Immigration Partnership Highlights | | |
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Navigating the Housing Landscape: A Snapshot of Immigrant Experiences in Waterloo Region
The Housing Summary, part of the 2023 Immigrant Survey results, examines the housing experiences of immigrants in Waterloo Region, providing insights into diverse subgroups. Compiled by the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, the report is intended to help governments, funders, business leaders and non-profit organizations develop and implement responsive housing policy, programs and services, and build suitable housing for the region’s fast changing and growing population.
Read the summary here: IS2023_Housing_summary
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Insights from the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership's 2023 Partner Survey
This report presents findings from the Immigration Partnership’s November 2023 Partner Survey. It is part our Data and Evaluation Strategy, which aims to understand the settlement and community integration experiences of immigrants and how the collaborative work of the Partnership is contributing to their success. Results from this survey inform our work and development of Immigration Partnership’s 2025-2030 strategic plan.
Read the report here: IP_Partner_Survey_2023.pdf
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Immigration in Waterloo Region Forecast 2023 - 2030
Waterloo Region is set to grow to almost 1 million residents in the next 20 years. A significant component of that population growth will come from immigration. The Immigration Partnership has prepared a regional immigration forecast up to 2030. It is intended to be a tool to support community and organizational strategic, investment and service decision making and planning, to proactively meet the needs of a growing and changing population.
Read the full report here: https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/forecast/
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January 24, 4:30 PM - Webinar - Free
International Credential Recognition: Helping Newcomers Find Meaningful Work
WILL Access, part of WILL Employment Solutions, will provide information about international credential recognition and how it can help internationally trained professionals (ITP) in regulated and non-regulated professions. In addition, information will be provided about services available to ITPs in southwestern Ontario.
This information session is for newcomer professionals and the southwestern Ontario organizations that serve them.
It is offered in collaboration between the Southwestern Ontario Local Immigration Partnerships and WILL Employment Solutions.
Register Now!
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Introducing Our New Branding to Partners, Organizations and the Community
We are excited to present you with some updates about the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership. In our constant drive to improve and evolve, we have recently undertaken a subtle but significant transformation of our brand. We believe that a fresh, contemporary look reflects the innovation and forward-thinking spirit that defines the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership.
Partners and organizations collaborating hand-in-hand with us, we're excited to offer you access to our refreshed branding. Please reach out to Diana Carrillo at djoya@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Immigration Partnership Resources | |
Community Partner Highlights
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Settlement Workers at the Library
In collaboration with the Region of Waterloo Library, settlement workers from the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Center will be there to assist with information on immigration, housing, language training, career and employment, and more!
No registration required.
New Hamburg
Thursdays, starting January 11, 10AM - 2PM, New Hamburg Library - Free
Elmira
Tuesdays, starting January 9, 1 - 5PM, Elmira Library - Free
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KW Multicultural Centre Funded Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments Ended
Interpretation services for medical appointments in Waterloo and Wellington Regions will be disrupted due to a severe funding shortfall. Funding allocated by the Province of Ontario for family physicians and specialists has run out, affecting more than 2,000 medical appointments for vulnerable clients in the coming months. Despite efforts and additional support, the KW Multicultural Centre was forced to discontinue this vital service as of January 8. Community partners are actively seeking new funding, and donations are welcome to help restore this essential service.
For more information, read the full release: Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments to End
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KW Multicultural Centre Funded Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments Ended
Interpretation services for medical appointments in Waterloo and Wellington Regions will be disrupted due to a severe funding shortfall. Funding allocated by the Province of Ontario for family physicians and specialists has run out, affecting more than 2,000 medical appointments for vulnerable clients in the coming months. Despite efforts and additional support, the KW Multicultural Centre was forced to discontinue this vital service as of January 8. Community partners are actively seeking new funding, and donations are welcome to help restore this essential service.
For more information, read the full release: Interpreter Services for Medical Appointments to End
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Explore Your Care Options: KW4 OHT Introduces Guide for Cold/Flu Season
In partnership with regional hospitals the KW4 OHT has co-created the "Know Your Care Options" website and guide to inform community members of the different healthcare choices available during the cold/flu season.
This information is relevant to individuals living and working in all three Waterloo/Wellington OHTs.
Learn more: knowyourcareoptions.ca
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Give a Warm Welcome!
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has relaunched its Inclusive Communities campaign. As part of the Immigration Matters initiative, this campaign encourages Canadians and established immigrants, throughout Canada to engage with and welcome newcomers to their communities.
Learn more: #ImmigrationMatters: Give a warm welcome
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Refugee Integration Updates | |
Visit www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/ukraine to learn how residents of Waterloo Region can support the Ukrainians coming to Canada. In addition, visitors will find helpful information and tools shared by the federal government specifically for Ukrainian individuals and families such as service access instructions, welcome to Canada checklist, SIN for Newcomers, etc. | |
Initiatives & Funding Opportunities | | |
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Regional Development Program
The Regional Development Program provides support for projects and investments to businesses, municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for economic development in Ontario, by region.
