Impact Assessment of the Employment Action Pilot Project Offered to Immigrants on Welfare

Abstract

The study measured the impact of the Employment Action Pilot Project for employable immigrants on welfare in Edmonton, Alberta. Participants were expected to achieve greater and lasting independence from welfare, as the project was intended to reduce barriers to employment in the areas of language skills, computer literacy, life skills, and work experience. The authors contend that the reduction in personal barriers to employment as achieved through employability programs is outweighed by economic incentives and disincentives. While a person is on welfare, obtainable wage levels in comparison to welfare benefit levels strongly influence the kind of opportunities taken and whether the person leaves welfare. In contrast, when one is accessing welfare, immediate financial need is seen as the most important factor, regardless of wage levels in the marketplace.