CCBR and the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) led an evaluation of the Rural Settlement Network (RSN), which spans seven rural and Francophone communities in New Brunswick that have experienced (2019-2024) a rise in immigration. This project explored client, employer, and community partner perspectives on all seven organizational members of the network, their activities, and their impact.

The Rural Settlement Network (RSN) is an initiative led by NBMC and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The RSN was established to enhance the coordination and delivery of settlement services across Sussex, Miramichi, Chipman, Campbellton, Acadian Peninsula, Saint-Quentin, and Richibuctou/Kent County. These communities have experienced a rise in immigration due to ongoing labour shortages and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), creating a need for improved newcomer support systems in rural areas.

The primary purpose of the evaluation was to collaboratively assess both the implementation and outcomes of the RSN project. The evaluation aims to generate insights to inform organizational learning within NBMC and its partners, and to provide recommendations to IRCC for future program development and funding decisions. CCBR’s role focused on understanding how effectively the RSN model addresses service gaps in these communities and how it contributes to newcomer integration and retention.

Data collection included client and employer surveys, and community partner interviews. The evaluation was conducted in close collaboration with a Steering Committee composed of NBMC and RSN members. CCBR’s approach ensured that diverse perspectives are meaningfully included in the evaluation process, and that the findings can inform both immediate improvements and long-term strategy for rural settlement services in New Brunswick.