Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
Immigration Partnership News
We Remember Our London Family:
Show your Solidarity and Stand for the Elimination of Islamophobia, Hate and Racial Discrimination
A year ago today, four beloved members of the Afzaal family were killed in a hate-motivated attack in London, Ontario: Salman, Madiha, Talat and Yumna. Fayez, the little boy who was among them, survived. This horrific attack and others across the country highlight that Islamophobia is very present in our communities. 

Today, we reaffirm the Immigration Partnership’s commitment to building a community where everyone belongs and can live in safety. We confirm our commitment to fighting racism and hatred in all forms, including Islamophobia, together with our community.

Show your Solidarity. The Coalition of Muslim Women of KW is providing community members with several ways to show their support and solidarity today in honour of the Afzaal family. Take a look at them here.

The City of London has also published a list of community events happening to honour the family and combat Islamophobia on its website.
This Wednesday: "Allies Against Islamophobia" Webinar
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 this Wednesday, June 8. We will talk about Islamophobia and its negative impacts that threaten the well-being of our communities. Community leader Fauzia Mazhar, Executive Director at Coalition of Muslim Women of KW, will provide strategies to become an ally against Islamophobia. Register here.
Improving Job Prospects Through Volunteerism
Last Saturday, participants and speakers of the 2022 Multicultural Connections were excited to meet face to face at KW Gallery Art to discuss the benefits of volunteerism.

Speakers agreed that volunteering is a great start for newcomers to eventually land meaningful work. They covered topics such as volunteer management, relationship between volunteerism and professional development, immigrant employment, enhancing English communication skills through volunteering and more.

A big thank to our participants and speakers from Rohingya Centre of Canada, Muslim Women of Cambridge, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre and the Immigration Partnership's Work Steering Group for an enriching meeting.

Newcomers looking for volunteering opportunities, please visit Volunteer Waterloo Region website .
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

  • Update: The KW Multicultural Centre (KWMC) is opening its office for in-person services starting today at its new location: 715 Fischer Hallman Rd, Suite 401, Kitchener. 
  • Update: YMCA Immigrant Services is providing in-person and remote settlement services. 
  • Update: The YMCA language assessment centre is doing online and in-person language assessments.
  • 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. 
  • Update: Reception House Waterloo Region is serving government-assisted refugees in person and remotely. 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.
Refugee Integration Updates

Waterloo Region is one of 39 designated communities supporting refugees arriving in Canada. 

Due to conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine and other countries, millions of people, mostly children and women, have left their homes in search of refuge. In the coming months, many are coming to Canada including Waterloo Region.

Play this video to learn how Immigration Partnership, community partners, settlement agencies and local groups have come together to respond to the challenges of refugee resettlement and how you can join us in building community.

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!

As of 6 June 2022, Canada has welcomed 14,645 refugees from Afghanistan, including 395 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees reported to have settled 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.

Update: Financial assistance now available for Ukrainians in Canada: Ukrainians arriving in Canada can now apply to receive transitional financial assistance. These funds will help Ukrainian nationals and their family members meet their basic needs—such as transportation and longer-term housing—as they arrive in communities across Canada and find a job. The benefit will consist of a direct, one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under).
Other Information and Resources

Based on interviews with key government officials and settlement providers, this Toronto Metropolitan University study investigates the factors considered by the Canadian government when making the match and assesses how they play out in the destining process by focusing on Ontario as a case study. Check the findings and recommendations here.

The Conference Board of Canada recently released an impact paper which examines the availability of settlement services in small and rural communities under the current settlement service agreements. It studies the institutional barriers to meeting the settlement needs of immigrants in small and rural communities and the role that government and other stakeholders can play in addressing these barriers. 

METRAC (Ontario Women’s Justice Network) shares Online training modules and a recorded webinar on human trafficking. The training outlines criminal, immigration, and employment laws related to human trafficking in Ontario, and how service providers can support clients who may have been trafficked. The modules are also available in French.  
In June, We Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
Filipino Heritage Month

June is Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate one of the fastest growing communities in our country. It is also an occasion to thank the many Filipinos working in the child care and health care sectors for their crucial role in the fight against the Covid-19 virus.Their dedication and selflessness on the front lines help many get through these difficult times.

Community members are encouraged to join this celebration by:
June is Pride Month

In this month, Canada also celebrates Pride Month to highlight the efforts of these communities to be recognized and respected. We celebrate their resilience and strength. We stand with them.

