Insights from the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership's 2024 Partner Survey

This report shares insights from the Immigration Partnership’s 2024 Partner Survey. As part of our Data and Evaluation Strategy, it reflects how our collaborative efforts are driving success and improvement opportunities. These findings will guide our ongoing work and contribute to shaping the Immigration Partnership’s 2025 strategic plan.

Read the report here: IP 2024 Partner Survey

February 6, 12 - 2:30 PM, 30 Fairway Rd. South, Kitchener | Free

Canadian Immigration Law: Best Practices and Opportunities for Employers - PART 2

Are you managing employees on temporary or student permits? Helping them transition to permanent residency? Join us for Canadian Immigration Law: Best Practices & Opportunities for Employers to gain tools for attracting, retaining, and supporting immigrant talent—all while staying compliant.

This event is hosted by the Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN) and the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership.

Lunch included. Seats are limited - Register now

February 25, 5 - 8 PM, 67 Erb Street West, Waterloo | Free

Join us at the Changemakers Demo Day: AI For a Better World

Over the past few months, with support from the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and local philanthropist Mike Janzen, we’ve been working with a group of Changemakers to build real AI tools tackling urgent social challenges.

Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of their groundbreaking innovations:

• Sustainable Waterloo Region: Enabling organizations to plan and execute sustainability initiatives with AI.
• The Successful Newcomer (in partnership with Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership): Building a resume toolkit for newcomers to Canada.
• Waterloo Region Community Foundation: Bridging gaps in community connection by connecting residents to gathering spaces across the region.

This is a global first, and it’s happening right here in Waterloo Region. We’re redefining what AI for Good looks like, and we want you to see it for yourself.

Tickets are limited - Register now

January 29, 1:30 - 4:30 PM, 151 Charles St. East, Kitchener | Ticketed

Training for service providers in honour of the National Day of Remembrance & Action Against Islamophobia

Coalition of Muslim Women is offering a training session for service providers in honour of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia. This training will equip participants with skills and resources to effectively address Islamophobia in workplaces and deliver culturally sensitive services.

Register with: Sarah.shafiq@cmw-kw.org

Limited spots. First come first served.

January 29, 11 AM - 12:30 PM, Online | Free

Immigration System Changes

The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) cordially invites you to participate in the upcoming webinar. There have been many recent changes to Canada's immigration and refugee system. These changes affect people, families and our communities. Speakers will answer any technical questions about the immigration and refugee system, including refugee claims, family sponsorship, permanent resident application and options for people without immigration status.

Register now

January 30, 1 - 2 PM, Online | Free

Navigating Newcomers' Insights: Using Data to Reach Newcomer Audiences

Join Refugee 613 and the Media Technology Monitor for an exclusive webinar that delves into the latest findings from MTM Newcomer's 4th annual survey. These insights are essential for organizations aiming to better serve and connect with newcomers, enabling them to tailor strategies and outreach efforts to this unique and diverse demographic.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of this rapidly growing segment of the population!

Register now

February 6, 1 PM, Online | Free

The Changing Landscape of Immigration and Refugee Policies in Canada

This webinar seeks to inform healthcare providers and settlement workers about recent policy changes and their impact on access to healthcare, anticipated future policies, and the reasons behind these policies.

Register now

Language Interpreter Training at Conestoga College

The Language Interpreter Training program is designed for bilingual individuals who wish to work as spoken language interpreters in the legal, health care, social service and domestic violence prevention sectors in Ontario. This 180-hour program, provides an introduction to spoken language interpreting, with skills development practice in the tasks of interpreting - consecutive interpreting, sight translation and note taking, simultaneous interpreting, and a focus on setting-specific interpreting. 

There is a bursary available to eligible students to support with tuition and textbook pricing, up to maximum amount of $1320 each.

For details, contact Liliana Pereira Melo at lpereiramelo@conestogac.on.ca

City of Waterloo's Art Grant Program is now open!

The Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects and capital. Learn how to apply, who is eligible, what you need, and when to submit your application.

Apply by February 20, 2025.

Learn more at Arts Grant - City of Waterloo

Capital Grants Available Soon!

