Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
March 29, 2021


We are in this together but impacted unequally.
Let’s help everyone stay healthy, Waterloo Region.
Immigration Partnership Updates
We are very proud to announce that our very own Tara Bedard, Immigration Partnership Executive Director, was selected as a recipient of the 2021 National Metropolis Service Provider Award! These awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to the field of immigration and settlement in Canada. We are very fortunate to have her leadership and community-based and collaborative vision that have contributed to making our community more inclusive and welcoming! Congratulations!
We appreciate our partners Margaret Walton-Roberts from Wilfrid Laurier University and Diana Palmerin Velasco for the nomination, and Lucia Harrison of the KW Multicultural Centre and Ian McLean of the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce for supporting it. 
Waterloo Region Ethno-Cultural Leadership Roundtable: Challenges, Successes, Resources
April 8, 7:30-8:30pm
Immigration Partnership’s Social Inclusion Working Group invites leaders or members of ethno-cultural groups in Waterloo Region to a virtual roundtable discussion on the topic of social isolation as a result of COVID-19. We aim to bring together leaders from various ethnocultural communities and faith groups to share individual challenges and successes, for collective learning. More information and registration here.
"Building Your Business Through COVID and Beyond" Webinar
April 8, 7:30-8:30pm
The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce presents its next Manulife Business Success Series webinar on "Building Your Business Through COVID and beyond". This session features Lucci Mihet of Export Development Canada, Kevin Ballantyne of Grant Thornton, and Deborah Wishart of the Royal bank of Canada. Registration now open!
Community Partner Updates 
Immigrant Services and Interpretation Open
Region of Waterloo Seeking Input on Child Care and Early Years Services
The Region of Waterloo is inviting parents and caregivers to participate in a survey about child care and early years services. This survey is for all parents and caregivers who live in Waterloo Region and have at least one child age 12 years or younger. This includes all families, both those who use child care or EarlyON programs, as well as those who do not. One response per family is requested. The survey in in English and takes about 10 minutes to complete. 
Federal, Provincial and Local Updates
Municipal Government
To learn more about the latest information, measures and changes to legislation due to COVID-19 Outbreak across the region, visit the Region of Waterloo website.

Find the latest information on the Covid-19 vaccine in Waterloo region in this bulletin. It includes the following topics: Total doses administered, Waterloo Region moves into phase two of vaccine rollout, vaccine clinic locations, transportation to vaccination clinics, vaccination clinics for First Nation, Métis and Inuit and more.
Provincial
Government
To learn more about the latest information, measures and changes to legislation due to COVID-19 Outbreak across Ontario, visit the

The Ontario government is providing additional support to eligible small businesses to help with the ongoing costs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmed eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the amount of their first payment, for minimum total support of $20,000 up to a maximum of $40,000.
COVID-19 Information and Resources

Community leaders and groups are hosting Community Covid-19 Vaccine Information Sessions for South Asian, Albanian, African, Caribbean and Black communities and others to discuss vaccine rollout in Waterloo Region, vaccine safety, how to pre-register for an appointment, common misconceptions and questions and more. More information.

WHO's 'Vaccine Explained' series features illustrated articles on vaccine development and distribution: from how they work and how they’re made to ensuring safety and equitable access. Available in 6 languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, and Spanish.

In this report, members of the Pathways to Prosperity Partnership provide an overview of Canada’s immigration system prior to the pandemic, discuss the system’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities revealed by the pandemic, and explore a post-COVID-19 immigration vision.
Other Information and Resources

New Conestoga College PSW-FAST Delivery program includes no tuition fee, funding support, a paid work placement and more. It starts on April 5, May 10 or June 14, 2021.

The York University invites care workers, settlement workers, service providers, managers and directors to participate in a 10 minute survey to identify key concerns and promising practices in virtual mental health services for refugee and newcomers & to develop guidelines for referring refugee clients to these services. Take the survey in English or French.

Nasreen Nasreen, member of the Coalition of Muslim Women, presents in this Cambridge Times article the Muslimah Stories Project that features Waterloo Region Muslim refugee and immigrant women who tell their stories of working together with the hope to build up the community. Read it here.

