Resettlement of the first wave of Syrian refugees in Canada: Language training, employment‐related services and employment income

Abstract This paper uses a unique, linked administrative data file to examine the impact of language training and employment‐related services on the employment income of the first wave of Syrian refugees admitted to Canada between 2015 and 2016. The analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between refugees' access to employment‐related services and higher employment income. However, this positive effect is not observed for participants in language training programs. The economic benefits of employment‐related services are more pronounced for Privately Sponsored Refugees and Blended Visa Office‐Referred Refugees than for Government Assisted Refugees. This disparity may be attributed to refugees' greater reliance on bridging social capital rather than on support from government agencies. Additionally, employment‐related services are more effective in larger urban centres than in mid‐sized or smaller communities. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing settlement service delivery in smaller and mid‐sized communities to improve refugee labour market outcomes.