Deadline: January 25, 2024
Learn more: Southwestern Ontario Development Fund
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Energizing Life Community Fund 2024
For the fourth year, Indigenous communities, charitable organizations and municipalities seeking funding to support programming for Ontario communities are invited to apply for the Energizing Life Community Fund.
Deadline: January 31, 2024
Apply here: Energizing Life - Community Grants for Ontario Non-Profits | Hydro One
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The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund is Now Accepting Applications!
The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund provides grants to camps for children and youth who reside in Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot, or Woolwich) and need financial assistance to attend camp.
The deadline to submit your application is February 12, 2024
Learn more: Kids to Camp Fund — Waterloo Region Community Foundation (wrcf.ca)
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Applications for the Neighbourhood Fund are now open!
Apply for up to $7,500! This grant supports neighbours and helps them deliver projects, programs, activities, and events, in their neighbourhood.
The deadline to submit your application is February 13, 2024
Learn more: Neighbourhood Fund
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The City of Waterloo's Arts Grant Program Opens Today!
The City of Waterloo's Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects and capital.
The deadline to submit your application is Friday, February 23, 2024
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Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Announces 2024 Funding Application Deadlines
OTF has published the 2024 deadlines for their Capital Grant and Youth Opportunities Fund, as well as their Seed and Grow grants.
The deadline to submit your application is March 6, 2024:
Capital Grant | Ontario Trillium Foundation
This grant stream will be available early spring 2024: Seed Grant | Ontario Trillium Foundation
This grant stream will be available fall 2024: Grow Grant | Ontario Trillium Foundation
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What Does it Mean to Be a Host
WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.
If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help.
Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:
Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)
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Front-end Processes for
Refugee Claimants
Front-end processes for refugee claimants are rapidly changing as applications are digitized and government seeks new efficiencies. This infographic has been designed to assist service providers in
keeping up with these changes.
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Un Guide Pour Tous
GuideMoi est une application mobile gratuite dédiée spécifiquement aux immigrants francophones qui souhaitent ou viennent de s’installer en Ontario. Cette application est un guide intuitif qui accompagne l’immigrant et l’oriente tout au long de son parcours d’intégration.
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Find a Mentor to Help you Become a Licensed Health Professional in Canada
Mentor Me aims to assist internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) in obtaining licensure in Canada. It provides a simple solution by connecting unlicensed IEHPs with licensed IEHPs for personalized peer mentorship.
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La Communauté en Français | | |
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Afin d'aider les prestataires de services à mieux comprendre les jeunes immigrants et les défis auxquels ils sont confrontés, WES et l'Institut Metropolis ont élaboré le cours "Les jeunes immigrants sur le marché du travail canadien".
Avec la contribution d'académiciens, de travailleurs en établissement et des jeunes immigrants eux-mêmes, le cours explore l'aspect humain de l'immigration et de la recherche d'emploi au Canada à travers quatre modules comprenant des entretiens vidéo, des activités interactives d'apprentissage en ligne et des lectures complémentaires.
Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant à ce cours!
NB: Ce cours n’est disponible qu’en langue anglaise pour le moment.
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11 et 12 Mars 2024 - Evénement Virtuel
2E Edition du Congrès Metropolis Francophonie Mondiale: Mobilité Humaine Dans L'espace Francophone: Où Allons-nous ?
Le congrès Metropolis Francophonie Mondiale revient avec sa deuxième édition sur le thème de la mobilité humaine dans l'espace francophone. Cette édition virtuelle qui se tiendra les 11 et 12 mars 2024, encouragera le dialogue sur l'impact des crises politiques et climatiques, examinant les décisions de départ et leurs conséquences, notamment pour les jeunes aspirant à un avenir meilleur et pour ceux forcés de quitter leur domicile.
Le rôle de la langue française pourra être questionné en tant qu'outil potentiel pour faciliter l'intégration, créer des liens, et reconnaître les compétences. Seront également abordées des questions sur l'évolution de nos sociétés face à la mobilité humaine, y compris la formalisation d'actions citoyennes d'accueil et la perspective de la mobilité comme levier de développement.
Soumettez votre atelier ou votre table ronde ici: 2e edition du congrès Metropolis Francophonie Mondiale – Congrès Metropolis
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"Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in Canadian SMEs", amust-read article by Diana Palmerín-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and former Immigration Partnership team member:
CanadianSME Small Business Magazine - January 2024 Edition
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EMPLOYERS! - The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin is calling on you to better understand the workforce issues facing your businesses and industries.
The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin wants to hear from you in their EmployerOne survey – a vital tool to grasp workforce challenges in your industry. Share your insights on vacancies, hiring plans, and more.
Join the survey: EmployerOne 2024 Survey
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New Course Coming Soon: "Immigrant Youth in Canada's Labour Market" on uMetropolis E-learning Platform
WES and Metropolis Institute have developed the course "Immigrant Youth in Canada's Labour Market," to help service providers get a better understanding of immigrant youth and the challenges they face.
Register now
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January 25, 5 - 7 PM - Heffner Lexus & Heffner Toyota, 3131 King Street East, Kitchener
Business After 5 - New Year Edition
Don't miss this great networking opportunity. Connect with local businesses at their booths, enjoy drinks and treats, and celebrate the start of the new year with other professionals.
