Immigration Partnership Highlights | |
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We extended the deadline!
Encourage your family, friends, neighbours, clients and colleagues to fill out the survey!
So far more than 1,000 immigrants in Waterloo Region participated in this survey, and we want to hear from 1,000 more! Everyone born outside Canada and now living, working and studying in Waterloo Region is invited to complete the survey, which runs until June 27.
More than 150,000 immigrants live in Waterloo Region, and their experiences of living here matter. The survey is available in English, Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Somali, Serbian, Tigrinya, Turkish, Ukrainian, French, Chinese, and Rohingya (paper only).
Tell us how to make the region a better place to live. More than 60 immigrant and community service, business, municipal and post-secondary partners across Waterloo Region’s urban and rural communities will use the results to guide policies, investments, programs and services that better support and empower immigrants and other community members to reach their full potential.
People who complete the survey can enter a draw for prizes that include a $200 prepaid credit card, $100 prepaid credit cards and $10 Tim Horton's gift cards.
If you have any questions or need more information about the survey, contact Dan Vandebelt at dvandebelt@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Today, we were pleased to join our partner, the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, in hosting “Immigration: The Way Forward - Part 2”. It was an extraordinary event that brought together leaders to discuss critical topics related to the region's growth. With a distinguished lineup of speakers, the forum delved into how government, business, post secondary institutions and others should be supporting immigrants in reaching their full potential and contributing to thriving communities for everyone. Speakers addressed pressing issues around the attraction, labour market attachment and retention of immigrants, examining the challenges faced by international students and immigrants and proposing strategies to enhance retention.
A highlight was a fireside chat featuring the Hon. Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. Minister McNaughton shared insights into the Ontario government's efforts to support skilled newcomers in realizing their aspirations and creating better lives, and initiatives and programs being implemented to facilitate the seamless integration of immigrants.
Another highlight was an engaging panel discussion with Massi Basiri, co-founder of ApplyBoard; Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Waterloo; and Charlene Hofbauer, Executive Director of the Workforce Planning Board. Panelists spoke about obstacles faced by international students and immigrants in Canada and strategies to maximize the retention of newcomers in Canada, with a strong focus on breaking down barriers to work and increasing community welcoming and inclusion. They proposed a roadmap for the future, highlighting collaboration between government, educational institutions, the community and industry leaders as a vital factor in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Greater KW Chamber, our speakers and guests who helped make the event a resounding success. A recording of this event will be available online soon, stay tuned!
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On Thursday, June 15th, we had the pleasure of holding our first in-person IP Council meeting since the pandemic. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather with all the council members and share valuable insights.
During the meeting, we took a moment to recognize and celebrate Lucia Harrison, the CEO of the KW Multicultural Centre and the inaugural chair of the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership Council. Lucia has dedicated over 15 years to advancing our work and has been an exceptional leader within our partnership and community. Her expertise, strength, and passion have made a significant impact on countless lives, and we reflected on her tremendous contributions and the invaluable mentorship she has provided over the years. We deeply appreciate her belief in our mission and vision and the unwavering support she has provided. As the IP Council, it is now our responsibility to carry forward her vision and passion for building a thriving community through immigration.
Lucia, we will miss having you in our future council meetings, thank you for your outstanding leadership and the positive influence you've had on so many people's lives. We are immensely grateful for your kindness, support, and we are honoured of having you serve on the IP Council. Your contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are inspired to continue the important work you initiated.
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Settlement Funding Preparatory Sessions
Jun. 28, 2023
9:30AM - 12:00PM
Location: Kitchener Public Library
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The Region Immigration Partnership's 2022-2023 Annual Report is live! This report marks the third year of our five-year strategy and encapsulates our unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant community. It offers a snapshot of the diverse individuals and organizations that make up the Immigration Partnership, showcasing the many ways we are collectively building a stronger and more inclusive community through immigration.
Learn and share our interactive report: Immigration Partnership Interactive Annual Report 2022 - 2023
Accessible PDF: Immigration Partnership Annual Report 2022-2023
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Immigration Partnership Resources | |
Community Partner Highlights
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The 56th KW Multicultural Festival is coming soon!
Get ready for a celebration like no other!
