New ICC/Conference Board Report Calls for Broad, Concerted Efforts to Retain Immigrants
November 19, 2024 – A new report from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), conducted by the Conference Board of Canada shows that immigrants are leaving Canada in record numbers, particularly the high-skilled immigrants Canada urgently needs.
“These are tradespeople who build our homes, nurses who care for our loved ones, truckers who facilitate commerce, and entrepreneurs who spur innovation,” said ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard. “And they are increasingly headed out the door.”
Bernhard notes that the concerning findings of the report, entitled, “The Leaky Bucket 2024: A closer look at immigrant onward migration in Canada,” coincide with 30-year lows in public support for immigration.
“Canadians are bombarded with commentary telling them that high immigration levels are to blame for homegrown challenges including housing supply, inaccessible healthcare, crime, and even traffic,” said Bernhard. “Be careful what you wish for. This is globally coveted talent with global options. We need programs that entice them to stay, become active citizens and help fuel our economy.”
The report follows ICC’s first “Leaky Bucket” report released in 2023, also produced by the Conference Board of Canada. That original study revealed the alarming trend of immigrants leaving Canada in growing numbers to seek opportunity elsewhere. This year’s report provides updated figures and digs deeper into the characteristics of those immigrants who are leaving in greater and greater numbers. Highlights of the findings include:
- Francophone immigrants to Quebec and Ontario are much more likely than Anglophone immigrants to leave Canada to seek opportunity elsewhere
- The most populous cities in Canada—Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver— see high turnover rates of immigrants. They function as hubs for immigrant communities to access resources and support for their settlement journey
- In contrast, fast-growing, mid-sized cities in other provinces (Calgary, Alberta, Halifax, Nova Scotia and Moncton, New Brunswick) see the opposite trend, but have potentially greater challenges retaining immigrants in communities outside of their larger cities
- The Atlantic provinces see the highest rates of onward migration in Canada in the shorter term (three to seven years after arrival), but the lowest rates longer term (25 years and more after arrival)
- The highest two origin nations of immigrants leaving Canada are a combination of countries allowing dual citizenship (Lebanon) and those restricting citizenship only to that country (South Korea).
The Report includes recommendations to help stem the outward flow of newcomers, such as:
- Support provinces and municipalities to understand onward migration trends and address unique challenges in their cities and regions.
- Develop short-term and long-term strategies to address retention challenges at different points in immigrants’ settlement journeys.
- Engage educational institutions and settlement service organisations in the retention conversation.
- Consider the impact of language integration on retention and build out Francophone programs.
Read the full report here: “The Leaky Bucket 2024: A Closer Look at Immigrant onward migration in Canada.”
About ICC
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) aspires to a Canada where newcomers don’t just come but stay, naturalize, succeed, and contribute maximally to our shared success. The ICC is best known for its Canoo Access Pass, a mobile app that currently provides over 750,000 newcomers with free and discounted access to more than 2,000 of Canada’s best culture, nature and sport experiences, plus exclusive deals with leading brands, so that they fall in love with Canada, stay, and become enthusiastic citizens
Media Contact
Alex Nanoff
613.709.6318
media@inclusion.ca
Toronto, Ontario, Nov. 7, 2024 – The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) and Cineplex are partnering to bring the joy of Diwali to newcomers across Canada. From October 31 through November 15, 2024, members of the ICC’s Canoo App can enjoy a free regular Coca-Cola® fountain drink at any Cineplex theatre, simply by redeeming an exclusive offer on the Canoo app.
This offer is part of the ICC’s commitment to making celebratory moments more accessible to everyone, especially the newcomers that ICC supports. Canoo members benefit from exclusive offers that encourage cultural and social engagement across Canada. With this special Diwali offer, ICC and Cineplex aim to welcome newcomers into the joy of film and celebration, while also offering them a refreshing treat.
“The ICC is pleased that Cineplex and Coca-Cola are making extra efforts to welcome newcomers to the cinema, via Canoo” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “Getting out of the house to see a movie in the company of your fellow Canadians is a special occasion for the whole family. These are the little things that make life in Canada more enjoyable. This partnership represents our shared dedication to helping newcomers establish themselves in Canada and feel welcome to participate in Canadian cultural life.”