Register Now
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February 14, 1 PM
Internationally Educated Health Care Professionals (IEHPs) integration to a Canadian work environment: perspectives from organizations and newcomers
IEHPs seek the career they are trained in but find significant challenges when working to become a physician, nurse, or other type of healthcare professional. Organizations hiring newcomers also have their own barriers when attempting to assist in integration to a Canadian work environment. This webinar will present the accounts and lessons learned from both perspectives in the hiring of newcomers in Canada.
Register Now
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January 27, 12 PM - Uptown Waterloo - Free
Winterloo
A free festival for all ages that is open to the public. Activities will include meeting the snow dogs, ice carving, snow sculptures, winter activities and much more!
For more details visit: winterloofestival.ca
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Every Thursday, January 11 - February 15, 6 - 7 PM - 500 Parkside Drive, Waterloo - Free
Exploring Worldwide Art Forms
Celebrating the diversity of ethno-cultural communities in Waterloo Region in an intergenerational environment through dance, stories, music and art. All supplies are included.
Register Now
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January 24, 1 - 2:30 PM - Online - Free
Role of SAH & SPO Collaborating in Enhancing Services for PSRs
Join OCASI for the Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI) Roundtable. This roundtable is an essential gathering for Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), Settlement Providing Organizations (SPOs), and professionals involved in refugee resettlement and integration.
Register Now
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January 30, 12:30 - 3 PM - Hybrid
Migration Working Group: Refugees and Forced Migration
Join CERC Migration for their upcoming Migration Working Group meeting, a series of monthly sessions to discuss the innovative research being done on migration by emerging and established scholars. This meeting will be chaired by CERC Migration research fellow Shiva Mohan.
Register Now
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Black History Month Events
SAVE THE DATES! Rhythm and Blues Cambridge is excited to share the 2024 Black History Month event line-up.
February 3
Art from the Heart
February 11
Hair Joy: Celebrating our Kinks, our Coils, our Curls
February 17
Black Love Treatment
February 24
BHM Celebration
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February 21, 1 PM - Webinar - Free
Youth Settlement in Action: How Sectors Can Build their Capacity to Support Newcomer Youth
In 2021, the Centre For Newcomers presented a five-year project called WRAPCAP, to the Pathways to Prosperity audience. The initial design of the project was to build organizational capacity within sectors through implementation of the delivery model.
Register Now
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February 27, 12:30 - 2:30 PM - Hybrid
Migration Working Group: Labour Migration and Mobilities
Join CERC Migration for their upcoming Migration Working Group meeting, a series of monthly sessions to discuss the innovative research being done on migration by emerging and established scholars. This meeting will be chaired by CERC Migration research area lead Richa Shivakoti.
Register Now
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March 26, 12:30 - 3 PM - Hybrid
Migration Working Group: Integration and Migration Governance
Join CERC Migration for their upcoming Migration Working Group meeting, a series of monthly sessions to discuss the innovative research being done on migration by emerging and established scholars. This meeting will be chaired by CERC Migration research area lead Marshia Akbar.
Register Now
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May 7 - 9
Migration Disrupted: How Technological Transformation is Reshaping Human Mobility
This is a Joint conference between the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration & Integration, and Bridging Divides. This conference brings together an interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral group of researchers and leaders from Canadian and international civil society, business and government to reflect on the implications of the rapid development of advanced digital Technologies for migrant integration in Canada and around the world.
Learn More
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Wednesdays, until February 14, 5:30 - 7 PM - 800 King Street W, Kitchener
Citizenship Support Group
Classroom training for the Canadian Citizenship Exam, delving into key concepts of Canadian history, identity, government, and society, all aligned with Discover Canada (the official source for exam purposes).
Register Now
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Fridays, from February 2 until March 8, 12 - 2 PM - Online - Free
Family Wellbeing: Nurturing Resilience Together
Camino create a safe space for newcomer parents to learn about the impact of stress on their families, and gain skills to support themselves and their children as they build a life in their new homes.
Register Now
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Wednesdays, from February 7 until March 27, 5 - 7 PM, 35 Albert Street, Waterloo - Free
Let's Talk
Let's Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14-21 that gives them the opportunity to explore their future career options! Volunteer hours, food and bus tickets will also be provided. Registration is required
Register Now
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Tuesdays, until June 25, 5:30 - 7:30 PM - 1700 Queen's Boulevard, Kitchener
Healing through Art for Kids and Parents
Muslim Social Services of KW is offering this program which provides a safe and supportive environment for children and parents to engage in therapeutic art activities that can help in emotional healing and bonding.
Register Now
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Federal government looking for ways to balance immigration and services, says minister from CBC News, January 14, 2024
'A system that has gotten out of control': Immigration minister to consider cap on international students in Canada from CTV News, January 13, 2024
Trend Line: Feelings about immigration in Canada from CTV News, January 12, 2024
Government working to stabilize immigration levels as housing pressures mount: ministers from CBC News, January 12, 2024
Temporary resident pathway opens for Palestinian extended family in Gaza from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, January 9, 2023
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