The Canadian government proactive monitoring activities of the private sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSR): practices and impact

The development of IRCC proactive monitoring activities was attributable to the growing concerns of inadequate resettlement practices affecting the privately sponsored refugees arriving in Canada. This MRP sought to determine the background context for the foundation of the IRCC proactive monitoring activities as well as understand the consequences of these practices. The study analyzed the process relating to the IRCC monitoring activities and the impacts it has on Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs). This study embraced a case study methodology that interviewed five staff members from various SAH organizations. The findings suggested that IRCC proactive monitoring process echoes management audit practices that are causing structural barriers and has adverse outcomes on SAHs operations. For example, the lack of IRCC consultations with SAHs has led to a rift of resistance that undermined their local expertise in refugee sponsorship. SAHs work has shifted towards strengthening its internal control mechanisms that emphasized financial

principles.

Key words: refugee sponsorship program; neoliberalism; governmentality; audit culture; and case study