Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
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Immigration Partnership News |
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2021 Partner Survey Findings: Our Partners on How We Are Making an Impact
and What We Need to Focus On
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Last December, community partners told us what matters to them in the work of the Immigration Partnership in our 2021 Partner Survey. Through the survey partners across a range of organizations provided feedback about our collaborative work, community challenges and the evolution of our work. Look at what they told us here.
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Working Towards a Region Free of Racial Discrimination |
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On March 21, the Immigration Partnership's Belong Steering Group hosted four events to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was a day of profound conversations about how to unpack, unlearn and understand the immense impact of racial discrimination in Waterloo Region. Throughout the day 275 attendees had the opportunity to listen to different local anti-racism initiatives and learn about the many ways we can tangibly support each other in countering racism. In case you missed it, we invite you to catch up by watching the recordings of some of the March 21 segments: Amplifying YOUth Voices video and Spotlight on Anti-Racism Work in Waterloo Region conversations. |
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"Top Things Employers Need to Know about Immigration Laws When Hiring or Retaining Immigrants and International Student" Webinar Recording |
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ICYMI! Check out the recording of the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce's Manulife Business Success Series webinar on March 23 for local employers focused on why hiring temporary foreign workers should be a part of a business overall HR strategy. Jennifer Roggemann, Immigration Lawyer, highlighted the relevance of hiring immigrants especially at a time when immigration is currently meeting 100% of labour growth in Canada. Watch the webinar recording here.
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In Solidarity with Ukraine |
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For more details on these events and other immigration, anti-racism and community initiatives, follow us on our social media accounts!
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Community Partner Highlights
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Immigrant Services and Interpretation Open
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The KW Multicultural Centre (KWMC) and YMCA Immigrant Services are remotely serving newcomers across Waterloo Region.
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The YMCA language assessment centre is doing online language assessments. New clients can call to book an appointment. YMCA school settlement workers are available and continue to serve clients remotely.
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In Kitchener-Waterloo and area, KWMC is providing interpretation services remotely (phone or videoconferencing) in over 50 languages. Visit https://kwmulticultural.ca/interpreters or email interpreters@kwmc-on.com if you require an interpreter.
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In Cambridge, the YMCA is providing interpretation services (phone or video conferencing) remotely. Languages include: Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Persian, Dari, Pashto, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish. If you require an interpreter email interpretations@ckw.ymca.ca.
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Reception House Waterloo Region is remotely serving government-assisted refugees. Refugee arrivals are ongoing in Waterloo Region.
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COMPASS Refugee Centre (formerly MCRS) is remotely serving refugee claimants for claim and settlement supports. Virtual Ready Tours in preparation for hearings are now available through COMPASS. They also provide safe, in-office access to virtual hearings for claimants who need I.T. support and confidential space.
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Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre continues to meet the health needs of refugees. Call ahead.
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Carizon’s Newcomer Mental Health and Well-Being Program: A Promise of Partnership is currently offering both online and in-person supports to refugees living in Waterloo Region. For more information on current groups, trauma counselling, supports for connecting to mental health resources and workshops, call 519 743-6333 or email promise@carizon.ca.
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St. Louis LINC and ESL. Mode of delivery is stated on each program areas’ webpages. It is possible that the mode of delivery for any program may change during the course of the year. Visit website for updates.
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Conestoga LINC language classes. Due to COVID-19, all classes are currently being held on Zoom and through emailed practice activities.
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New Digital Literacy and Life Skills Video Playlists for Newcomers |
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Reception House Waterloo Region has launched its new "Digital Literacy and Skills for Daily Life in Canada" video playlists. They are available on its YouTube channel. These playlists are intended to support newcomers settling in Waterloo Region by providing information and guidance on topics such as digital safety, using a laptop, or taking public transit. They will be particularly useful to anyone who has low literacy in English or their native language (i.e for whom reading captions may be challenging) and who also have low digital literacy.
Seeking to increase digital equity and inclusion among marginalized newcomers in our community, the playlists are available in 5 languages – Arabic, Dari/Farsi, Tigrinya, Rohingya and Somali.
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Afghan and Other Refugee Integration Updates |
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Other Information and Resources |
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Canadian Employers in Solidarity With Ukraine
Employers who wish to support Ukrainians with offers of employment can register these offers on Job Bank’s Jobs for Ukraine webpage. Job Bank will then work with local organizations and employers to help connect them with Ukrainians seeking work in their communities. More information here.
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In this World Education Services report, learn what the available data both reveal and obscure about the critical role of Internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) as part of Canada’s health human resources and the extent of skills underutilization. Also, this brief seeks to help readers understand the scope and limitations of existing sources of data on IEHPs in Canada and more.
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In this Journal of International Migration and Integration paper, authors use Canada as a case study to examine the intersection of Indigenous experiences and the country’s immigration policy, and why and how Indigenous voices have been excluded from decision-making about immigrant selection.
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Today is Refugee Rights Day! A day to recognize the right to asylum! Why do we celebrate this day in Canada?
On April 4, 1985 "the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right of refugee claimants in Canada to life, liberty and security of the person, and that claimants are therefore entitled to an oral hearing, in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice and international law." That day was a milestone for refugee rights in Canada. To learn more about the importance of this day, click here.
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Tonight, at 6:30pm, COMPASS Refugee Centre will be hosting an art-themed event to raise awareness of Refugee Rights Day in our community and to celebrate the art of downtown Kitchener.
The event consists of an Art Scavenger Hunt followed by a cocktail reception, presentation, prizes and live auction.
Community members who want to attend this event, there is still time to register here.
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Virtual Events and Webinars |
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Unlocking our Potential:
What Do Immigrants Mean to Canadian Innovation? April 6, 12:50-4:15pm ET
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In the midst of an aging population and lower fertility rate, there is growing recognition of Canada’s need for immigrants who will start companies, create jobs and contribute to economic growth. What are the best strategies to attract, retain and support newcomer entrepreneurs? Join The Globe and Mail and Century Initiative, together with leading voices in business, immigration and economic development to discuss the people, policies and investments needed to create an ecosystem of innovation in Canada. |
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Webinar: How To Become A Licensed Engineer In Canada, April 7, 1-2pm |
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In Collaboration with Practice PPE Exams, this free webinar will provide participants with the steps to becoming a licensed engineer in Canada and review the courses offered at Practice PPE Exams and how they can help engineers to successfully pass their licensing exams. |
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Tackling Systemic Barriers to Employment Faced by Immigrants and Refugees, April 11, 2-3:00 pm EDT |
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In this webinar, the World Education Services will discuss steps states can take to reduce systemic barriers to occupational licensure for internationally educated immigrants and refugees and learn about state-level innovative workforce development efforts that support the inclusion of internationally educated immigrants and refugees in the local workforce. |
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Is the Two-Step Migration System Serving Canada and Newcomers as it is Intended? April 12, 12-1pm EDT |
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CERC Migration is organizing a webinar to discuss the impact of Canada’s two-step immigration system on the transition experiences and challenges facing different groups of temporary migrants, and what proactive approaches could address these challenges. |
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EmployerOne Webinar, April 14, 11am |
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The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin is hosting the EmployerOne Webinar showcasing the trends and changes we saw in the local labour market last year. At the webinar, they will present the findings and methodology of the EmployerOne survey. Attendees will be provided with opportunities to ask questions. The event is open to everyone. |
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COVID 19 Coverage and other News |
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