How is Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) funding used?
Approximately 25% of the budget goes to RAP service providers in 23 cities across Canada. These are non-profit organizations that provide for the immediate and essential needs of GARs, such as reception at the airport on arrival; temporary accommodation for the first week or two in Canada; orientation on living in Canada in general and their city/neighbourhood in particular; assistance in applying for Social Insurance Number, provincial health, bank account, Child Tax Benefit, etc; assistance in finding permanent accommodation; and referral to other programs such as language training. RAP funds also support port of entry services to support resettled refugees transiting through Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. Approximately 75% of the budget goes to providing income support to GARs, generally for 12 months or until they become self-sufficient.
