Immigration in Waterloo Region: Our Future State

The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce Advocate is a bi-monthly publication that contains articles collected from Chamber members addressing relevant topics. Tara Bedard, Executive Director at the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership shared her expert insights in a must-read article for the May-June issue.

Read the full article here: May-June Advocate2023 by Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce - Issuu

Settlement Funding Preparatory Sessions

Jun. 9 & Jun. 28, 2023

9:30AM - 12:00PM

Location: TBD

In the fall of 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will open a call for proposals for 2025-2030 immigrant settlement programs. Waterloo Region organizations are invited to join a series of working sessions to learn about IRCC funding and existing programs, and explore opportunities, partnerships and proposals for the future immigrant settlement programs in the region.

The Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership's 2022-2023 Annual Report is a significant milestone in our journey to build a stronger and more inclusive Waterloo Region through immigration. This report marks the third year of our five-year strategy and encapsulates our unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant community. As we reflect on the past year, we recognize the challenges we faced amidst a global pandemic and the resilience we exhibited in striving towards a post-pandemic future, taking meaningful steps forward together. This report stands as a tribute to our incredible community partners and the growing immigrant community that enriches the fabric of Waterloo Region. It offers a snapshot of the diverse individuals and organizations that make up the WR Immigration Partnership, showcasing the many ways we are collectively building a stronger and more inclusive community through immigration. We encourage readers to explore the report and join in celebrating the collective efforts that have made Waterloo Region a place where everyone can thrive.

Learn and share our interactive report: Immigration Partnership Interactive Annual Report 2022 - 2023

Accessible PDF: Immigration Partnership Annual Report 2022-2023

CALLING ALL NEWCOMER YOUTH!

2023 Youth Impact Survey is now available!

The Children and Youth Planning Table of Waterloo Region has launched the 2023 Youth Impact Survey (YIS). YIS is our community’s opportunity to hear directly from young people about their own well-being. If you’re a young person between the ages of 9-18, we encourage you to complete the survey! You will help decision-makers improve our community, you’ll get volunteer hours and have the chance to win some cool prizes.

Have your say: Youth Impact Survey

Strong, sustainable, together!

The City of Waterloo's draft strategic plan 2023-26 is available

The City of Waterloo’s strategic plan identifies the top priorities for the next term of council, and how to work towards accomplishing those goals and objectives. The plan strives to be an accurate reflection of the community today and reflective of the important feedback received. It includes a new vision, mission statement, guiding principles, strategic priorities, objectives and actions.

Residents are invited to review the draft plan and provide your feedback by May 29. The final plan will be presented to Council on June 26, 2023.

Have your say: Strong, sustainable, together! | EngageWR

The KW Multicultural Centre is looking for a Settlement Worker!



The KW Multicultural Centre is looking for a Settlement Worker. This position provides settlement services, in collaboration with program and library staff (in- house, library or community-based).

Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2023.

Apply now: Settlement Worker — Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (kwmulticultural.ca)

The KW Multicultural Centre is looking for volunteers for the Conversational English Program



The Conversational English Program matches volunteers with newcomers and provide English support, friendship, guidance, and encouragement. The volunteer commitment is 1 hour per week and the meetings can be virtual or in-person. Come make a new friend, learn about different cultures, and make a difference in someone's life!

Apply now: Volunteer — Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (kwmulticultural.ca)

Канадська гаряча лінія з питань торгівлі людьми — це конфіденційна багатомовна служба, яка працює цілодобово та покликана зв’язувати жертв/ потерпілих із соціальними службами, правоохоронними органами й службами екстреної допомоги, а також отримувати підказки від населення.

Загальні ознаки примусової праці:

• Примус працювати задарма або за незначну оплату

• Роботодавець забирає документи, що засвідчують особу працівника

• Робота відрізняється від обіцяної

• Умови проживання незадовільні або небезпечні

• Мають місце прояви жорстокого поводження, недоїдання, недотримання особистої гігієни

• Наляканість, тривожність, ізольованість

• Обмеження пересування, контроль

• Примус до сплати боргу/незаконної плати за найняття

ДЗВІНКИ: 1.833.900.1010

ДОПОМОГА ОНЛАЙН: canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca

Поліція буде задіяна лише в тому випадку, якщо ви цього захочете.

Local Food Infrastructure Fund

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) is a 5-year, $70 million initiative ending March 31, 2024. It was created as part of the Government of Canada's Food Policy for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. The LFIF is aimed at community-based, not-for-profit organizations with a mission to reduce food insecurity by establishing and strengthening their local food system. Applications will be accepted from May 4, 2023 until May 31, 2023. However, the application period may be closed sooner if funding has been fully committed.

