordination