Where We Stand: Socioeconomic Integration

At the Ontario Integration Initiative (OII), we believe that every newcomer and young Canadian deserves the opportunity to thrive with dignity, fairness, and equal access to opportunity.

Through our Rise & Lead and AskMe programs, we commit to:

  • Justice & Equity: Rooting every service in the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Employment Standards Act, and the Occupational Health & Safety Act, while going beyond compliance to uphold anti-racism, accessibility, and cultural safety in all that we do.
  • Integrity in Service: Providing career readiness, mentorship, housing, and social navigation supports that are transparent, accountable, and client-centred, with clear standards for consent, confidentiality, and survivor-centred care.
  • Community Confidence: Building trust through open reporting, accessible complaint systems, and participatory decision-making, ensuring the voices of youth, families, and newcomers directly shape our work.
  • Safeguarding & Protection: Upholding the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) and other safeguarding laws, while maintaining zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, or exploitation.
  • Financial Responsibility: Honouring donor intent, stewarding funds responsibly under our Financial Management Framework, and meeting the CRA’s standards for charities and not-for-profits.
  • Partnership with Integrity: Holding ourselves and our partners to the same high ethical and legal standards, ensuring collaboration is built on respect, accountability, and fairness.

💡 Our promise: OII’s Socioeconomic Integration work will always be measured not only by the number of services delivered, but by the trust, safety, and empowerment we foster in the communities we serve.