What is LIP?
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) are multi-sectoral planning tables that bring a cross-section of stakeholders together to identify ways in which to support settlement and integration of immigrants into local communities.
LIPs began as a pilot project funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in Ontario and are supported by incalculable and invaluable in-kind hours and contributions from a broad reach of stakeholders from across sectors including government (all three levels), for-profit, community, funders, academia, and media.
LIPs have 4 express objectives:
- Support better coordination in the planning and delivery of integration services across multiple sectors;
- Provide a framework to facilitate collaboration and develop and implement community-based strategic plans;
- Strengthen local integration capacity to foster labour market access, social inclusion, and sustainable welcoming communities;
- Achieve improved outcomes as indicated by increased economic, social political and civic participation by newcomers.
Across Ontario, 45 LIPs were rolled out between 2009-2012 focusing on a variety of catchments including 2nd and 3rd tier municipalities, ruralities, metropolitan areas and neighbourhoods in metropolitan areas. LIPs are characterized by a strong and committed membership base and research-backed strategic action plans.