“At Cineplex, we’re excited to team up with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship to make the world of cinema more accessible to newcomers across Canada,” said Sara Moore, Chief Marketing Officer at Cineplex Entertainment. “Movies are a universal experience that bring people together. Whether it’s through our international programming or Hollywood titles, we’re thrilled to offer the chance to connect and enjoy a great movie.”
Starting October 31, Canoo members can claim their digital coupon through the Canoo app, which can be scanned at the concessions counter of any Cineplex theatre nationwide. The promotion is available for the first 10,000 members to redeem.
For more information about the app and the growing list of benefits for Canoo members, please visit canoo.ca.
About The ICC
The ICC is a national charity that aspires to a Canada where immigrants don’t just come, but stay, belong, succeed, and contribute maximally to our shared success. We advance this mission by conducting unique and compelling public policy research, by hosting enhanced citizenship ceremonies across Canada, and via our Canoo Access Pass, an award-winning mobile app that gives new permanent residents and new Canadian citizens with free and discounted access to over 2000 of Canada’s best culture and nature experiences, plus exceptional travel offers and exclusive deals from leading brands.
About Cineplex
Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. Cineplex offers a unique escape from the everyday to millions of guests through its circuit of 169 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. In addition to being Canada’s largest and most innovative film exhibitor, the company operates Canada’s favourite destination for ‘Eats & Entertainment’ (The Rec Room), complexes specially designed for teens and families (Playdium), and an entertainment concept that brings movies, amusement gaming, dining, and live performances together under one roof (Cineplex Junxion). It also operates successful businesses in digital commerce (CineplexStore.com), alternative programming (Cineplex Events), motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures), cinema media (Cineplex Media) and digital place-based media (Cineplex Digital Media). Providing even more value for its guests, Cineplex is a partner in Scene+, Canada’s largest entertainment and lifestyle loyalty program.
Proudly recognized as having one of the country’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Cineplex employs over 10,000 people in its offices and venues across Canada. To learn more, visit Cineplex.com.
Media Contact
The ICC
Arash Safavi
647.607.2971
media@inclusion.ca
Cineplex Media Relations
PressRoom@Cineplex.com
Toronto, Ontario, Oct. 30, 2024 – Immigrants with the greatest potential to fuel Canada’s economy are the most at risk of leaving within the next two years, according to new findings from The Newcomer Perspective, a large-scale study conducted jointly by Ipsos and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). With so much attention focused on how many immigrants Canada admits, new research shines a light on how successfully they are integrating into Canadian economic, social and civic life through the first 10 years after arrival.
Findings from the study, which will gather perspectives from 20,000 verified adult immigrants to Canada in 2024, show that skilled, economic immigrants are thinking twice about staying in Canada, mostly due to high housing costs, financial pressure and inadequate salaries.
Here are a few highlights of what this study has revealed so far:
- 26% of newcomers report that they are likely (somewhat and very likely) to leave Canada within two years
- Housing affordability is the number one reason for planning to leave
- Likelihood to leave varies considerably by immigration category on arrival, with economic immigrants and those with prior Canadian experience most likely to plan their exits
- Likelihood to leave also varies considerably across Canada, ranging from 31% of newcomers in Brampton, Ontario, 30% in Toronto, 29% in Vancouver, and 22% in Montreal.
Economic, business and immigrants with Canadian experience most likely to consider leaving
Close to one in three (32%) immigrants in the Canadian Experience Class (i.e. those who were international students or temporary workers before obtaining permanent residency) indicate that they are somewhat likely, or very likely to leave Canada within two years, while only one in five (20%) immigrants admitted by way of Quebec programs say they are likely to leave.
Further underscoring the loss of skilled immigrants, immigrants who have spent 5+ years in Canada are more likely to consider leaving the country (30%), taking with them the skills and experience they have gained, perhaps in search of better opportunities. At the same time, 23% of those who are in the first five years of settling into a new country are also foreseeing their departure from Canada, pointing to a need for support from institutions, both public and private.
Economic Concerns Driving Desire to Leave Canada
The top three reasons driving the likelihood of leaving Canada are all economic: housing costs (79%), low salary/income (65%) and concerns about the economy generally (54%).
Almost eight in ten (79%) newcomers say that Canada has been worse than expected as a place that gives them access to affordable housing, compared to only 10% who think it is better than expected. Housing far outranks any other aspect of the newcomer journey when it comes to falling short of expectations.
