Enhancing National Sector Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) Capacity Project

Project Overview

The Enhancing National Sector Gender-Based Analysis (GBA) Plus Capacity project brought together staff teams from seven umbrella organizations across the country to collaborate on strengthening the settlement and integration sector’s ability to integrate GBA Plus in programs, policies, and practices. To achieve this, tools and resources were developed and piloted with selected Service-Providing Organizations (SPOs) in each province, ensuring their practicality and effectiveness in real-world applications. These efforts collectively aimed to bring a GBA Plus lens to the forefront of the sector’s work, fostering greater equity and inclusion.

• All developed tools and resources have been compiled into a National Resource Guide, providing an accessible, practical reference for SPOs to integrate into their programs and policies.
• The project involved conducting research components, including a literature review, environmental scan, and interviews with Service-Providing Organizations (SPOs) across the country. These efforts identified key gaps, strengths, and opportunities for embedding GBA Plus principles.  Stay tuned for the upcoming research report!

Project Partners

This project is led by the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) in partnership with Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC (AMSSA), Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies (SAISIA), Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO), Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA), and Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA).

We extend our gratitude and recognition to the two Service-Providing Organizations (SPOs) that played an essential role in testing and refining the GBA Plus tools and resources developed by the project partners. A special thank you goes to Making Changes Association and Settlement Services in the Bow Valley for their invaluable contributions.

The National Bilingual Resource Guide

The National Bilingual Resource Guide is a comprehensive collection of tools and resources developed by umbrella organizations serving immigrants and refugees across Canada. Aimed at removing barriers to accessing programs and services, these tools were tested and refined by carefully selected Service-Providing Organizations (SPOs) to ensure they are relevant and practical across the immigrant and refugee-serving sector.

The guide empowers organizations to lead by example, enabling them to assess and improve their internal policies and organizational strategies with a focus on equity and inclusion.

Why is the Resource Guide Needed?

The guide invites organizations to enhance their capacity for equity by applying GBA Plus principles. It offers practical, actionable strategies for those in the sector to go beyond theoretical discussions and actively implement equitable practices in their everyday work.

GBA Plus Virtual Launch and Town Hall

On November 14, 2024, AAISA hosted the GBA Plus Virtual Launch and Town Hall, where 49 participants from the settlement sector attended, to discuss the integration of GBA Plus principles in programming and policy development. The event featured insightful discussions, highlights from the National GBA Plus Resource Guide, and valuable contributions from pilot organizations, Making Changes Association and Settlement Services in the Bow Valley, who shared their experiences, insights, and advice for the sector.

Watch the full recording to revisit key discussions and learn more about the tools and resources available to support inclusive and equitable practices in the settlement sector.

GBA+ Virtual Town Hall English- Video

Le 14 novembre 2024, l’AAISA a organisé le lancement virtuel et l’assemblée publique de l’ACS Plus. Cet événement a réuni 49 participants du secteur de l’établissement pour discuter de l’intégration des principes d’ACS Plus dans la conception de programmes et l’élaboration de politiques. L’événement a présenté des discussions enrichissantes, des points saillants du Guide national bilingue d’ACS Plus, ainsi que des contributions précieuses des organisations pilotes, Making Changes Association et Settlement Services in the Bow Valley, qui ont partagé leurs expériences, leurs perspectives et leurs conseils pour le secteur.

Visionnez l’enregistrement complet pour revisiter les discussions clés et en savoir plus sur les outils et ressources disponibles pour soutenir des pratiques inclusives et équitables dans le secteur de l’établissement.

GBA+ Virtual Town Hall French- Video