Report on Performance
Part II: Multiculturalism and Immigration
Performance Plan Summary
Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance Measures
Goal: Full participation of immigrants in social and economic opportunities2
Immigration continues to play an important role in the province's social and economic development, and it has created a dynamic,
open and diverse society that has enriched the social and cultural fabric of B.C. Through leadership, partnerships, strategic
influences, and program development and delivery, the Ministry coordinates activities to meet the province's interests in
multiculturalism, anti racism, settlement and immigration.
Objective: Improved settlement and socio-economic outcomes for immigrants
Core Business Area: Multiculturalism and Immigration, Executive and Support Services
Enabling and expediting the settlement of immigrants directly benefits immigrants and their local communities. The Ministry will build community capacity to support new immigrants and refugees through language training, settlement and adaptation services.
| Performance Measure | 2004/05 Actual | 2005/06 Target | 2005/06 Actual | Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of recent immigrants in language training who report greater ability to use English | 77% | 80% | 76% | -4% |  Target largely met (by 95%) |
| Selection Rationale: The ability to speak, read and write the language(s) of the adopted country assists settlement and allows new immigrants to access the amenities and services that are available in the communities where they are residing. Facility in the English language can also help immigrants make the best use of education and employment opportunities. | |||||
| Results and Variance Explanation: The initial 2005/06 target of 80 per cent was established through discussions with service providers, based on their experiences. At the time, an evidence-based benchmark was still in development. Subsequently, a survey conducted by a private survey company over two consecutive years established an evidence-based benchmark of 76 per cent for actual English language training results. Based on the survey results, the target for 2006/07 has been adjusted to 76 per cent. | |||||
| Data Sources and Issues: Data to support this measure are obtained through sample surveying of clients who have recently left (graduated from or left prior to completion) Ministry-funded adult English-as-a-second-language training programs. Data source is the 2005 British Columbia Settlement and Adaptation Program Outcomes and Client Satisfaction Survey – Stream 3, Synovate Ltd, December 2005. The survey company states that it has a 95% level of confidence that the results are accurate to within +/-3. | |||||
| Changes to the Measure: This measure has not been changed, and it is used in the 2006/07 Service Plan. | |||||
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| 2 | This goal was restated in the 2006/07 Service Plan to focus on the effectiveness of Ministry initiatives. The goal now reads: Effective immigrant settlement and adaptation services, and multiculturalism and anti-racism initiatives. |
Significant Changes Since September 2005 Update
Strategies
Since the September 2005 Service Plan Update, the Ministry has designated specific strategies to support the multiculturalism and immigration goal. The following strategies represent ongoing Ministry efforts to achieve this goal and are included in the 2006/07 Service Plan.
- Promote the social and economic advantages of cultural diversity.
- Accelerate the adaptation of immigrants to the social, cultural and political life of their communities.
- Enhance and expand leadership on immigration and multiculturalism policy, and settlement services for B.C.
Measures
The Ministry has added the following measure to the 2006/07 Service Plan.
Number of communities that have participated in the Critical Incident Response Model (CIRM) program
The CIRM program helps communities throughout B.C. to develop community-led responses to racism and hate activity.
