National Governance Structure
The National Governance Structure is a model for bilateral cooperation between the Canadian settlement and integration sector and the federal government which focuses on national (re)settlement policy, programming, and service delivery processes. The current structure launched in 2023-24 following discussions between IRCC and settlement sector leaders from IRCC-funded organizations. To facilitate a collaborative bilateral dialogue between IRCC and the (re)settlement sector and instill a governance structure to support those objectives, two new Committees were established in addition to the existing National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC).
The Settlement and Integration Policy and Program Committee (SIPPC) and the Settlement and Integration Service Delivery Committee (SISDC) serve as platforms for IRCC and the (re)settlement sector to work collaboratively around the federal Settlement and Resettlement Assistance Programs, which are essential to strengthening the collective capacity to respond to the needs of newcomer clients and communities.
- The Director General of Settlement Policy serves as IRCC SIPPC co-chair
- The Director General of Settlement and Resettlement Operations serves as IRCC SISDC co-chair
At the NSIC table, IRCC, the sector, and provincial and territorial partners discuss the priorities, challenges and opportunities associated with the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada.
- The Assistant Deputy Minister, Social Programs Sector serves as IRCC NSIC co-chair
How the Structure Works
The National Governance Structure consists of three national bodies with national Working Groups created as needed to respond to specific priority areas. Each body is co-Chaired by IRCC and an elected sector co-Chair and supported by the NSE secretariat. These bodies collaborate closely to strengthen coordination in (re)settlement programming, policy, and service delivery. Regular cycles of sector-only and full national body meetings allow the sector and IRCC to work together on emerging issues and priority concerns. Once a year, all national bodies and Working Groups gather in person at the annual NSE Forum to advance ongoing initiatives and build each body’s capacity.
National Settlement and Integration Council (NSIC)
NSIC is a bi-annual gathering where IRCC, provincial and territory representatives, and sector members discuss national settlement and integration priorities, review progress, and look at system-level issues.
Settlement and Integration Policy and Program Committee (SIPPC)
SIPPC is a quarterly gathering of indirect service providers representing their region or programming area and IRCC which looks at emerging needs and trends to inform upcoming IRCC policy and programming and support strategic planning. The Committee creates national Working Groups in response to identified areas, who report to the Committee.
Settlement and Integration Service Delivery Committee (SISDC)
SISDC is a quarterly gathering of direct service providers and IRCC which looks at emerging needs and trends to inform upcoming IRCC service delivery and operations. The Committee creates national Working Groups in response to identified areas, who report to the Committee.
Working Groups
Working Groups are created under and report to SIPPC and SISDC to examine specific priorities. The current Working Groups consist of a Technology Working Group (TWG), the Collaborative Table on Anti-Racism (CTAR), the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Working Group (DPC), and the Health of the Sector Working Group (HOTS). Their analysis, tools, and recommendations inform committee discussions and contribute to national conversations at NSIC.
Newcomer Language Advisory Body (NLAB)
NLAB is a unique national body that does not report to SIPPC, SISDC, or NSIC. NLAB is a panel of experts that brings together representatives from language programming providers across Canada and offers a coordinated voice on language training needs within the broader settlement and integration system.
National Secretariat
Meet the NSE Team
Bailea Hutchinson
National Governance Manager
Lucy Sherlock
Program Coordinator
Nangyalai Tanai
Manager of National Programs
Pamela Turgeon
National Logistics Coordinator
Sarosh Rizvi
Executive Director
Vicki Sinclair
Senior Program Director
Get Involved
If you are interested in participating in National Bodies or Working Groups, opportunities are shared through active Expressions of Interest (EOI) when spaces are available. Active EOIs can be found here. Otherwise, feel free to contact the National Sector Engagement Team for more information: nse@amssa.org.