Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
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Immigration Partnership News | |
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28 Initiatives by Community Organizations and Groups Funded to Support
Immigrants and Refugees
Funding will strengthen the welcoming and integration of refugees and immigrants to the region. The Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership, together with the Region of Waterloo and Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF), is pleased to announce $1,164,040 in funding for local initiatives from the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives and the Fund for Immigrant Economic Wellbeing.
Fund Review Committees, made up of eight Immigration Partnership community partners, reviewed 49 applications submitted through open call processes in August and September, which aligned with open calls for WRCF‘s Racial Equity Fund and the Region’s Upstream Fund. The committees for the Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives and the Fund for Immigrant Economic Wellbeing prioritized those initiatives that facilitate the welcoming, settling and integration of immigrants and refugees in Waterloo Region. Specific attention was given to applications led by immigrant-led groups and targeting immigrant women, youth and those who are racialized.
Through the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives, 11 projects by local organizations and groups will receive $164,040 in funding. This Fund, held at WRCF, is made possible through the ongoing generosity and donations of residents, philanthropic foundations and businesses in Waterloo Region. Investments through this fund will enable recipients to develop targeted programming and meet the individual needs of Ukrainians fleeing war and Afghan and other refugees in the Region.
The Fund for Immigrant Economic Wellbeing is supported through the Region of Waterloo’s Equity Fund. Seventeen initiatives will receive $1M in funding. Dr. Ernest Osei, Immigration Partnership Council Vice Chair stated, “The regional government’s investment in this Fund allowed us to establish a community-led, easy-to-access funding mechanism to enhance the economic wellbeing of immigrants in Waterloo Region. It was open to not for profit corporations, individuals and businesses. The selection committee prioritized a robust range of initiatives that will support immigrant employment, entrepreneurship and economic wellbeing across Waterloo Region’s urban and rural communities.”
Read the full press release and meet the local organizations and groups that will receive funding here.
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The Immigration Partnership and partners are delighted to invite residents to a new version of the Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival (WRMigFest). It will be a free in-person and virtual event! We have curated a series of films to learn about and reflect on migration, a topic that continues to attract the attention of media, governments and communities around the world.
The festival will kick off this Friday, Dec 2, with 'The Last BaronBurger Mafia," the meaty saga of Burger Baron, a rogue fast-food chain with mysterious origins and a cult following, run by a loose network of fiercely independent Arab Canadian immigrants.
This year's Festival also introduces an array of movies featuring stories of Alphonso Davies who became a Canadian citizen and earned his first call-up to the senior men's national team; one woman's journey toward finding her musical and political voice as an undocumented immigrant; refugee children and their admirable resilience and survival strategies; and others.
For more information on the films, directors, hosts and screening dates, visit www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/wrmigfest, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and share with your family, friends and networks.
Our Partners in hosting the 2022 Waterloo Region Migration Film Festival:
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Meet This Year's Newcomer Landlord Award Recipients | |
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The 2022 Newcomer landlord Award was presented on November 22 as part of the Region of Waterloo’s National Housing Day Celebration to six recipients. Chosen by a selection committee of partners from many organizations, the winners were celebrated for helping the newest members of our regional communities find home.
Honourees included: Lisa Weiler Haskins and Richard Hamming, a couple; Heidi Sproul; the Woolwich Community Health Centre; Open Homes KW, Moe Hansrod (KW Property Management); and Chinh Pham, Tho Tran and Tony Pham. Read their amazing stories of generosity here.
At the ceremony, the Region of Waterloo also recognized the outstanding work of non-Profit and co-op housing providers who play an integral role in the housing system and, alongside other housing and support partners, build community together in Waterloo region. Heartfelt moments were lived during the ceremony that was highlighted by stories of solidarity and resilience.
Congratulations to all honorees! Thank you for the important work you do in helping create a welcoming community where everyone feels at HOME!
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This Thursday: Business Growth Series: Is your Team Quietly Quitting? | |
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Sponsored by the Immigration Partnership and MNP, the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a webinar series for employers to help them grow their businesses. The next webinar, taking place on Dec 1 at 11am to 12pm, will feature Frank Newman, founder and CEO of Newman Human Resources Consulting Inc., who will discuss what is happening in the workforce landscape having to deal with employees quietly quitting, plus hybrid work arrangements, 4-day work weeks, work from anywhere, acute skill shortage of workers and more.
