Immigration Partnership Highlights | |
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SAVE THE DATE! - On March 5, the Immigration Partnership is hosting a networking event for Waterloo Region employers to connect with international talent.
Calling All Employers
Are you seeking new international talent to join your team?
This is great opportunity to promote your organization and employment opportunities to over 200 internationally trained individuals. Book a FREE complimentary exhibit table now!
Space is limited!
For further information or to book your table, contact Nora Whittington: NWhittington@regionofwaterloo.ca
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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
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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
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February 24, 8:30 AM, DoubleTree by Hilton, Kitchener | Ticketed
Cultivating a Thriving Community
Join us for an insightful morning to explore the future of immigration and its economical impact in Canada. Don't miss out on the fireside chat with special guest Daniel Tisch, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, to discuss significant topics including:
Importance and impact of immigration
- Increased needs for healthcare, housing, and social services
- Labour market needs/shortages
- Economic development
Plus, Charlene Hofbauer of Workforce Planning Board will emphasize how those provincial trends and policies affect us here in Waterloo Region. In collaboration with the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce.
Get your tickets now!
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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
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Immigrant Survey Results & Snapshots | |
The Immigration Partnership conducted the Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey in June 2023, providing almost 1,700 immigrants the opportunity to share their experiences of living, working or studying in Waterloo Region and impact organizational and community change. Check out the reports released to date to help guide your policy, program and investment decisions. | |
Immigration Partnership Resources | |
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Make your organization accessible to over 10,000 residents who don’t speak English or French by providing interpretation.
Use the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" here: Interpretation Checklist
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Explore antiracism resources and join our campaign at: www.racialequitywr.ca | |
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Get insights into recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and integrating the best immigrant talent with this resource created with World Education Services.
Explore the Playbook: Waterloo Region Employer Playbook
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New to Waterloo Region? Our partners can help! | | |
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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.
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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
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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
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National Newcomer Navigation Network upcoming webinars
February 6, 1 PM, Online | Free
The Changing Landscape of Immigration and Refugee Policies in Canada
Register now
February 12, 1 PM, Online | Free
Co-Designing Integrated and Equitable Supports for Newcomers & Refugees: Lessons Learned on Intersectionality in Action Through Multistakeholder Dialogues
Register now
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Updates & News | |
Initiatives & Funding Opportunities | | |
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Waterloo Region Community Foundation is currently accepting applications for The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund.
Approximately $270,000 will be distributed to provide grants to camps, enabling children and youth who need financial assistance to attend a variety of day, overnight, recreational, and educational camps.
Apply by February 10, 2025: https://www.wrcf.ca/kidstocamp
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Apply for the City of Waterloo's Neighbourhood Fund
Do you have an idea for bonding with your neighbours? Apply for the City of Waterloo's Neighbourhood Fund and get up to $7,500 for an idea that brings your neighbourhood together.
The 2025 deadlines are:
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Round 1: February 12
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Round 2: May 14
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Round 3: October 22
Learn more: Neighbourhood Fund Application - City of Waterloo
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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: Arts Grant - City of Waterloo
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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
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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
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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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2025 edition of the Directory of Programs by Project READ Literacy Network
In this booklet you will find listings of Skills for Success, employment, language and training programs for adults living in the Waterloo and Wellington Region. Most programs are free and they are part of Employment Ontario. Many programs run day and evening, all year round.
Learn more: Directory of Programs · Project READ Literacy Network
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These learning modules can help you go beyond the assessment by providing actionable takeaways to create mentally safe and healthy workplaces.
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La Communauté en Français | | |
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Visiter une école près de chez vous
Soirées portes ouvertes à :
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l’École élémentaire catholique Mère-Élisabeth-Bruyère de Waterloo le jeudi 30 janvier à 18 h;
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l’École élémentaire catholique Cardinal-Léger de Kitchener le jeudi 6 février à 18 h
Plus d'information
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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
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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
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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
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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 Jody Palubiski, CEO, Charcoal Group of Restaurants: Behind the Business Podcast
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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
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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
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Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is offering a virtual learning series to show employers how they can make use of Canada’s immigration programs and services. Each session will feature a new topic and will give employers an opportunity to ask questions. Attend one or all sessions based on your interests and needs.