The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival is held annually in Kitchener’s Victoria Park and provides the community with an opportunity to share food, fun, music and dance. The Festival - one of the largest of its kind in Canada - typically draws upwards of 40,000 guests over two days.
The 2023 Festival is from:
- 12PM - 8PM on June 24 and
- 12PM - 6PM on June 25
Spread the word, and let's make this festival a union of cultures!
For more information visit: KW Multicultural Festival — Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre
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“Bridging the Gaps in Trucking”
This is a new funded program offering DZ and AZ Truck Driver training, delivered by the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC). This program is open to individuals of all genders and is currently available in various locations across Ontario, including Kitchener, GTA, London, and Ottawa.
An information session will take place on Tuesday, June 27th, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. To reserve your spot, please email programs@wtfc.ca
For further information about the program visit:
Training Programs - WTFC (womenstruckingfederationofcanada.net)
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Kids Summer Camps coming in July!
Muslim Social Services of KW (MSS) is proud to announce their upcoming kids summer camps from July 10th - Aug with each camp being one week. MSS will be providing full or partial subsidies for those in need.
Registration is now open.
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Emergency Services Career Camp
If you are 15 to 19 years old, and have an interest in Emergency Services we encourage you to join this Emergency Services Career Camp offered by Waterloo Fire Rescue, Waterloo Regional Police Services, and Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services.
The application deadline is July 31, 2023. The camp will take place on September 16-17, 2023.
For more information visit: Join Waterloo Fire Rescue - City of Waterloo
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Explore a Future in the Skilled Trades
YMCA's Power of Trades is a pre-employment workplace preparation program for individuals interested in the skilled trades. Participants receive information and practical advice about finding and keeping a job in the skilled trades in Ontario. There is no cost to participate.
For more information please contact: newcomers@ytr.ymca.ca or 226-448-0637
YMCA of Three Rivers
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Refugee Integration Updates | |
Community members can support Afghan and other refugees arriving in the region in many ways: Providing affordable housing or primary care, making monetary donations to the Immigration Partnership Fund or Reception House Waterloo Region, donating clothing and other items, sponsoring refugee families, supporting family reunification efforts,etc. Visit http://immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/afghanresettlement for more information on the Afghan Resettlement in Waterloo Region! | |
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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Cultural Drivers of Tourism
Are you a non-profit Waterloo Region arts, cultural or heritage organization that attracts tourist stays to the Region? The Cultural Drivers of Tourism Pilot grant Program offers one-time funding to eligible organizations.
The application deadline is June 30.
For details, please visit: Cultural Drivers of Tourism Application Form - Region of Waterloo
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Anti-hate Security and Prevention Grant
This grant helps ensure faith-based and cultural organizations have safe and secure community spaces to practice their faith or express their cultures and beliefs.
Faith-based organizations, such as a churches, mosques or synagogues, or cultural organizations, such as those that serve Black, Indigenous, Asian or 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, could receive up to $10,000 to enhance or implement measures to protect and secure their facilities.
Find out if your organization is eligible for the grant: Anti-hate Security and Prevention Grant | ontario.ca
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Explore the Youth Opportunities Fund
The Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) offers grant opportunities to support community-led projects that play an essential role in creating safe spaces, empowering youth and families, supporting career pathways and addressing issues faced by our communities.
Whether your group wants to pilot a new project or expand an existing one, YOF offers a range of grants that may be the right fit for your group.
Learn more: Youth Opportunities Fund | Ontario Trillium Foundation (otf.ca)
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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. Hosts are people with space in their homes and a willingness to open their doors. Some hosts have a sofa bed and can offer emergency hosting only, others have a spare room or an apartment (and sometimes two) and are able to host for longer periods. Some can cook meals and help with paperwork.
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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Seniors' Health Fair
June 20, 2023, 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex - Community Pavilion
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Learn how various community, social and health services can help older adults remain active, well and connected to the community. Formal presentations are followed by refreshments, door prizes and networking. Event is hosted in collaboration with KW4 Ontario Health Team. | |
Basic Computer Skills for Newcomers
June 26 & 27, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen St. N Kitchener
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Do you want to learn more about how to use computers? The session will focus on beginner computers skills, including:
- the basics of using a computer
- how to work with files
- using email
This workshop is geared towards newcomers/immigrants. This workshop has two parts, and will run on June 26th and 27th. Registration is required. Call 519-743-0271 or register online.