Further, more than half (51%) express that Canada falls short of their expectations as a place to get ahead financially and more than six in ten (61%) believe that their current income is not commensurate to their credentials and experience.
The Newcomer Perspective: So much more than a survey of newcomers
These are just a small sample of key findings and topics covered in this groundbreaking syndicated research program, The Newcomer Perspective. In months to come, Ipsos and the ICC will explore other issues of importance for newcomers and for the governments, non-profits and businesses who seek to serve them better. This ongoing research will track the views of newcomers over time and will allow subscribers to dive deeper into results by a wide array of key segments, including country of origin, immigration category, province of residence, number of years in Canada, age, education levels and so much more.
About this release
These are some of the preliminary findings of the recently launched ‘The Newcomer Perspective’ research program, which will survey 20,000 newcomers in 2024. For this release, 15,383 verified adult newcomers to Canada aged 18 years and over were interviewed online (10,153 interviews from May 31 to June 11, and 5,230 interviews from August 13 to August 22). Participants for the survey were permanent residents and Canadian citizens who settled in Canada within the past 10 years and are members of the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass, which represents the largest and highest quality member base of Canadian newcomers.
About The Newcomer Perspective Study
The Newcomer Perspective is a partnership between Ipsos and the ICC which brings the voices of newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to. The study is the country’s largest and most comprehensive survey of the attitudes and perspectives of newcomers throughout their immigration journey. For more information on The Newcomer Perspective research program, please write to NewcomerInsightsCanada@ipsos.com.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP. www.ipsos.com.
About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
For Ipsos:
Sanyam Sethi
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com
+1 416 324-2307
For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship
Alex Nanoff
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318
Research details
For questions about methodology and analysis, please contact Ipsos using the details listed above.
Click here for more information and to access data tables for this release.
Following today’s joint announcement from the Prime Minister of Canada and his Minister of Immigration, Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, made the following statement:
“This drastic reduction in immigration levels will create more problems than it solves.
A decrease of 105,000 permanent residents represents less than 0.25% of the population. This measure will not cool the housing market. Instead, Canadians will feel the absence of 105,000 fewer workers—workers who could build more housing, staff more daycare spaces, and reduce healthcare wait times. These needs will only grow as immigration declines.
It is misleading to say that we have too many immigrants for our housing and healthcare systems to handle. The truth is, we don’t have enough housing and healthcare capacity to support all the immigrants Canada needs to grow and prosper.
We cannot slow our way to success. We can only grow our way to success.
Immigration is not the cause of Canada’s challenges. While we understand the government’s desire to restore public confidence in the immigration system, we hope today’s announcement does not lead anyone to believe that the solution to slow growth is to grow more slowly.”
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Media Contact
Alex Nanoff
alex@liaisonstrategies.ca
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318
TELUS and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) are partnering together to make it easier for newcomers to stay connected as they begin their new journey in Canada.
Through this exciting partnership, TELUS is expanding its support for newcomers by providing exclusive deals on products and services across its family of brands through the ICC’s Canoo app, which helps newcomers experience the very best of Canada.Thanks to this partnership, newcomers using Canoo will enjoy exclusive access to exceptional discounts from TELUS, Koodo, Public Mobile, and Mobile Klinik, even without Canadian credit history.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo program to help newcomers start their journey in Canada with confidence through reliable, accessible solutions at TELUS,” said Chris Datta, Vice-president, Consumer Mobility Marketing at TELUS. “Our focus is to alleviate the challenges faced by newcomers by making it easy and affordable to activate our services, keeping them connected and helping them thrive.”
The Canoo app provides newcomers with free and discounted access to over 2,000 of Canada’s best culture, nature and sport experiences, plus deals from many of the country’s leading brands, including TELUS.
“Connectivity is an essential part of modern life, and by offering such generous and supportive discounts, TELUS will make a real difference in the lives of so many newcomers as they establish themselves and begin the journey of becoming Canadian,” says Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC.”Through this partnership, TELUS is demonstrating its true commitment to welcoming newcomers and strengthening Canada. We’re grateful for their leadership and are proud to welcome TELUS to the Canoo family, alongside many other leading brands. ”
For more information, visit telus.com and canoo.ca
Media Contact
TELUS
Martin Nguyen
martin.nguyen@telus.com
The ICC
Arash Safavi
647.607.2971
media@inclusion.ca
New ICC-Deloitte Report and Playbook highlight winning ways for business leaders
NEWS RELEASE
October 8, 2024 – Companies across Canada are less competitive than they could be, and short-changing shareholders by leaving exceptional immigrant talent on the bench.
