Toronto, Feb. 26 -- Nearly half of immigrant settlement service organisations in the Greater Toronto Area say they may be forced to close programmes as federal funding reductions strain resources that help newcomers settle in Canada, reported The Canadian Press.

The warning follows a recent survey of local agencies providing services such as language training, employment assistance and housing support, highlighting concerns about service disruptions amid shrinking federal budgets.

A survey of 48 newcomer-serving agencies conducted by United Way Greater Toronto, the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants and the City of Toronto found that 44% expect programme closures in the near future. Another 56% anticipate service disruptions...