Sure.
I think I will specify the three points I would like to make in terms of recommendations.
In terms of funding, there are three ways that the government's funding on settlement services and integration services could be more effective.
First of all, I think there should be more funding allocated to local organizations that have provided these services in the past and are currently providing these services. As someone who emigrated to Canada at a young age, I wasn't aware of these programs until recently, when I had to start my own organization and was doing research and outreach to these organizations. I think it's really important that there is more publicity and funding for these programs to remain existent.
The second point I would like to make is that funding could be allocated for more youth-initiated and youth-run programs. That could actually provide youth mentorship for young people who have just come to the country and who need support from their peers to foster intercultural dialogue.
The third point, I think, is that funding could be used to work with provincial and municipal governments that currently have initiatives in supporting these programs, as well as school boards to provide more funding and training for service providers and teacher-educators in schools. We need to make sure we're all fostering a curriculum that encourages intercultural dialogue and also a culture of empathy among our kids.
Thank you.