A new Employer Playbook for recruiting and retaining newcomers to Canada shows Canadian companies several ways they can boost their financial scores with the help of immigrants already in Canada and keen to get in the game. The Playbook is built on the results of a new report, “Talent to win”, which draws from an extensive series of confidential roundtables with employers, government and civil society leaders from across Canada, conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) in partnership with Deloitte.
“Imagine if the manager of the Toronto Raptors or Calgary Flames didn’t pick star players because they weren’t Canadian trained? They would be giving rival teams a significant competitive advantage.” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “If you’re down two goals late in the game, successful coaches get their best players on the ice, no matter where in the world they learned how to play.”
According to a seasoned investor and executive interviewed for the new report, Canada’s business leaders “don’t grasp how so much of the world is beating us.”
About the Playbook for Canadian Business Leaders
The Playbook includes real examples from companies who have seen their bottom lines increase after capitalizing on the underutilized and overlooked immigrant talent pool.
- An Eastern Canadian construction firm got around English language requirements and gained an edge on competitors by putting together crews that all spoke the same foreign language (one crew spoke Ukrainian, another spoke Hindi). They proved to be safer and more productive than average crews, thanks to their ability to work and communicate in the language they speak most naturally and their optimism for being given a chance to contribute more significantly.
- A Western Canadian natural resources company changed a hiring policy that previously required heavy equipment operators to have winter driving experience and found that immigrants who were new to snow drove more carefully and had fewer accidents.
Click here to download the Playbook
About the Report: Talent to win – Employers’ perspectives on immigrant underemployment and the immense upside of solving it
“Talent to win” is a unique collaboration between the ICC and Deloitte, which brought together over 40 leaders from business, government, and civil society to understand the causes of immigrant underemployment and surface creative workarounds that leading employers have enacted to put this immensely underused talent pool to work.
Beyond the reality of systemic discrimination, the roundtable discussions revealed that employers face several challenges, including: lack of ambition in business culture, inadequate onboarding and mentoring practices, blind spots in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks that don’t take country of origin into account, and a lack of support to navigate Canada’s complex immigration system – especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Click here to read the full Talent to Win report
About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
Since 2005, ICC’s programs have worked to give every newcomer to Canada the chance to become fully involved in our history, our culture, and our politics. More than 750,000 newcomers have participated in ICC’s Canoo program to discover all that Canada has to offer. The generous support from our donors and partners has enabled this impact.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax, and related services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. Deloitte serves four out of five Fortune Global 500® companies through a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries and territories bringing world-class capabilities, insights, and service to address clients’ most complex business challenges.
Media Contact:
Alan Findlay
437.882.5997
Toronto, Ontario, February 6, 2024 – Early findings from The Newcomer Perspective, a study conducted jointly by Ipsos and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), show that newcomers have mixed feelings as they acclimatize to life in Canada. Preliminary results from the research, which will gather the views of 20,000 newcomers to Canada in 2024, demonstrate how critical it is for governments, businesses and all Canadians to understand all phases of the newcomer journey to Canada. That journey is indeed a very dynamic one, with significant shifts in perspectives and behaviours across different demographics and throughout the first ten years in Canada. As results also demonstrate, it is also a journey of mixed emotions.
Significant headwinds during their first few years in the Country
Early findings demonstrate that newcomers face major challenges during their first few years in Canada, especially when it comes to housing and finances. When asked to select the three most important issues facing Canada today from a list of 20 items, housing easily topped the list, with 68% of newcomers choosing it as a top concern. This was followed by interest rates and inflation (44%), healthcare (39%) and unemployment and jobs (26%).
In line with those findings, more than eight in ten (86%) newcomers say that Canada has been worse than expected as a place that gives them access to affordable housing, compared to only 5% who think it is better than expected. Housing far outranks any other aspect of the newcomer journey when it comes to falling short of expectations.
Canada also falls short of expectations for too many newcomers as a place where you can get ahead financially (56% worse/22% better) and as a place where you can make a good income (51% worse/23% better).
