FROM NEWCOMER TO NEIGHBOUR: 40 years of Canada Connects
Canada Connects: 40 Years of Building Belonging in Calgary
A Legacy of Integration, Innovation, and Community
In 1985, a pilot project was quietly launched in Calgary with a bold vision: to support Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs) through meaningful community engagement. That initiative, known as the Host Program, would evolve over the next four decades into what is now Canada Connects—a flagship program of Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) that has helped thousands of newcomers find their footing in Canada.
As Canada Connects celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, its legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and connection. With over 16,000 matches made between volunteers and newcomers, and an estimated 3,300–4,000 volunteers involved, the program stands as a testament to the power of community-driven settlement.
Years in the Community
The Roots: Host Program and Early Innovations (1982–1985)
Before Canada Connects, CCIS laid the groundwork with the Home Visit Program (1982–84), a precursor to the Host Program. In 1985, the Calgary Host Program officially began, offering structured support to GARS through volunteer matching. Early initiatives like Friday Night Socials helped foster community and belonging among newcomers.
As Canada Connects celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, its legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and connection. With over 16,000 matches made between volunteers and newcomers, and an estimated 3,300–4,000 volunteers involved, the program stands as a testament to the power of community-driven settlement.
Growth and Diversification (1986–2005)
The late 1980s and 1990s saw rapid expansion. CCIS introduced the Settlement Language Training Program (SLTP) and specialized services like the Immigrant Professional Acculturation Program. These programs addressed language, employment, and cultural integration needs.
In 1996, CCIS launched the Survivor of Torture Youth and Family Host Program, recognizing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable refugee populations. By 2005, the Host Program had grown to include Youth Host and Senior Host components, tailoring support to different age groups.
Rebranding and Expansion (2010–2017)
In 2010–2011, the federal government discontinued the “Host” name, prompting CCIS to rebrand the program as Community Connections for Integration. This shift allowed for broader eligibility and a more inclusive approach. The program components became Youth Connections and Senior Connections, continuing the mission under a new banner.
By 2016–2017, the program underwent another transformation, becoming Canada Connects due to naming restrictions. While maintaining its focus on GARS, Canada Connects has expanded to include permanent residents and professionals, reflecting the evolving landscape of immigration in Canada.
2025: Celebrating 40 Years of Impact
Today, Canada Connects is more than an integration program—it’s a movement. With a foundation built on volunteerism, community preparation, and mutual learning, the program has become a model for integration across Canada.
As CCIS marks this milestone, we are trying to document some inspiring stories to preserve oral histories and celebrate the countless lives touched by Canada Connects. From its humble beginnings to its national impact, the program continues to embody the values of empathy, inclusion, and shared growth.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Welcome to the vibrant world of CCIS on Instagram! Follow us for inspiring stories, community highlights, and snapshots of the incredible journeys of newcomers. Join us on this visual adventure as we share the warmth, resilience, and diversity that define the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.