Learn more: Local Food Infrastructure Fund: Step 1. What this program offers - agriculture.canada.ca

Apply for a Capital Grant to Improve Your Non-Profit's Infrastructure and Benefit Your Community

Apply for a Capital grant to help your non-profit organization address a community need by improving the infrastructure Ontarians need to thrive. Whether it’s purchasing equipment, building a new space, or completing renovations, retrofits or repairs, Capital grants support projects that will have a positive impact in your community. Organizations can apply for funding starting May 17, 2023 until Deadline: Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Learn more: Capital Grant | Ontario Trillium Foundation (otf.ca)

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Soumettez une demande de subvention d’immobilisations pour aider votre organisme sans but lucratif à répondre à un besoin de la communauté en améliorant l’infrastructure dont les Ontariens ont besoin pour s’épanouir. Qu’il s’agisse d’acheter de l’équipement, de construire un nouvel espace ou d’effectuer des rénovations, des mises à niveau ou des réparations, les subventions d’immobilisations appuient les projets qui ont un impact positif sur votre communauté.

 Les organismes peuvent soumettre une demande de financement à partir du 17 mai 2023. La date limite de soumission des demandes de subvention est le 14 juin 2023.

Soutien à la demande

Souhaitez-vous soumettre une demande de subvention d’immobilisations et obtenir plus d’informations? Obtenez du soutien aujourd’hui: FTO - Séance Q/R immobilisations Inscription, mer, 24 mai 2023 à 14:00 | Eventbrite

Metropolis Social Determinants of Health Conference: Lessons Learned and Opportunities: Moving Forward in the Post-Pandemic Era

The Metropolis SDH summit aims to examine lessons learned from the contagion for social researchers, policy makers and service providers via an examination of the demographic, social, economic, political and behavioral factors that impacted the ability to respond the health emergency arising from the pandemic with a view to establishing a more equitable healthcare system that enables better health outcomes for all.

This multi-disciplinary conference will bring together experts across disciplines to share knowledge, expertise and insights on the lessons learned from COVID-19. Contributions from heath researchers, health care providers, settlement agencies, non-profit organizations, faith groups and other grassroots organizations are welcome. Together, we endeavor to promote health equity, increase knowledge and improve patient trust in public health by developing health literacy and limiting disinformation through the creation of effective and inclusive messaging.

Call for proposals: Metropolis Social Determinants of Health Conference – Metropolis Conference Deadline to submit: June 10th, 2023

What Does it Mean to Be a Host

WR Grassroots Response is always looking for people in Waterloo Region willing to open up their homes to Ukrainian fleeing the war. The number of Ukrainians seeking shelter is not slowing and there are new requests for help every day.

If you are interested in becoming a host, there are several ways you can help. Hosts are people with space in their homes and a willingness to open their doors. Some hosts have a sofa bed and can offer emergency hosting only, others have a spare room or an apartment (and sometimes two) and are able to host for longer periods. Some can cook meals and help with paperwork.



Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:

Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)

McGill Summer Institutes in Global Health

May 23 - June 16, 2023

Online and in-person courses

McGill is pleased to partner with the Pegasus Institute to offer courses for students interested in how migration, conflict, and the environment shape human health. Courses will explore connections between larger events of the world and the health of populations and individuals. This new course “Introduction to Migration and Health” will be offered in Spanish and English and the course “Environment and Global Health” returns this year with a French language option. Soyez des nôtres!

Participants are encouraged to take as many courses, across Institutes, as fits in their schedule. A certificate of participation will be issued for each course.

KW4 OHT Community Engagement: Alzheimer's Society

May 24, 2023, 6:00PM - 6:45PM

Online

KW4 OHT is hosting a virtual collaboration event with Alzheimer Society Waterloo Wellington. The event will consist of a presentation on Dementia from the Alzheimer Society followed by a Q&A session. 

Turning the Smartphone into a Powerful Tool for Integration

May 24, 2023, 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Join the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project's monthly webinar series! Many newcomers struggle to find information to help navigate their first months and years in Canada. Refugee 613’s Digital Messaging for Settlement and Integration (DMSI) project has explored the benefits of addressing this challenge by offering newcomers free, easy and fast access to settlement information in their own language and customized to their needs, via off-the-shelf apps on their smartphones. This webinar will talk about the learning from the latest DMSI pilot, the Afghan Digital Service, which uses a private, moderated group on Telegram to provide key settlement information to almost 800 Afghan newcomers. The presenters will share how the service works, its strengths and challenges and how service providers can benefit from it.

Datafication of Borders and Migration

May 25, 2023, 9:30AM - 4:15PM

Hybrid

Along with partners at Utrecht University and Tampere University, CERC Migration hosts a hybrid workshop. Join an interdisciplinary gathering of scholars to discuss the research on the use of digital technologies and datafication in migration management, the implications for refugees, and the unsettling consequences in border management and policymaking applications.

