Canadian Immigrant - November 2023

SETTLEMENT
Societal approach to settlement
is key to change
By Ramya Ramanathan
particularly the dignity of employment, and education for newcomers…
helping newcomers is always what I’ve done in my personal life. And I said,
okay, I’ll take that leap.”
Since July 2022, Sami has been spearheading the development
and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan. She emphasizes
that COSTI’s strategic priorities place importance on key elements
including digital transformation and fostering strategic and diversified
partnerships.
“I want to emphasize partnerships,” she says. “The socio-economic
ecosystem is so complex in settlement, the only way to do it is with
partners. So, my vision is very much about building that ecosystem in
collaboration with other agencies, with other partners and even with other
sectors.”
She believes that partnerships with the private sector are also critical.
“I am delighted that employers and entrepreneurship opportunities are
coming to us. That’s a game changer from years ago when we went to the
employers,” she says.
In 2022, COSTI experienced a significant milestone. This communitybased
agency, dedicated to supporting diverse newcomers to Canada
and all individuals seeking assistance, celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Additionally, Mario Calla, who had been at the organization’s helm for half
of its history, retired, passing the torch to Samina Sami who assumed the
role of CEO.
With a proven track record of dynamic and visionary leadership of more
than 26 years in the public sector, Sami’s very first job was within the
settlement sector. She reflects on her motivation: “I’m an immigrant from
India, as are my parents. The issues around inequity, gender equity, and
the experiences of displaced people have always driven me.”
Sami went on to establish the HOST Program in Peel, under the
auspices of the federal government. “I started with an intentional desire
and deliberate focus to assist newcomers, and from there, my career
followed diverse paths, “ says Sami, as she reflects on her journey.
She worked in leadership roles with the provincial government for 16
years, followed by close to eight years in roles with a university. Sami
emphasizes that she carefully considered the opportunity with COSTI
when it presented itself. “I thought, this is the original passion. My love is
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT Volume 20 Issue 5 | 2023
above Samina Sami
Sami also stresses the key role of civil society in the settlement
ecosystem. “We need a whole societal approach to settlement, civil society
along with the settlement sector and the private sector,” she says. “We may
lead in the sector, but we want to work with all these partners, right?”
She talks about COSTI’s mandate to accelerate engagement through
innovation. “The digital realm presents COSTI with many possibilities,”
she says.
Digitization has enabled COSTI to provide hybrid services in various
critical areas, including education and training, confidential mental
health support for families, assistance for youth facing crises, genderbased
violence programming, and more. She further notes that even
the innovative International Student Connect program, which offers
information and guidance to students pursuing post-secondary education
in Ontario, incorporates hybrid programming at its core. At the same
time, COSTI is also seeing a return to in-person services.
Sami underscores the agency’s commitment to elevating its existing
programs to a higher level of excellence.
“Employment and skills training is a huge priority for COSTI,” she says.
“What we are seeing is the need for agile work placement programs, agile
skills training programs.” The organization is incorporating this agility, to
meet the needs of clients and employers, through employment programs
and sector-specific skills and language training programs. “We want to be
innovative; we want to meet the needs of our clients. It’s a client first model.”