Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
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Immigration Partnership News |
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On March 21, the International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Immigration Partnership and partners invite community members to join a series of events to showcase the breadth of the anti-racism work in Waterloo Region.
The series consists of interactive segments:
- 1-2 pm - Beyond Belonging: Belonging and Experiences of Discrimination from the Youth Impact Survey
- 2 -3:30 pm - Spotlight on Anti-racism Work
- 5-6 pm - Amplifying YOUth Voices
Everyone is invited! Join the conversation to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. More information and registration here.
Event in partnership with:
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We have created a webpage as a resource to help residents of Waterloo Region support the Ukrainians coming to Canada in meaningful ways. We will update it regularly with new resources and reliable, accurate information as it becomes available. Please visit the webpage here: www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/ukraine.
Waterloo Region will accept Ukrainian refugees, awaiting direction from feds. In this The Record article, our Executive Director, Tara Bedard, talks about how the Region is preparing for incoming Ukrainian refugees:
“We’re looking at how to get creative within the capacity we know we have in the system to meet the number of people who will be coming to live here.” Read the full article here.
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Immigration Partnership is pleased to partner with the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce to present the next of its Manulife Business Success Series webinars on March 23 at 1pm. Employers are invited to hear from Jennifer Roggemann, Immigration Lawyer, who will discuss why hiring temporary foreign workers should be a part of their business overall HR strategy, especially at a time when immigration is currently meeting 100% of labour growth in Canada.
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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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Afghan and Other Refugee Integration Updates |
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As of 11 March 2022, Canada has welcomed 8,680 refugees from Afghanistan, including 255 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees reported to have settled in Waterloo Region.
Afghan women and girls make their mark in Canada. To help Afghan women newcomers carve out their important place in Canada and draw upon their skills and knowledge, many organizations and institutions are offering valuable career opportunities. Here are a few examples of how Afghan women newcomers are making their mark and helping other women.
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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 warm winter clothing and other items, sponsoring refugee families, supporting family reunification efforts,etc.
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COVID-19 Information and Resources |
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Thanks to a high vaccination rates as well as the arrival of antivirals, Ontario has the tools necessary to manage the impact of this virus, and we are now learning to live with and manage COVID-19 for the long-term. Learn how Ontario intends to lift the remaining public health and workplace safety measures and track key indicators going forward.
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Other Information and Resources |
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Community members from Wilmot Township have created a website to coordinate resources to support refugees fleeing war and create opportunities for people to meet others looking to work on similar projects. Check the website here.
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ApplyBoard’s initiative is aimed at helping Ukrainian students manage their transition to studies in Canada, but is also open to anyone currently undertaking studies in Ukraine. This includes the tens of thousands of international students who were enrolled in Ukrainian post-secondary institutions at the time the conflict began.
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The Ontario government has launched a consultation to review the province’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. This consultation provides the opportunity to hear from the public about how the government can combat racism in the government, eliminate violence and hate, and empower communities, youth, and families. It will inform anti-racism initiatives that advance racial equity in Ontario, making the province a fairer place for everyone. Deadline: May 4.
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Given that Canada’s response to Ukrainians fleeing the war is different than past policy of resettling refugees from other countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, this article from The Conversation looks at the pathways being offered for Ukranians to come to Canada and whether they imply a new era of refugee policy.
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Coalition of Muslim Women - KW brings Career Coaching Circles for Muslim women living in Waterloo Region, who are newcomers, with university/professional degree, have English level/band 6-7 (fluent in English) and looking for a job. Those interested need to fill a survey by March 20. More info at Uzma.Bhutto@cmw-kw.org or call 226-499-2269 x 4004.
