FAQ

A LIP is a federally-funded initiative by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that is passionate about improving newcomer settlement and integration outcomes, by fostering community-based partnerships. The first LIP began in 2008 in Ontario, and there are now more than 77 LIPs across Canada.

The purpose of the LIP is to provide the community with a collaborative framework to:
1) Raise awareness around newcomers’ needs and engage a wide range of local actors in fostering welcoming communities;
2) Support community-level research and strategic planning; and
3) Improve accessibility and coordination of services that facilitate newcomer settlement and integration, for example, improving newcomer labour needs and helping newcomers build more social supports within the City.
The LIP is different from other existing organizations and services in that it is not a direct service provider.

Traditionally, newcomer refers to someone new to Canada, such as an immigrant, refugee, international student, or someone with a work permit. But newcomer may also refer to anyone new to the City, including new residents from another city or province in Canada.

LIPs were created through the realization that the cohesion and vitality of Canadian communities depends upon the successful settlement and integration of newcomers. Successful newcomer outcomes requires large scale change; to achieve these changes we need to bring together various community stakeholders, increase our capacity and coordination, and support innovative actions for change.

The LIP will benefit Saint John by helping build partnerships and collaborative actions among various service providers and community organizations that traditionally do not work together. By building these connections, we will increase knowledge sharing, spread our resources, and build the capacity to provide comprehensive actions and strategies. These changes will help facilitate the large-scale change that is required to help support newcomers in settlement and integration.

To learn more about the Saint John LIP please contact the Saint John LIP program manager at immigration@saintjohn.ca