The Evaluating Refugee Programs Project was an initiative to build the evaluation capacity of the refugee sector across Canada in order to improve supports and outcomes for refugee newcomers. The project is coming to the end of its final year. Check out this summary to learn about the project activities and learnings over three years. More information.
Volunteers are Needed to Serve on the Family and Children’s Services’ Board of Directors 

Family and Children’s Services of Waterloo Region is seeking a Board composition that reflects the cultural diversity of our community and represents the populations they serve. Those interested, please send your resume and cover letter to April.Moore@facswaterloo.org. by April 6, 2021. 

The Digital Service Squad of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre is back to offer up to 10 hours of FREE specialized help to businesses to enhance their digital presence and equip themselves with the digital tools required to be more accessible to customers. Check out the free services here. Fill out the form here.
Covid-19 and Community Virtual Events and Webinars
Sponsoring Refugees During the Pandemic, March 29, 6-8pm
The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program invites members of Groups of Five and Community Sponsors to a virtual meeting with IRCC to talk about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sponsors as well as sponsored.
People and Prosperity. Planning for Canadian Growth, Mar 30, 1-3:30pm
The Globe and Mail is hosting virtual conversations on the approaches, policies and investments needed to support Canada's growth. At the event, Century Initiative will also launch its first ever National Scorecard on Canada’s Growth and Prosperity.
Pathway to Status for Refugee Claimants Working in Healthcare During COVID-19, Mar 31, 10:30-12pm
The federal government introduced a new program that would allow some refugee claimants working in the healthcare sector to apply for permanent residence. CLEO's legal experts will share details about who qualifies for the program and how to apply.
Table ronde : L'accès aux soins de santé pour les réfugiés au Canada, Apr 3, 1pm
Pendant ce webinaire de discussion table ronde, nous allons discuter des défis, des obstacles, ainsi que des solutions potentielles à ces enjeux liés à l'accès aux soins de santé pour les réfugiés au Canada.
Learning More About Vaccine Hesitancy in Pandemic Time, Apr 7, 1pm
This National Newcomer Navigation Network free webinar is for people having hesitancy against Covid-19 vaccination. In the case of minorities and migrants it might take specific forms. This webinar will address the phenomenon and some of its specificities in the context of multi ethnic spaces.
Planning Your Next Career Adventure, Apr 7, 3-4 pm
Idea Exchange, together with Lutherwood, is hosting a free webinar about important factors to consider when switching careers.  This webinar will leave you with some resources to explore, so you feel better prepared and confident for the next stages of your job search.
EnCOMPASSing Shared Humanity. Refugee Rights Day, Apr 8, 6-7pm
Compass Refugee Centre invites community members to join the celebration of the Refugee Rights Day with an exclusive event focusing on the concept of a shared global humanity. In honor of Refugee Rights Day, three guest speakers share their experience of the refugee claim process and their journey to safety. More information.
Back to Business Webinar, Apr 8, 9:30-10:30am
As Ontario re-opens this Spring, Waterloo Region Small Business invites small business owners to be part of a conversation on how they can use easy to manage technology tools to safely welcome back their customers.
What Are Entry Jobs Really About? Transportation and Warehousing Edition, Apr 15, 10-11am
Did you know you can gain good-waged employment without earning a degree? The Workforce Planning Board is hosting this online event for youth to learn about some entry-level jobs that do not require post-secondary education and need only short-term training.
COVID 19 Coverage and other News



Business landscape complex in Waterloo region during COVID-19 pandemic CBC News, March 28, 2021






The Immigration Waterloo Region calendar has information about local programs and events for newcomers. Subscribe for a digest of events coming up in the next week or add your own events to share.
Feel free to send suggestions or relevant events/resources to include to the Immigration Waterlooo Region weekly by emailing Dan Vandebelt (dvandebelt@regionofwaterloo.ca) and Alejandra Amezquita Gutierrez (AAmez@regionofwaterloo.ca)
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