Navigating Food Business Regulations

May 25, 2023, 3:00AP - 5:30PM

Hybrid

This is a FREE Train the Trainer event for those who want to launch a food-based business and will feature a Panel Presentation and Q&A including staff from:

• Public Health Food Inspection
• Municipal Zoning
• Small Business Insurance

The objectives of this session is to share knowledge in launching a food-based business, for people to learn from people working in various fields (food inspection, municipal zoning, insurance, etc.), to network with others also interested in starting food-based businesses, and to hear a success story of a local KW business navigating the development of their food-based business 

Multiculturalism at a Crossroads

May 30, 2023, 10:00AM - 4:45PM

Hybrid

CERC Migration will be hosting a workshop to explore the future of multiculturalism, asking if it can overcome the divide created by populist regimes between the majority and minorities. Co-convened by Gurpreet Mahajan (formerly Jawaharlal Nehru University) and Anna Triandafyllidou.

"Becoming Neighbours” World Refugee Day Waterloo Region Community Launch and Awards Event

June 4, 2023, 1:00PM - 3:00PM

The Museum, 10 King Street W, Kitchener

Join Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns (CCORIC) and our community partners for the “Becoming Neighbours” World Refugee Day Waterloo Region Community Launch and Awards Event.

Highlights include:

– A first-of-its-kind cultural presentation by The Rohingya Centre of Canada.

– Three unique refugee-themed artworks/installations.

– World Refugee Day Awards of Distinction.

– Refreshments and more!

FREE event. ALL are welcome!

Doors Open: 12:30 pm.

Older Adult Strategy town hall

June 6, 2023, 1:00PM - 3:00PM

June 7, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Langs Community Hub – Main Floor Room E106, 1145 Concession Road, Cambridge

Join the City of Cambridge at one of two town hall events to unveil findings from the Older Adult Strategy data collection efforts from earlier this year. Participants will be able to share their voices through facilitated conversation and be part of informing the development of the Older Adult Strategy. Once complete later this fall, the strategy will provide opportunities for fostering an age-friendly community and outline 50+ recreation programs and services for the next five years.



Please register as space is limited. 

In-person Exercise & Fall Prevention Sessions

Every Friday, until June 16, 2023

11:45AM - 12:45PM

Chandler Mowat CC

222 Chandler Dr. Kitchener

This six-week program is hosted by the Coalition of Muslim Women. These are kinesiology (physical movement) workshops to help racialized women learn how to keep moving effectively and avoid injury.

Registration is required.

Please contact: Rahmah Omar, CMW Black/African Community Support Worker at 226-978-65-72 or at [email protected]

Practice your English

Every Monday, until Jun. 19, 2023

3:00PM - 4:00PM

Practice your English skills in a small group setting with a trained volunteer, all from the comfort of your own home! All newcomers are welcome. This virtual program requires registration, an email address, and access to a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Each session is 45 minutes.

Let's Talk

Every Tuesday, until Jun. 20, 2023

5:00PM - 7:00PM

Let's Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. The upcoming Spring sessions will run weekly at the McCormick Branch of the WPL. Register now and connect with your community, other youth, and career mentors as you prepare to achieve your career goals. Volunteer hours, food, and bus tickets will be provided.

Healing Arts & Sounds of Belonging 

Every Tuesday

5:30PM - 7:00PM

The Muslim Social Services of KW will be hosting the Healing Arts & Sounds of Belonging, a community-based music and art program for women refugees aged 18 or older. This program aims to promote stress reduction, improve mood, and foster opportunities for self-expression through group music making and art exploration. This program is free, and will provide child care, and pre-session meals at 5:30PM. No prior musical experience or skill is required to join.

Practice your English

Every Wednesday, until Jun. 21, 2023 10:00AM - 11:00AM

Practice your English skills in a small group setting with a trained volunteer, all from the comfort of your own home! All newcomers are welcome. This virtual program requires registration, an email address, and access to a laptop, tablet, or mobile device. Each session is 45 minutes.

2023 English Conversation Circles

Every Tuesday, until Jun. 22, 2023 11:00AM - 12:30PM (Online)

6:30PM - 8:00PM (In-person)

The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering English Conversation Circle to help newcomers practice their spoken English skills! This program is free and is drop in meaning you can attend as many sessions as you want. 

Women's English Conversation Circles

Every Thursday, until Jun. 22, 2023 10:00AM - 11:30AM (In-person)

The Kitchener Public Library is offering Women's English Conversation Circles, where all newcomer women are welcome to join and practice speaking English in a relaxed and comfortable environment with other women. Meet new friends, share stories, and learn about life in Canada.