Newcomers feel welcomed and treated fairly in Canada
Despite facing challenges in the early years, the vast majority of newcomers to Canada say that the country meets or exceeds their expectations as a place where they feel welcomed (89%) and believe they are being treated fairly as Canadian residents (87%). Bringing with them a great variety of cultural, social, religious, and political beliefs and behaviours, the vast majority of newcomers nonetheless feel that they share the same outlook on life, opinions on important issues, etc. as other Canadians (85%).
Do newcomers feel welcomed in the same way by different groups and institutions? Mostly. More than nine in ten feel welcomed by Canadian non-profit organizations (95%; 51% very/44% somewhat), by people in Canada (94%; 49% very/45% somewhat) and by government entities in Canada/the Canadian government (90%; 44% very/46% somewhat). While 85% also feel welcomed by Canadian businesses, only 31% say they feel very welcomed compared to 54% who feel somewhat welcomed, leaving ample room for improvement on the part of Canadian businesses.
The Newcomer Perspective: So much more than a survey of newcomers
These are just a small sample of key findings and topics covered in this groundbreaking syndicated research program, The Newcomer Perspective. In months to come, Ipsos and the ICC will explore other issues of importance for newcomers and for the governments, non-profits and businesses who seek to serve them better. This ongoing research will track the views of newcomers over time and will allow subscribers to dive deeper into results by a wide array of key segments, including country of origin, immigration category, province of residence, number of years in Canada, age, education levels and so much more.
About this release
These are some of the early findings of the recently launched ‘The Newcomer Perspective’ research program, which will survey 20,000 newcomers in 2024. For this release, 1,336 newcomers to Canada aged 18 years and over were interviewed online between November 14-23, 2023. Participants for the survey were permanent residents and Canadian citizens who have recently moved to Canada. Respondents were members of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s (ICC) Canoo Cultural Access Pass, which represents the largest and highest quality member base of Canadian newcomers.
About The Newcomer Perspective Study
The Newcomer Perspective is a partnership between Ipsos and the ICC which brings the voices of newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to. The study is the country’s largest and most comprehensive survey of the attitudes and perspectives of newcomers throughout their immigration journey. For more information on The Newcomer Perspective research program, please see more information here or write to NewcomerInsightsCanada@ipsos.com.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP. www.ipsos.com
About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
For Ipsos:
Sanyam Sethi
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com
+1 416 324-2307
Sébastien Dallaire
Senior Vice President
Sebastien.Dallaire@ipsos.com
+1 514 443-4758
For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship
Alex Nanoff
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318
Research details
For questions about methodology and analysis, please contact Ipsos using the details listed above.
Click here for more information and to access data tables for this release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural Canoo Awards to celebrate institutions improving the newcomer experience.
TORONTO, ON — In recognition of the critical work that Canoo’s partners are doing for newcomers across Canada at a time when they are faced with growing challenges, the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is launching its inaugural Canoo Awards, celebrating the Canadian culture and nature institutions that set a new standard in helping newcomers feel at home in Canada.
The 2023 Canoo Award winners are: the TELUS Spark Science Centre, the Biodôme (Espace pour la vie), VIA Rail, and the Toronto Zoo. The 2023 Canoo Awards will be presented on February 6, 2024 at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
“Canoo is Canada’s biggest and most effective tool for welcoming the newcomers that drive our prosperity, but it is nothing without the commitment and generosity of our partners,” said Daniel Bernhard, the CEO for the ICC. “The inaugural Canoo Awards recognize four outstanding organizations that are rising to a higher calling for Canada: building a country where newcomers belong and want to stay. We are beyond grateful to these four winners, and hope that these Awards inspire others to join the Canoo Welcome Network and participate in this vital effort for Canada.”
This year’s Canoo Awards go to four iconic institutions that have collectively welcomed over 150,000 newcomers with free admission and heavily discounted experiences in 2023 via Canoo. By offering one-of-a-kind experiences for newcomers, these organizations do a great service to all of Canada, supporting an inclusive society where people from around the world are happy to live and excited to contribute to the country ‘s prosperity for the long-term.
The 2023 Canoo Awards Presenting Sponsors are CIBC, Bell, and MobSquad. Air Canada is the Official Airline Sponsor.
The first-ever Canoo Awards are proudly presented to the following organizations in the following four categories:
Kids’ Choice Award, sponsored by MobSquad: TELUS Spark Science Centre , Calgary
The Kids’ Choice Award recognizes a Canoo partner attraction with the highest proportion of child admissions via Canoo over the last year. In 2023, TELUS Spark Science Centre welcomed the largest proportion of Canoo members kids to its property in Calgary, Alberta.