The speaker will share insights, so employers will know when staff are "quietly quitting" and provide solutions on how to keep their teams productive and engaged. Register here.
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In the December 8 session of the Fresh Innovators WR Speaker Series, attendees will hear from three local leaders working to support new Canadians who have come to Waterloo Region, including our community engagement coordinator Dan Vandebelt, along with Wajma Attayi from Centre for Family Medicine and Emma Jennings from reception House Waterloo Region. This in-person event taking place at Kitchener Public Library from 4 to 6pm is hosted by Leadership waterloo Region with the goal of featuring those in our community making change happen. Register here.
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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! | |
Community Partner Highlights
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Immigrant Services and Interpretation Open
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The KW Multicultural Centre (KWMC) is offering in-person services at its new location: 715 Fischer Hallman Rd, Suite 401, Kitchener.
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YMCA Immigrant Services is providing in-person and remote settlement services.
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The YMCA language assessment centre is doing online and in-person language assessments.
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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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Reception House Waterloo Region is serving government-assisted refugees in person and remotely. Refugee arrivals are ongoing in Waterloo Region.
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COMPASS Refugee Centre (formerly MCRS) is serving refugee claimants virtually and in person 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 [email protected].
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St. Louis LINC and ESL classes offered morning and afternoon, both online and in-person this year. Evening and Saturday classes are not offered at this time. Please contact the YMCA first to get an English Language Assessments. Please email at [email protected] to make an appointment.
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Conestoga LINC language classes. Classes are currently held both on campus and online. When you register for class, a LINC technician will meet with you to help you get started.
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Last Day to Complete: Skill Development Programs & Service Gaps Survey
The Literacy Group invites service providers to complete this survey to collect information about existing skills development programs in Waterloo-Wellington to identify the gaps in service for under-represented populations. By completing this short survey, participants will be eligible to enter a draw for a $50 Amazon gift card! Complete the survey here. Deadline: Nov 28.
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Community Engagement Opportunity: Input Needed for
Waterloo Region’s 2023 Plan and Budget
Residents, including immigrants, can have their say now on the Region of Waterloo's 2023 Plan and Budget! This year, municipalities across the province face significant budget challenges. The Region's 2023 budget must balance expanding important services for our growing community, and rising costs caused by inflation. This is why it is critical that we hear what programs and services are important to you.
There are several ways for you to provide input. A short online survey and other feedback options are available at www.engagewr.ca/budget2023 until the end of 2022. The dates of all public budget meetings will also be added to the EngageWR page as they become available.
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Refugee Integration Updates | |
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Supporting Afghan and Other Refugee Resettlement 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!
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Admissions of Afghan Refugees: Exploring the #WelcomeAfghans Commitment
Between Aug 2021 and Oct 2022, 22,270 individuals have arrived under the Special Immigration Measures Program for Afghans who assisted the Government of Canada, the humanitarian program, and the pathway for extended family members of former interpreters. The National Newcomer Navigation Network has designed some charts that present IRCC data on the age, gender, official language proficiency and education level of the 17,255 of these new arrivals who arrived between Aug 2021 and Aug 2022.
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In Solidarity with Ukraine
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.
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Local Group Receives Housing Grant to Support Ukrainian Families
Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis has received a grant from Immigration Partnership Immigrant Economic Wellbeing Fund. It will provide financial assistance to individuals and families that host Ukrainians escaping the war in their country.
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Information and Resources | |
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Tomorrow: Supportive Care Information Session
Immigrant job seekers interested in a career in the healthcare sector are invited to meet virtually tomorrow at 10am with hiring employers and receive a conditional job offer as a supportive care worker prior to starting training. This Conestoga College program prepares students for careers as caregivers in the home and community healthcare sector. The Supportive Care fully funded program prepares you to assist individuals needing support to live independently in the home or community.
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Giving Tuesday is Tomorrow, November 29
Join Giving Tuesday Waterloo Region on November 29! Giving Tuesday is a time when Canadians, charities, and businesses come together to celebrate giving and participate in activities that support charities and non-profits; to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need. Show your support for your favorite local charity or nonprofit in the region here.
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Supporting Newcomers with Disabilities
The Guide to the DTCand RDSP for Newcomers with Disabilities was designed to help frontline workers in settlement agencies and advocates introduce newcomers with disabilities to the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The guide will help settlement workers share information about DTC and RDSP with their clients, explain how it can benefit them and how eligible clients can apply for DTC and RDSP.
