Calgary settlement agencies grappling with federal funding loss
Calgary settlement agencies are cutting staff and classes due to federal funding cuts tied to a new immigration plan.Summary
Calgary agencies assisting newcomers are facing significant challenges due to federal funding cuts announced in November 2025 as part of Canada's 2026-2028 immigration levels plan. The plan aims to increase economic immigrants while cutting temporary migration, and federal departments are required to find 15 per cent savings over the next three years. As a result, organizations like The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) have laid off over 40 staff and cut 26 classes, while The Centre for Newcomers has cut staff and redeployed employees. Newcomers like Ramazan Hussaimi from Afghanistan are unable to advance to higher-level classes due to these reductions. The federal government states funding is tied to the new plan, but settlement organizations argue that cuts will delay integration into the labour market and are detrimental to those eager to contribute to the economy.
(Source：Citynews Calgary)