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Virtual Events and Webinars |
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15e Symposium annuel sur l’immigration francophone, 14 au 18 mars |
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Le Symposium annuel sur l’immigration francophone est initiative coordonnée par la Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne (FCFA) du Canada et financée par Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC) |
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Irish Real Life Festival, March 5-17 |
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This year the Irish Real Life Festival features more than 20 in-person and virtual events leading up to St. Patrick’s Day! Events include staged performances, learn to play music classes, art, and live music. |
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Kitchener Public Library March Break, March 14-18 |
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Families are invited to join the March Break program prepared by Kitchener Public Library (KPL). Starting today, March 7, stop by one of the KPL locations for a FREE March Break Survival Kit full of fun activities for the whole family to do together during March Break. Each kit is packed with activity sheets, STEM activities to do with supplies at home and crafts for each day of the week. |
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Happy Holi: Region of Waterloo Library March Break, March 15 and 17 |
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Join the Region of Waterloo Library on March 15th or 17th to create colourful self-portraits to celebrate the ancient Hindu festival, ‘Holi,’ commonly known as the ‘Festival of Colours.' Those interested must register at least 72 hours in advance to reserve a kit. Participants will receive a private Zoom link from library staff to join the day of the event. |
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Canadian Citizenship (Tigrinya), March 15, 1-3pm |
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This presentation by Library Settlement Partnership workers will review how to become a Canadian Citizen. The workshop will look at how to complete forms, supporting documents, preparing for the test, and preparing for the ceremony. This presentation will be in Tigrinya. |
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Immigration, Ethics and the Common Good, March 16, 1pm EST |
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Even a cursory look shows that citizens of liberal democratic states are deeply divided on core public priorities, values, and policies. Nowhere are these differences more obvious than immigration and/or intake of refugees and aliens in specific political communities and states during the pandemic. Dr Rajesh Shukla, Faculty of Philosophy, Saint Paul University, will discuss the need to revise and revitalize ethically our understanding of the common good to accommodate the interests of immigrants. |
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Orientation to Ontario Workshop, March 17-18, 9:30am-12pm |
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YMCA invites newcomers to attend an “Orientation to Ontario” workshop in English to learn about employment, education, health care, child care, and housing services in Ontario. It is FREE. |
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Strategies to Secure Affordable Housing for Sponsored Refugees, March 21, 2-3:30pm EST |
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In this Allies for Refugee Integration (ARI) webinar for settlement workers, sponsors, and sponsored refugees, participants will hear from a panel of sponsored refugees, housing workers, and sponsors on their personal strategies in securing affordable housing followed by a Q&A.
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Public attitudes towards immigration in Canada: A false or true positive?, March 22, 10am-3pm EDT |
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Join CERC Migration for a workshop that brings together experts to share research insights and explore key questions such as: What are the main factors that explain the positive change in public attitudes towards immigration in Canada? Are there differences in attitudes towards refugees versus (economic) immigrants? and more. |
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Hate Crimes in Canada: Justice System Gaps and Strengths, March 22, 1-4:15pm |
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What is fueling the rise in hate crime, what are the implications for society, and how might law enforcement, the justice system, citizens and communities respond? Join The Globe and Mail and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation on March 22 for a discussion on solutions, strategies and next steps to mitigating hate crime in Canada. |
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Islamophobia and Intersections, March 23, 10am |
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Join OCASI’s anti-racism webinar/conversation series for the immigrant and refugee-serving sector. The March 23 session will provide an overview of Islamophobia and deconstruct some of the dominant problematic myths surrounding Muslim communities. This overview will be followed with discussions of 'Anti-Black Islamophobia' and 'Gendered Islamophobia', as particular interlocking formations faced by various Muslim Communities. |
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The Allyship Journey with Indigenous Peoples, March 23, 7-9:30pm |
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Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council invites community members to join Allyship Facilitators, Nicole Robinson and Ken Whytock as they explore all aspects of allyship in an engaging and thoughtful way with personal examples and prompts for participants to consider for their own lives. |
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Inspiring Conversations - International Migration in a Changing Climate: A Role for Canada, April 7, 11:30am
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Human migration is a polarizing topic, one that becomes more pressing every day as conflict and climate change displace millions of people around the world. In this Inspiring Conversation, Laurier Professors Dr. Robert McLeman and Dr. Edward Shizha will explain how Canadians are impacted by, and can play a role in, international migration.
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Assemblée Générale Annuelle 2022, 12 Avril, 12 Avril, 19h |
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Chers membres et ami(e)s de l'AFKW, comme chaque année, nous vous convions tous à la réunion annuelle de l'Association des Francophones de Kitchener Waterloo. L’AGA se tiendra le mardi 12 Avril 2022 à partir de19h00. |
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COVID 19 Coverage and other News |
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