By joining us in celebrating Pride Month, you are embracing Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, Respect and Love.

Here are a few ways to join Pride Month celebration in Waterloo Region:

  • Events promoting 2SLGBTQ+ equal rights and visibility. SPECTRUM and community partners present a series of events and activities to celebrate members of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ History in Waterloo Region. The Kitchener Public Library archives contain documents, ephemera and so many memories from our region’s Queer past.
  • Together in Pride Ride, June 17, 7pm. Join City of Kitchener for a cycling event to help bring visibility to members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities and attention to cycling in Kitchener for Bike Month. Location: KW Counselling Services parking lot (480 Charles Street East) and head out on Charles Street for a 7km fun casual ride.

This month, everyone, including newcomers and immigrants, is invited to celebrate the resiliency, history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We can help dismantle the systemic racism, inequality, and discrimination that Indigenous Peoples continue to face today by learning about Indigenous history in our communities and across the country.

Wellbeing Waterloo Region is committed to developing meaningful relationships and working toward reconciliation with local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. Visit its website to access Indigenous educational resources.
Events and Webinars
Moving Towards Building a Reconciliation Action Plan: Indigenous Inclusion with Employers, June 7, 1pm ET
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, this Canadian Centre for Diversity (CCDI) and Inclusion event will feature our own Pangus Kung in conversation with Kelly Lendsay, President and CEO of Indigenous Works, discussing various frameworks and strategies to build more inclusive workplaces for Indigenous Peoples. This webinar will be offered in English with live French interpretation and closed captioning in both languages. 
L’emploi et le parrainage de réfugiés : séance d'information sur les services de la Société économique de l'Ontario, 9 juin, 18 h 30
En compagnie de 3 conseillers en employabilité et en entreprenariat représentant respectivement Ottawa, Sudbury et Toronto, découvrez la Société économique de l'Ontario et ses services qui faciliteront la recherche d'emploi des réfugiés que vous parrainez. Cette séance est ouverte à tous les groupes de parrainage de l'Ontario. Vous avez des questions ou des défis particuliers concernant le parrainage de réfugiés et l’emploi? Partagez-les avec nous dans votre formulaire d'inscription!
Bike Festivities, June 11, 1pm, Gaukel Street Kitchener
A fun and safe space for racialized communities to experience the joys of cycling. In this event, organized by the City of Kitchener and partners, participants will learn new skills from trained instructors and go for small groups rides around the city. All ages welcome.
Creating a Psychologically Safe Space for the LGBTQ2S+ Community - Fireside Chat, June 16, 1-2pm ET
In this fireside chat, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)will chat with an expert to explore how organizations can create psychologically safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This is an introductory level webinar for anyone interested in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ2S+ individuals. This webinar will be offered in English with live French interpretation and closed captioning in both languages.
World Refugee Day: Becoming Neighbours – Building Peace, June 20, 7-9pm
On June 20, join CCORIC at THEMUSEUM at 7pm to celebrate World Refugee Day! This year’s event features: Performances by newcomer youth group Crossing Borders, music by local artist Juneyt, World Refugee Day awards, THEMUSEUM’s newest exhibit: Climate Refugees, Door prizes and more! Visit the event page on Facebook for more information.
Growth and Recovery,: where Do We Go From Here? June 22, 8:45am-5pm ET
Join The Globe and partners for this full-day conference to bring national voices together to chart a new roadmap for Canada, exploring the future of our economy, our nation’s role in the world, and the other changes that lie ahead. Virtual or In-Person Event.
Fostering Welcoming and Inclusive Environments for Immigrants and Refugees, June 30, 1:30-2:30pm
Join the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project's monthly webinar series on June 30. Settlement in rural and small centres require a different approach and strategy, understanding the local context, its unique attributes and working in partnership are critical to successful settlement and integration work, for both immigrants and their new communities. Based on recent promising practices, such as the launch of New Brunswick Multicultural Council’s Rural Settlement Network, this session will offer insights into fostering welcoming and inclusive rural communities.
Summer Events in Kitchener, Several Dates
City of Kitchener announces artists and details for summer events and activities. In addition to big festivals and events, look out for details on artisan markets, movie nights, concerts, and more planned at community centres, the Kitchener Market, on Gaukel Street and throughout Downtown Kitchener. You can also enjoy some exercise and good times at the city’s golf courses, parks, walking trails, indoor and outdoor pools, and splash pads.
COVID 19 Coverage and other News

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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