Breakthrough Award, sponsored by Bell: the Biodôme (Espace pour la vie), Montréal
The Breakthrough Award recognizes the most visited Canoo partner attraction who joined the program within the last year, quickly becoming a new favourite among newcomers. In 2023, Biodôme welcomed 12 thousand Canoo members to its property in Montreal, Quebec.
Founders’ Award, sponsored by Air Canada: VIA Rail
The Founders’ Award recognizes the Canoo partner that has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to advancing the ICC’s co-Founders’ vision of an inclusive Canada that embraces newcomers and all they contribute to our society. Since 2012, Canoo and VIA Rail Canada have connected 50,000 members to destinations from coast-to-coast.
Canoo Partner of the Year Award, sponsored by CIBC: Toronto Zoo
The Partner of the Year Award recognizes the Canoo partner attraction that welcomed the most newcomers in 2023: the stand-out favourite among Canoo members. In the last year, the Toronto Zoo saw 49,000 Canoo members visit its site.
Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members with transformative experiences of Canada. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can join Canoo for free by downloading the Canoo app.
Immigrating can be challenging. Canoo’s expanding network of partners has helped newcomers and their families access and experience the very best of Canada. These organizations are stepping up for a higher purpose: to make Canada easier to love and ensure it remains a forever home for newcomers, whose talents and contributions will secure Canada’s prosperity for generations to come.
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Quotes from our Canoo Award winners:
“Space for Life and the Biodôme are very proud to be the first to win this prize from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and even more proud to be part of the Canoo family. Through its five museums, Space for Life contributes to Montreal’s thriving cultural vitality. Protecting nature and biodiversity is our raison d’être, and we are extremely happy to help newcomers discover all the ways they can help care for our planet,”
- Julie Jodoin, Director of Space for Life.
“Receiving the Kids’ Choice Award from Canoo, a program supporting newcomers to Canada, is a profound honour for TELUS Spark Science Centre. This recognition highlights Spark’s dedication to embracing diversity and fostering accessibility to science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Welcoming newcomers aligns seamlessly with Spark’s mission, and every child’s visit through Canoo reflects the science centre’s dedication to providing an inclusive space where all young minds, regardless of background or circumstance, can explore the marvels of science. This award serves as inspiration for Spark to persist in its journey, ensuring that every newcomer child has the opportunity to discover, learn, and thrive within the fascinating world of science.”
- Roderick Tate, President and CEO of TELUS Spark
“We are thrilled and honoured to receive the Founders’ Award from the ICC. Since 2012, our partnership with the ICC has played a pivotal role in introducing tens of thousands of newcomers to the beauty of Canada. This award is a testament to our dedication to advancing our common vision of an inclusive society and we look forward to continuing to shape a future together where diversity is celebrated, and newcomers are embraced for the richness they bring to the fabric of our great country.”
- Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Via Rail
“Our team is committed to ensuring we serve all of our communities and are a Zoo for all! This award shows how we all can play a role in helping people settle in and thrive in our City. On behalf of our staff, volunteers and Board of Management, we are delighted to receive this recognition from Canoo that our efforts are making a positive difference for newcomers.”
- Dolf DeJong, CEO of Toronto Zoo
About the ICC
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.
Media Contact
Brooke Timpson
403.605.2282
media@inclusion.ca
Toronto, Ontario, Jan 16, 2024 – Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research companies, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), Canada’s leading newcomer-serving charity, to produce Canada’s largest and most comprehensive insights program to understand the Canadian newcomer experience. The study, which is the largest of its kind, will provide an understanding of newcomers throughout their immigration journey, from recent arrival to becoming Canadian citizens, and beyond.
The research will bring the voices of 10,000 verified newcomers to Canadian leaders in the private and public sectors, providing the insights they need to win in Canada’s fastest growing market segment and play their part in making Canada a welcoming country that newcomers fall in love with and contribute to, as proud citizens.
Through this unique partnership, the ICC and Ipsos are launching a new syndicated tracking program to provide continuous access to agencies and service providers, with information to expand and improve the services they provide to newcomers across Canada.
Cynthia Pachovski, CEO of Ipsos in Canada remarked, “We are delighted at the prospect of building an insights partnership with the ICC that raises the voices of Canadian newcomers. This collaboration reinforces Ipsos’ commitment to understanding a global and diverse population and providing our clients with a total understanding of society, markets and people in an ever-evolving world.”
Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC emphasized the authenticity and value of the insights that will be generated. “So many people claim to speak for immigrants. Thanks to this partnership, the verified adult immigrants we serve through our Canoo program can speak for themselves, and be heard. We worked hard to find the very best partner to bring this unique enterprise to market. Ipsos is clearly that partner.”
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques. “Game Changers” – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP.
About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The ICC works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Thanks to its pioneering Canoo Cultural Access Pass, the ICC serves more newcomers than any other organization in Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, the ICC has a presence across the country, including staff in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montréal.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
For Ipsos:
Sanyam Sethi
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
Sanyam.Sethi@ipsos.com
+1 416 324-2307
Sébastien Dallaire
Senior Vice President
Sebastien.Dallaire@ipsos.com
+1 514 443-4758
For the Institute for Canadian Citizenship
Alex Nanoff
Principal, Liaison Strategies
alex@liaisonstrategies.ca
media@inclusion.ca
+1 613 709 6318
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 7, 2023
More newcomers will gain even more access to the best of Quebec and Canada through the enhanced Canoo Access Pass.
MONTREAL, QC — The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) is pleased to certify Montreal’s Danse Danse as a Canoo Newcomer Equity Partner. Newcomers who are members of the ICC’s Canoo Access Pass will now have multi-year access to heavily discounted premium seats to Danse Danse’s programming, starting with the 2023-2024 season in the heart of Montreal’s cultural centre – Place des Arts.
A recent study by the ICC revealed that newcomers’ disillusionment with Canada is on the rise. Citizenship adoption rates have declined 40% since 2001, and 30% of newcomers under 30 plan to leave Canada within two years.
“Through the Canoo Access Pass, Danse Danse is actively restoring newcomers’ faith in Canada and Quebec, offering transformative, welcoming experiences that make our country easier to love and harder to leave,” says Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the ICC. “As with every part of Canada, Quebec’s prosperity depends on newcomers not only coming, but staying, thriving and becoming proud citizens. Danse Danse and the rest of Canoo’s Newcomer Equity Partners are stepping up even more to provide this vital service for immigrants and for Canada over the long term.”
Newcomers who join Canoo will enjoy world-class contemporary dance performances, including shows from the iconic Kidd Pivot Company, under the direction of internationally-renowned Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT), one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies.
“Danse Danse has been partnered with the Canoo Access Pass since 2018 by offering free and highly reduced tickets to newcomers to encourage their participation in Montreal’s vibrant cultural life. Now, we want newcomers to have a heightened welcome by reserving Canoo tickets in the best seats, says Pierre Des Marais, Artistic and Executive Director of Danse Danse. “This initiative is part of our approach to accessibility and inclusion through various projects and partnerships. The challenge is to meet the needs of different audiences by taking into consideration the multiplicity of realities of each spectator.”
“The show was great! I have rarely experienced shows where technology and danse are combined,” said Lydia, one of Canoo’s members who recently attended Danse Danse’s Jungle Book Reimagined. “This is a great opportunity for us [newcomers] to have more access to these experiences.”
Since 2010, Canoo has welcomed over 500,000 newcomer members. All recent permanent residents and new citizens can experience the best of Canada by downloading the free Canoo app. In 2024, Canoo will open to even more newcomers.
About Canoo & Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The Canoo Access Pass is designed to make newcomers fall in love Canada by granting access to the country’s best experiences.
By downloading the free Canoo app, newcomers get access to over 1500 experiences and destinations including parks, museums, galleries, concerts, travel, professional sports, and more. Partner offers include VIA Rail, Parks Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, Cirque du Soleil, and Toronto FC.
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. The ICC is an independent charity, co-founded in 2006 by the Rt. Hon. Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.
About Danse Danse
Danse Danse, an associate presenter at Place des Arts, invites dance lovers to discover the best of contemporary dance from here and abroad in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
Each season, Danse Danse presents a program of some dozen productions in the Théâtre Maisonneuve, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and Cinquième Salle, proudly contributing to Montréal’s international reputation as a metropolis of movement.
Media Contact
ICC/Canoo
Brooke Timpson
403.605.2282
media@inclusion.ca
Danse Danse
Sheila Skaiem, Publicist
514.572.8687
sheila@avecsheila.com