Available in French.
Learn more: Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada - Canada.ca
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Wednesdays, January & February, 6 - 8 PM, Waterloo Public Square Ice Rink, Waterloo | Free
Skate Night Date Night
Bring your skates and skate along to tunes spun live by DJ King Kadeem, while warming up with hot drinks from the Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters. Each week will feature a different music playlist theme.
Learn more
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Jan. 31, 1:30 - 3 PM, 101 Father David Bauer Dr. Waterloo | Free
Empowered Learners: Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Dental Benefit (CDB)
Calling all curious minds for an informative presentation and lecture series on a wide range of themes and topics, including health resources and general interest.
Learn more
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Feb. 1, 2 - 4 PM, Forbes Hall, RIM Park | Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the Waterloo Region Chinese Canadian Association
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is celebrated with festive traditions and cultural festivities. Come and join the celebration on Lantern Festival Day, marking the final day of New Year festivities, with music, performances, crafts, and activities. This is a drop-in event. Everyone is welcome.
Learn more
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Feb. 22, 11 AM - 4 PM, 5 Tannery Street E, Cambridge | Free
Black History Month Celebration
Join Rhythm and Blues Cambridge to celebrate the 30th year of Black History Month in Canada. This free event will honour the legacy, resilience, and achievements of Black communities through stories, music, fun, food, and community connection. Don’t miss this powerful celebration of history and culture.
Register now!
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Feb. 24, 11 AM - 12 PM, John M. Harper Branch | Free
Chinese Social Club 滑铁卢图书馆华人俱乐部
Join the Waterloo Public Library to connect with new friends, engage in conversation, and enjoy staff-led activities. Open to all community members, each session features a unique theme. All adults or older adults are welcome who would like to learn Chinese language and Chinese culture.
Learn more
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Thursdays, starting January 16 to February 20 , 4:30 PM, 85 Queen Street N, Kitchener | Free
We Belong - Introduction to photography for newcomer seniors
In this introductory program, newcomers 55+ will learn basic photography skills and capture what belonging means to them through a camera lens. Participants will borrow a camera for the duration of the 6-week program from Kitchener Public Library. No previous photography experience is required.
Register now
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Thursdays, starting January 23 to March 13 , 1 - 2:30 PM, KW Multicultural Centre | Free
English Conversation Circle
Practice your English! No registration required, all are welcome.
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Thursdays, until June 19, 10 - 11:30 AM, Kitchener Public Library, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener | Free
Women's English Conversation Circle
Practice speaking English in a relaxed and comfortable environment with other women. Meet new friends, share stories, and learn about life in Canada. All newcomer and immigrant women are welcome.
Learn more
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January 29, 1:30 - 2:30 PM, Online | Free
Career Planning
Join YMCA of Three Rivers Employment Services to explore a few tools to help you understand yourself, your potential career, and the local labour market.
Register now
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February 3, 2 - 3 PM, Online | Free
Mastering your online job search
Explore effective online job search strategies by using the most popular websites, managing your professional identity with LinkedIn and making your resume Applicant Tracking Systems compatible. This presentation is provided and delivered by a staff member from the YMCA of Three Rivers Employment Services.
Register now
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Strategic Resume Writing Workshop
This workshop is suitable for seasoned professionals, new immigrants, or if you already have a resume. It will dive deeper into systems used to shortlist resumes and tailor them to stand out. Parking passes are available on both locations.
January 30, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 20 Weber Street East, Kitchener | Free
Kitchener - Register now
February 27, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 150 Main Street, Cambridge | Free
Cambridge - Register now
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Send us any suggestions or information about relevant events and resources to include in the Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly by emailing
Diana Carrillo at djoya@regionofwaterloo.ca
We encourage you to add your own events to our Community Calendar
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