Through Capital grants, the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) helps non-profits undertake essential projects that directly benefit Ontarians by improving community facilities and spaces.

📅 The grant application period is from February 5, 2025, to March 5, 2025.

Learn more

New to Canada? Learn about the benefits of doing your taxes

Tax season is fast approaching—get prepared with this interactive webinar hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Discover how Canada’s tax system works, explore ways to file your taxes, learn about free tax help, and get an overview of other CRA services.

You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers during the event.

March 12, 2025 - Benefits and credits for newcomers to Canada

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)

Visiter une école près de chez vous

Soirées portes ouvertes à :

• l’École élémentaire catholique Saint-Noël-Chabanel de Cambridge le jeudi 23 janvier à 18 h.
• l’École élémentaire catholique Mère-Élisabeth-Bruyère de Waterloo le jeudi 30 janvier à 18 h;
• l’École élémentaire catholique Cardinal-Léger de Kitchener le jeudi 6 février à 18 h



Plus d'information

Le 12 mars 2025, webinaire | Gratuit

Vous venez d’arriver au Canada? Apprenez-en plus sur les avantages de faire vos impôts

L’Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC) organise un webinaire interactif qui portera sur :

• le régime fiscal canadien;
• l’allocation canadienne pour enfants;
• le crédit pour la taxe sur les produits et services/taxe de vente harmonisée;
• les différentes façons de faire ses impôts, l'aide fiscale gratuite et les autres services de l’ARC.

Vous pourrez poser vos questions et recevoir des réponses tout au long du webinaire. Nous avons hâte de discuter avec vous!

Inscrivez-vous

Guide d'établissement pour les communautés francophones de l'Ontario

Ce guide se veut une source d'information pour le personnel de première ligne des prestataires de services de langue anglaise afin qu'il puisse plus facilement orienter les clients francophones vers les services de langue française dans leur zone géographique. 

Plus d'informations : Settling-in-French-in-Ontario---Settlement-Guide.pdf

WR Connectors

For many newcomers, the idea of building a network can feel overwhelming. WR Connectors is here to help! You’ll receive coaching on networking skills, guidance on developing an action plan, and a match with a Connector.

A Connector is a community volunteer from a similar industry or profession who will meet with you to share their knowledge and expertise, answer your questions, offer advice, and introduce you to people in their network.

Learn more at www.wrconnectors.com

Behind the Business podcast - Season 2

The Behind the Business Podcast is a weekly podcast created by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that highlights the important people and issues in Waterloo region and in our community. Business and community leaders share their thoughts on the issues that affect the region and business community.

Checkout this week's special guest Amber French from Co-Founder of Catalyst Ventures: Behind the Business Podcast

January 21, 10 - 11:30 AM, Online | Free

Business Plan 101

Learn why a business plan is important for your business success and the steps to complete your own!

The information in this webinar is focusing on starting a business in Waterloo Region and will be covering provincial and municipal regulations. 

Hosted by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

Register now

January 28, 10 - 11:30 AM, Online | Free

Startup Business Basics

Starting a new business venture? Learn the necessary steps to start your business! The information in this webinar is focused on starting a business in Waterloo Region and will be covering provincial and municipal regulations.

Hosted by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

Register now

Funding for Southwestern Ontario businesses and organizations closing soon

Businesses, municipalities, and non-profits in southwestern Ontario are invited to apply for funding through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF). The program offers support for projects that drive regional economic growth, increase productivity, foster innovation, and create sustainable jobs.

Apply by January 28, 2025.

Learn more: Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects

Industrial Try a Trade Pre-Apprenticeship

There are many opportunities for everyone interested in the skilled trades, but knowing where to start can be challenging. The skilled trades offer fulfilling careers where you can be in demand, be well paid, and enjoy challenging and engaging work. This unique and fully funded pre-apprenticeship program provides an opportunity for you to gain hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge in various trades critical to this sector: electrical, welding, millwright, and machining.

This program is funded by the Government of Ontario and is free for qualified applicants. To learn more about the program visit: Industrial Try A Trade Pre-apprenticeship

For more information contact: ett4w@conestogac.on.ca