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Central Library Tour for Newcomers, Nov 28, 10am | |
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Are you new to Canada or Kitchener? Come join the Kitchener Public Library for its tour of the Central Library, at 85 Queen Street North. The tour is open to all, but will focus on newcomers, refugees, and people who are helping them.
Learn about everything you can do at the library: Borrow and stream books, movies, and music; Computers and printing; Check out materials in different languages; and Programs for children, families, and adults. More information with Erica Dudszus (519) 743-0271 ext. 216
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Program and Career Advising for Newcomers, Nov 30, 6pm ET | |
Are you new to Canada and thinking of getting a Canadian education to help start a career? If you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or convention refugee, then this Conestoga College's live interactive session is where you want to start. Staff can help you with information about International credential evaluation, Canadian Language Benchmark, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), English Language Studies, and other college programs. They can help you understand admission requirements for college programs and utilizing your International education and professional experience. | |
Rent to Reflect: Community Information Session, Nov 30, 7-7:30pm | |
Local landlords, property managers and individuals with in-house flats, apartments, and homes for rent are invited to this 30-minute online session hosted by Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, hear about the Building Better Futures Portable Rent Assistance Program (BBFP) in Partnership with the Region of Waterloo. Also, learn how Somali Canadian Association of Waterloo Region supports landlords and tenants to have positive working relationships. You can make a difference by welcoming these community members. | |
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COVID 1000 and Beyond:
Building Better Cities for a Robust Recovery, Dec 7, 11am-3pm ET
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To mark 1000 days since the World Health Organization declared COVID a global pandemic, Canadian Urban Institute is convening a day of urgent conversations about the future of cities. On December 7, join participants from across the country to reflect on the lessons from our shared experiences and to brainstorm strategies for a robust recovery. | |
Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening Supports and Services for Muslim Women and Girls, Dec 8, 12-1pm | |
While gender-based violence exists in every culture and community, this CLEO Connect webinar will focus on the unique experiences and needs of Muslim women and girls. How can community workers ensure programs and services are culturally safe? How are we empowering Muslim women to stay safe and informed when seeking support from our organizations? The presenters will address these questions and many more. | |
Maccabeats Concert, Dec 10, 7:30pm | |
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The Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life invite residents to the Maccabeats Concert! For the first time EVER, The Maccabeats are coming to Kitchener-Waterloo! Book your tickets here for a seat at this historic and exciting concert.
This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome!
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HEIA Tool to Assess Equity Impacts of Programs and Services for Newcomers, Dec 15, 1:30-2:30pm EST | |
The Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) tool was developed by the Government of Ontario to improve health equity and reduce disparities in health outcomes among population groups. In this webinar, you’ll be introduced to how you can use the HEIA tool to reduce the unintended consequences of the programs and services you deliver for newcomers. Intended audience: leaders and service providers in the health, settlement and social service sectors. | |
Community Kwanzaa Celebration, Dec 17, 3pm | |
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Kind Minds Family Wellness and Kitchener Public Library invite families to celebrate Kwanzaa with friends to enjoy drumming, storytime, crafts, and dancing!
Everyone is invited to this community celebration.
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Canada wants to welcome 500,000 immigrants a year by 2025. Can our country keep up? The Globe and Mail, Nov 26, 2022
Afghans who worked on Canadian-funded projects feel abandoned waiting for refuge in Pakistan The Globe and Mail, Nov 26, 2022
Netflix biodrama draws attention to real-life refugee-turned-Olympian UN News, Nov 25, 2022
Ontario Preparing More Students for Careers in the Skilled Trades Ontario Newsroom, Nov 24, 2022
Dining: Bello Mio in downtown Kitchener offers up Italian classics you won’t soon forget The Record, Nov 24, 2022
October was Islamic Heritage month — why did we need this? Waterloo Chronicle, Nov 18, 2022
Yang Yum: Secret Korean Recipe in Waterloo delivers the yum Waterloo Chronicle, Nov 18, 2022
Solving labour shortages in key sectors like health care, construction, and transportation: Workers from 16 new occupations now eligible for permanent residence Government of Canada, Nov 16, 2022
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Feel free to send suggestions or relevant events/resources to include to the Immigration Waterlooo Region weekly by emailing Dan Vandebelt ([email protected]) and Alejandra Amezquita Gutierrez ([email protected])
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