Item - 2021.EC22.1

The Economic and Community Development Committee recommends that:

1.  City Council adopt the proposed Toronto Newcomer Strategy 2022-2026 in Appendix A to the report (May 14, 2021) from the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration.

2.  City Council forward the Toronto Newcomer Strategy 2022-2026 to the Boards of Directors of the City of Toronto's Agencies and Corporations and request that they adopt and apply the Strategy's Guiding Principles to their respective organizations.

3.  City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to report to the Economic and Community Development Committee in the third quarter of 2021 on the expected increase in refugee claimant arrivals once the Canada-United States border reopens and international travel resumes and to:

a.  identify resources and capacity impacts on operational divisions through the City of Toronto's Refugee Capacity Senior Executive Committee and the Advisory Group that includes representatives from the Federal and Provincial Governments; and

b.  determine how to implement any needed changes using the approach outlined in the City of Toronto Refugee Capacity Plan which was adopted by City Council in April 2019 [Item 2019.EC3.5].

4.  City Council request the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to report in 2022 on progress and the resources necessary for the full implementation of the Toronto Newcomer Strategy 2022-2026.

The Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration and the Manager, Toronto Newcomer Office gave a presentation on the Toronto Newcomer Strategy 2022-2026.

With over half of its residents born outside of Canada, Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and is recognized internationally for its approach to migrant integration. In keeping with its motto "Diversity Our Strength", the City strives to shape its programs, services, and policies to reflect the diversity and intersectional identities that have strengthened Toronto.

The first Toronto Newcomer Strategy was approved by City Council in February 2013 and has guided the City's efforts working in partnership with the settlement sector, other governments and leaders in newcomer communities. However, there is now a need to update and renew Toronto's Strategy for the next level of work. The proposed Toronto Newcomer Strategy 2022-2026 responds to:  

-  significant developments over the past few years, including considerable increase in newcomer arrivals, most notably resettled refugees, refugee claimants and temporary residents such as international students;

-  the impact of COVID-19 on newcomers in Toronto; and

-  the requirement under the City's grant agreement with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, through which the Toronto Newcomer Office is funded, to have an update of the Strategy.

The proposed Strategy was developed after extensive consultations, jurisdictional and environmental scans, and took into account achievements and learnings to date. It provides a roadmap for achieving greater impacts for newcomer success, and ultimately benefiting the city as a whole.