Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
Immigration Partnership News
Connected to Build Community Through Immigration, Q1 Update
In this issue of the Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly, we are pleased to share just a few examples of the many ways in which we along with our partners worked to build community through immigration in the first quarter of 2022:

  • We convened three Refugee Task Force meetings with focus on Afghan/other refugee resettlement and Ukraine response to discuss housing, education and health care challenges. As a priority of the Refugee Task Force, we engaged MPs, MPPs, Regional Chair and Mayors in advocacy on issues arising related to lack of settlement services access, OHIP, income supports, child tax benefits, and more.

  • We launched the Solidarity with Ukraine webpage with updated information and resources for residents to support the families and individuals arriving in Waterloo Region. We engaged with and provide information to organizations, local residents and groups seeking to response to the Ukrainian crisis and help families coming to the Region. We connected them to existing community systems and settlement and other services.

  • We shared the 2021 Partner Survey findings on our collaborative work, community challenges and the evolution of our work. 86 % of the respondents felt that Immigration Partnership (IP) is achieving its mission.

  • We launched the Waterloo Region Migrant Workers Coalition (WRMWC) working group to share information and collectively respond to gaps for migrant and temporary workers in the region.


  • With partners, we hosted four events on March 21 to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The events fostered 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.

For more information, please click here.
We are excited to launch five topic-based profiles that provide insights on immigrant experiences of housing in Waterloo Region, as well experiences of living in the cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and in the rural townships (North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich Townships).  The profiles are based on responses by 1,507 participants in the Immigration Partnership’s 2021 Immigrant Survey. Full analysis of survey findings and details about the methodology are available here.
Employers are invited to register for this Cambridge Chamber of Commerce webinar on May 10 to hear from experts from Talent Beyond Boundaries and Jumpstart Refugee Talent who will illustrate how they assist refugees by connecting them with employers seeking talent.

This is a great opportunity for local employers looking to diversify their workforce with top talent from refugee sources, as well as for those just curious about this topic. Registration is open here.
Our 2021-2022 Interactive Annual Report is live! This report highlights the achievements and progress of our collective work to build community through immigration by implementing the shared goals and strategies outlined in the Immigration Partnership's 2020-2025 Community Action Plan.

Through this report, readers can interact with its content by displaying information, images and videos of our partners sharing their reflections on the work done in 2021 and their hopes for 2022. See the report here. See also an accessible PDF file version.
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.
Open Position on the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin
Voluntary Board of Directors
Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin is currently recruiting for an open position on its voluntary Board of Directors. They are looking candidates with experience working with immigration services, Human Resources or in serving on a not-for-profit Board of Directors. Those interested, please send your questions and expression of interest at charlene@workforceplanningboard.com by May 5.
Refugee Integration Updates

Coming together to build Community! Faithlife Financial is doing a fundraiser to support Ukrainians arriving in Waterloo Region. They will be matching donations up to $15,000 into the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives! Donations can be done here.

Information session. On April 27, an online information session will be held to learn about this donation matching initiative, where donors' money will go, and what else they can do to help. Speakers, including Immigration Partnership Executive Director Tara Bedard and Wilfrid Laurier University Associate Professor Bree Akesson, will discuss how donations will help Ukrainian refugees settle in our community and the challenges families face as they flee war in Ukraine. Register here.
Local fundraiser supports refugees through donation to the Immigration Partnership Fund

The Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis group recently presented a check for $2,075 to the Immigration Partnership Executive Director Tara Bedard, as a contribution to the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives. The check represents the proceeds from the Bowl For Ukraine event held on April 1 at the New Hamburg Lanes.

A Big Thank You! We want to express our gratitude to New Hamburg Lanes, the Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis, Township of Wilmot Ward 1 Councillor Angie Hallman, Township of Wilmot residents and everyone who organized and participated in the event for everything they do to build a welcoming community.

As of 25 April 2022, Canada has welcomed 11,365 refugees from Afghanistan, including 330 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees reported to have settled in Waterloo Region. 

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 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!

Visit www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/ukraine to learn how residents of Waterloo Region can support the Ukrainians coming to Canada. In addition, visitors will find helpful information and tools shared by the federal government specifically for Ukrainian individuals and families such as service access instructions, welcome to Canada checklist, SIN for Newcomers, etc.
Covid- 19 Information and Resources

Ontario is extending its mask mandate for high-risk indoor settings amid the ongoing sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mandate, which applies to settings such as hospitals, long-term care homes, congregate living spaces and public transit, was set to expire on April 27. It will now remain in effect until at least June 11. 

"Almost one in four Canadian respondents to a new online survey said they had been infected with COVID-19, while about three in four had not. As the country grapples with its sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and less data is shared with the public, the poll by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies offers a picture of how many people have been infected." Read the full article here.
Other Information and Resources

According to IRCC report, 2021 saw the largest annual number of new permanent residents settling in Waterloo Region (8,790) – nearly three times as many as 2020 (3,055) and nearly twice as many as 2019 (4,590). January 2022 saw a decrease from the monthly arrivals in the fall 2021 – though still more than the overall average for all of 2021 (733).

Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns invites Waterloo Region residents to nominate for its annual World Refugee Day Awards of Distinction in the following categories: 1. Outstanding members of the local community with lived refugee experience. 2. Volunteers, dedicated to working with refugees, who have contributed to making Waterloo Region a more inclusive community. For more information, please email at wr.CCORIC@gmail.com.

The National Newcomer Navigation Newcomer (N4) has put together a toolkit with resources for health and settlement professionals working with Ukrainian newcomers to Canada. This brief toolkit provides some context about the current crisis in Ukraine and will assist providers in helping newcomers connect with the Ukrainian-Canadian community and understand the immigration options available to them.

Last week, the Government of Canada announced that Express Entry draws will soon resume and that invitations for candidates to apply for permanent residence will begin in early July. Also, starting in summer 2022, recent international graduates who are in Canada and have a post-graduation work permit expiring between Jan and Dec 2022 will qualify for an additional open work permit of up to 18 months.

A new national survey conducted by Leger on behalf of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) challenges some cherished Canadian assumptions about immigration and citizenship. For instance, new Canadian immigrants are more likely to believe that Canadians don’t understand the challenges that immigrants face and feel the rising cost of living will make immigrants less likely to stay in Canada.

The Government of Canada is launching consultations for the first ever National Action Plan on Combating Hate, and is looking for voices of those with lived experiences of inequities to participate in their online questionnaire. Deadline: April 30, 2022. Participation is voluntary and confidential. More information here.
National Volunteer Week 2022, April 24-30
“During National Volunteer Week, we invite residents to celebrate volunteers across Waterloo Region and Canada and thank them for devoting their time in making a difference in their communities. This year’s theme is "Volunteering Is Empathy In Action" to recognize volunteers who have practiced empathy by supporting those who needed it most.

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Volunteer Waterloo Region profiled several local Waterloo Region volunteers and volunteer managers who have demonstrated Empathy in Action in countless ways. Go to the Volunteer Waterloo Region website to meet them and read their stories.
Virtual Events and Webinars
Building Equitable Cities Speaker Series: The Value of a Human Right to Housing Framework for Local Governments
April 26, 12pm
Join the City of Kitchener and community partners for a series of talks about building equitable cities. These talks will explore topics related to how equity, inclusion and access help us understand the establishment, growth and development of cities. The next talk on April 26 will cover the transformational nature of the human right to housing framework, and its implications for local governments like the City of Kitchener.
Finding Meaningful Employment and Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Privately Sponsored Refugees, April 28 4pm
The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, in collaboration with Jumpstart Refugee Talent, is hosting this webinar. Speakers will share with sponsors about their work on supporting newcomer refugees in navigating economic inclusion, meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in Canada.
Navigating Virtual Landlord and Tenant Board Hearings, April 28 12-12:45pm
In this CLEO Connect event as part of its "Lunch and Learn' series, Claire Littleton, Lawyer of the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic, will demystify the online hearing process and let community workers know what to expect and how to support their clients so that they can participate as fully as possible. The event will discuss how to access Tenant Duty Counsel and mediation services online and options for how to request alternatives to the online hearing process.
Providing Virtual Individual Therapy and Trauma-Informed Support Groups, April 28, 3:30-4:30pm
Join the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project's monthly webinar series on April 28 to hear from the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) experience with delivering virtual individual therapy and trauma-informed support groups.
National Standards for Healthcare Equity: The Case for Provincial Interpretation Services, May 4, 1pm
In consultation with healthcare and settlement providers across Canada, the National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) developed a proposed national standard and an accompanying set of recommendations to address language barriers for newcomers. This position paper, ‘National Standards for Healthcare Equity: The Case for Provincial Interpretation Services,’ calls for an interpretation approach which can be implemented nationally to promote safe, equitable and positive healthcare access and experiences for newcomers.
So You Want to Run For Council Information Workshop, May 4, 2022 May 4, 16:30pm
The 2022 Municipal Election and School Board Election will be held on October 24, 2022. Interested candidates may file their nomination starting May 2, 2022 until August 19, 2022 at 2 p.m. at their respective municipality or for Regional Council at the Region of Waterloo. Interested candidates are also invited to register for a free virtual information workshop taking place on May 4, presented by the City of Cambridge, Region of Waterloo, the City of Kitchener, the Townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Woolwich, Wilmot and the City of Waterloo. The workshop will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities of regional and municipal council members including duties, scope, and commitments.
The Future of the Ontario Settlement Sector, May 5, 3:30pm
Join the Building Migrant Resilience in Cities (BMRC) to hear what they learned from surveys of managers and frontline workers in Ontario immigrant-serving agencies about the impacts of the pandemic and its lessons for the future of the settlement sector. This webinar will be streamed through Youtube.
COVID 19 Coverage and other News










Your Voice Against Racism: jeewan chanicka Waterloo Chronicle, April 19, 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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