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Strategic Plan

In November 2024, COSTI’s Board, Board committee members and leadership team came together to shape the agency’s next chapter. Through thoughtful dialogue and collaboration and grounded in insights from across the organization, the team shared the voices of our clients and the diverse communities we serve.

Our 2025–2030 strategic plan builds on the strong foundation of our previous strategic plan, with a steady focus on expanding access, removing barriers, ensuring sustainability and clearly communicating our impact. It was revised further in November 2025 to address significant shifts in immigration policy and funding. Rather than shifting direction, this plan sharpens our approach and strengthens our capacity to respond to the changing needs of those who rely on us.

COSTI’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Canada remains at the heart of this strategy. Over the next five years, our work will focus on expanding the reach of our services and resources, eliminating barriers that hinder success, building financial and operational sustainability, and strengthening the way we communicate our impact and celebrate the achievements of our clients.

This plan reflects our deep commitment to equity, innovation and collaboration. It positions us to grow with purpose, act with agility and lead with compassion as we continue to help newcomers and long-time residents alike succeed and thrive in communities across Canada.

Strategic Pillars

  1. Expand the Reach of Services and Resources
    1. Prioritize and enhance core service areas
    2. Grow with intention
    3. Build strategic partnerships
  2. Eliminate Barriers, Unlock Success
    1. Seamless services for stronger client outcomes
    2. Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion through culturally responsive services
  3. Build Financial and Operational Sustainability
    1. Sustain our mission in a changing funding and policy landscape
    2. Diversify funding sources
    3. Strengthen internal capacity and foster and inclusive, future-ready organization
  4. Communicate Impact, Highlight Successes and Promote Inclusivity
    1. Champion newcomers and advance inclusive public narratives

COSTI’s first strategic pillar is focused on expanding the reach of its services and resources to maximize community impact. This involves strengthening core offerings such as employment pathways in high-demand sectors (like STEM, healthcare, and technology), enhancing a shelter to housing strategy and pathway, and realigning language and settlement services to better meet the evolving needs of newcomers. COSTI is committed to strengthening its impact by adapting to shifting newcomer profiles and funding realities, while building strategic partnerships with industry, funders, and community agencies to amplify its impact. Examples include launching a refreshed employment strategy, developing innovative housing models, and piloting new seniors and women’s programming.

The second pillar is dedicated to eliminating barriers and unlocking success for clients by delivering seamless, outcome-based services and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). COSTI is modernizing its service delivery through the use of AI and technology, centralizing intake and needs assessment, and leveraging client data to improve outcomes. The organization is embedding EDI principles into all programs and staff training, ensuring that services are culturally responsive and reflect the lived experiences of the communities served. This approach is supported by ongoing engagement with clients and stakeholders, EDI audits, and the development of inclusive program frameworks.

The third pillar centers on building financial and operational sustainability to ensure COSTI’s long-term viability. In response to anticipated funding reductions and policy changes, COSTI is aligning its programs with available resources, prioritizing high-impact initiatives, and restructuring operations for greater efficiency. The organization is also diversifying its funding sources by exploring fee-for-service models, philanthropic partnerships, and new revenue streams, while investing in staff development, wellbeing, and future-ready skills such as digital and AI technologies. These efforts are designed to maintain core service delivery and strengthen internal capacity, even in a challenging funding environment.

Finally, the fourth pillar emphasizes the importance of communicating impact, highlighting successes, and promoting inclusivity. COSTI is committed to advocating for newcomers by engaging policymakers, amplifying client stories, and promoting inclusive public narratives that foster a welcoming society. This includes implementing a government relations strategy, launching storytelling campaigns, collaborating with media and community leaders, and hosting public forums to build understanding and support for newcomers. Through these efforts, COSTI aims to champion the contributions of newcomers and advance a more inclusive and prosperous Canada.