Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
Immigration Partnership News
Standing in Solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians in Waterloo Region,
Canada and Around the World

Everyone is watching with heavy hearts what is happening in Ukraine, some more personally affected with loved ones in the country or among the exodus of now more than 1.5 million people from Ukraine seeking refuge. What happens around the world impacts here in Waterloo Region. As Canada’s immigration response evolves quickly, numerous temporary and permanent pathways have opened for Ukrainians to come to Canada through expedited processes. None of the measures announced thus far align with Canada’s formal refugee resettlement programs.
 
Ukrainians have already begun to arrive in Canada and more will come. Some will arrive in Waterloo Region. We don’t know how many. Community groups are starting to organize donations, clothing drives and more. We are working to get information on what the government measures mean in practice in terms to possible resettlement or settlement supports, income supports, etc. people arriving in Waterloo Region may be entitled to. 

People from Ukraine, Afghanistan and all around the world are showing up in Waterloo Region everyday. We all have a role in welcoming them and helping them get situated as members of our community. Thank you for doing your part.
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.
Internationally Trained Professionals: There is Still Time to Register for the
Global Skills Conference, Taking Place this Wednesday, March 9
Immigration Partnership encourages internationally trained professionals to join the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre for its 14th Annual Global Skills Conference (GSC) on March 9. The theme of this year’s conference is "Making Digital Connections" where participants will look at how to market themselves and make meaningful career connections in the digital age.

Sessions include:

  • Networking with LinkedIn
  • How to land a new career
  • Discussion panels featuring 3 of the most in demand Sectors in our area
  • New this year: Custom Networking Opportunities using PheedLoop's very own match software to assist you in making new connections with other ITP’s, Ambassadors, Speakers and other organizations in the KW area.

For more information on date schedule, speaker bios and exciting contests, visit the Global Skills Conference website. This half- day conference only occurs once a year and is free. Register here. Deadline: March 8. Space is limited.
For more details on these events and other immigration, anti-racism and community initiatives, follow us on our social media accounts!
Community Partner Highlights 
Immigrant Services and Interpretation Open

  • The KW Multicultural Centre (KWMC) and YMCA Immigrant Services are remotely serving newcomers across Waterloo Region. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • Reception House Waterloo Region is remotely serving government-assisted refugees. Refugee arrivals are ongoing in Waterloo Region. 
  • 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.
  • Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre continues to meet the health needs of refugees. Call ahead.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Conestoga LINC language classes. Due to COVID-19, all classes are currently being held on Zoom and through emailed practice activities.
Afghan and Other Refugee Integration Updates
As of 4 March 2022, Canada has welcomed 8,580 refugees from Afghanistan, including 255 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees reported to have settled in Waterloo Region. 

Canadian Educational Institutions Support Afghan Newcomers. Educational institutions are helping Afghan refugees gain access to valuable career training programs. More information here.
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. 
Visit http://immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/afghanresettlement for more information on the Afghan Resettlement in Waterloo Region!
Other Information and Resources

This video produced by the Canada Revenue Agency aims to provide information to newcomers in Canada about the importance of tax filing, receiving the benefits and credits they are entitled to, and how to get tax help. For example, newcomers might be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit, the goods and services/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, and related provincial and territorial programs.

Applications are open now until April 28, 2022 for community organizations, municipalities and Indigenous organizations to apply for funding for various programs and services across the province that empower seniors to continue being active participants in their community. Approved projects are anticipated to start by late summer 2022 and must be completed by March 31, 2023. 

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives discussed the importance of disaggregated race-based data with Grace-Edward Galabuzi, Associate Professor of the Department of Politics and Public Administration and a member of the Yeates School of Graduate Studies at X University: "Disaggregated race-based data helps to identify and address racial disparities." Read full interview here.

Skilled trades are in high demand, rewarding, and essential to communities across Canada. Additionally, they offer great opportunities for newcomers looking to start a new career in their new home. The Employment and Social Development Canada's new website: Canada.ca/skilled-trades, offers helpful tools, resources and information about available funding for people who choose to pursue a career in the skilled trades. 
Women Inspiring Women. On March 8, we celebrate International Women's Day to recognize the achievements and efforts of women to contribute to the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres around the world.

On this occasion, we want to highlight that by 2031, 52% of the immigration population in Canada will be immigrant women and girls, who also bring a range of strengths to our country from the social, cultural and economy perspectives.

To learn how to join the celebration, visit the International Women's Day in Canada website to participate in the Government of Canada's campaign and events.

Also, celebrate locally with Women in Communications and Technology — Waterloo Region Chapter (WCT-WR) that along with various community organizations is hosting three virtual events during the month of March featuring some of the Region’s most notable female leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators. More details on these events here and others across our region and province here.

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario and partners are hosting an International Women's Day Celebration of Newcomer Storytelling on March 8 at 4pm. The event will highlight stories to celebrate women's achievements, build resilience and raise awareness against bias.
Virtual Events and Webinars
Irish Real Life Festival, March 5-17
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. 
FREE Multi-Employer Virtual Job Fair, March 9
Registration is now open for the Region of Waterloo Employment Services' FREE Multi-Employer Virtual Job Fair on March 9! Job seekers can schedule a 10 minute meeting with one or more employers to discuss job opportunities, learn about the company/industry and apply to positions they are interested in. Spaces are limited. 
Orientation to Ontario Workshop in Arabic, March 10-11, 9:30am-12pm
YMCA invites Arabic-speaking newcomers to attend an “Orientation to Ontario” workshop in Arabic to learn about employment, education, health care, child care, and housing services in Ontario. It is FREE.
Immigrant Experiences: The FAST Way to Find Work in your Field, March 10, 7pm
This session of Café New Canadians will help immigrant professionals maximize their employment readiness by learning how to prepare to enter the labour market in Canada, overcome barriers like international credential recognition and a lack of Canadian work experience and access free tools. This webinar will also share how a free online program called FAST –Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent – has supported international talent.
Canadian Tax System for Newcomers, March 10, 6-7:30pm
Join an Outreach Officer from the Canada Revenue Agency for an information session on various tax-related topics, specifically for newcomers. Participants will learn about Canadian tax system and about any benefits and credits that they may be entitled to.
Happy Holi: Region of Waterloo Library March Break, March 15 and 17
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.
Kitchener Public Library March Break, March 14-18
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.
Hate Crimes in Canada: Justice System Gaps and Strengths, March 22, 1-4:15pm
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.
COVID 19 Coverage and other News



Efforts to address racial equity in schools underway CityNews Everywhere, March 4, 2022




Canada to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine Government of Canada, March 3, 2022
Ontario lifts most COVID-19 restrictions CityNews Everywhere, March 1, 2022


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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