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SPECTRUM Fundraising Gala
June 29, 2023, 6:00PM - 9:30PM
Ken Sealing Waterloo Region Museum
10 Huron Rd, Kitchener
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Spectrum, an organization that aims to serve and support 2SLGBTQ+ people in Waterloo Region is holding its second annual fundraising gala. The event features dinner and a comedy show that’s headlined by Martha Chaves, a Nicaraguan-Canadian comedian, actress, activist and playwright. | |
Kultrun World Music Festival 2023
July 13 - 16, 2023
St. Jacobs
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Neruda Arts' signature event is returning to St. Jacobs! Kultrún is a diverse, exciting outdoor festival with something for the entire family and…but for the opening night festivities – it's free! The festival offers, inter-active workshops for children and adults alike, from drumming circles, to theatre to dance, as well as international venders with their arts and crafts and delicious fares. There will be two stages – the Main Stage at the baseball diamond in St. Jacobs, and the second stage, our own Peace Stage, will be a stone's throw away along the river. | |
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Let's Talk
Every Tuesday, until Jun. 20, 2023
5:00PM - 7:00PM
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Let's Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. The upcoming Spring sessions will run weekly at the McCormick Branch of the WPL. Register now and connect with your community, other youth, and career mentors as you prepare to achieve your career goals. Volunteer hours, food, and bus tickets will be provided. | |
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Healing Arts & Sounds of Belonging
Every Tuesday
5:30PM - 7:00PM
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The Muslim Social Services of KW will be hosting the Healing Arts & Sounds of Belonging, a community-based music and art program for women refugees aged 18 or older. This program aims to promote stress reduction, improve mood, and foster opportunities for self-expression through group music making and art exploration. This program is free, and will provide child care, and pre-session meals at 5:30PM. No prior musical experience or skill is required to join. | |
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Practice your English
Every Wednesday, until Jun. 21, 2023 10:00AM - 11:00AM
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Practice your English skills in a small group setting with a trained volunteer, all from the comfort of your own home! All newcomers are welcome. This virtual program requires registration, an email address, and access to a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Each session is 45 minutes. | |
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2023 English Conversation Circles
Every Tuesday, until Jun. 22, 2023 11:00AM - 12:30PM (Online)
6:30PM - 8:00PM (In-person)
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The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering English Conversation Circle to help newcomers practice their spoken English skills! This program is free and is drop in meaning you can attend as many sessions as you want. | |
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Women's English Conversation Circles
Every Thursday, until Jun. 22, 2023 10:00AM - 11:30AM (In-person)
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The Kitchener Public Library is offering Women's English Conversation Circles, where all newcomer women are welcome to join and practice speaking English in a relaxed and comfortable environment with other women. Meet new friends, share stories, and learn about life in Canada. | |
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Let's Talk - Cambridge
July 10 - 14, 2023
1:00PM - 5:00PM
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Let's Talk is heading back to Cambridge! This is a great opportunity for newcomer youth ages 14-21 to gain volunteer hours while receiving career guidance and meeting new people. The upcoming Summer sessions will run from 1-5PM between July 10-14th at the Clemens Mill Idea Exchange. The program is free to attend, and registration is required, food and bus tickets will be provided. | |
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How to Cover Migration on Media? 7 Recommendations for Journalists from the IOM Regional office of Central America, North America and the Caribbean
Canada’s population just hit the 40-million milestone from Global News, June 18, 2023
Temporary foreign workers need more paths to immigration, experts say from The Record, June 16, 2023
Canada expands the Francophone Mobility Program to increase Francophone immigration from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Newsroom, June 15, 2023
Complete the 2023 Immigrant Survey to shape your Community and win amazing prizes from Region of Waterloo - Around the Region, June 14, 2023
Canada opens new economic immigration streams for skilled refugees and other displaced people from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Newsroom, June 12, 2023
Rent for student housing is out of control. Is there a fix? from CBC News, June 12, 2023
Ukrainian family reunification program coming soon, residency still far away, from Global News, June 12, 2023
Mike Farwell Show minute 41:41 featuring Tara Bedard, Executive Director of the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, June 1, 2023
Learning resources about First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada from Canada.com
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