Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly | |
Immigration Partnership News | |
We Continue to Build Community Through Immigration | |
#BuildingCommunityTogether: Family Support Club Started at Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church. | |
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It fills our hearts to see the results of our community working together!
Many people were involved in the development of the Family Support Club project for the Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church. This club is now up and running as a place of support and belonging for Ukrainians who fled the ongoing war at home.
At the Immigration Partnership we feel very fortunate to have been able to support this project with community donations to the Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.
Huge thanks to everyone who contributed!
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Employer Learning Event: Hiring International Students, Everything You Need to Know | |
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In this webinar, you will learn how you as employers can access this talent. A panel of experts will speak about recent changes and trends in immigration, and about what you need to know about hiring and retaining international students in your workplace.
This webinar is brought to you through a collaboration of Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) of Southwestern Ontario and WILL Immploy – A project of WILL Employment Solutions.
Visit the event website for more information.
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Building the Foundation
Immigration is imperative to help fuel the economy, fulfill labour shortages, help meet a variety of business needs, and so much more. However, to experience those successes, we first need to build the foundation needed to support it.
Part 1 of this 2-part series will focus on the importance of infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and economic planning, and what steps need to be taken to build that foundation here in the Region.
The event will take place on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 9:00am - 11:30am and will be held in person at Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St S, Kitchener, and virtually.
Registration is now open, please visit: Immigration: The Way Forward (Part 1 - Building the Foundation) (greaterkwchamber.com) or by phone at 519-7496048
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On March 2, the Immigration Partnership is hosting a networking event for local employers to connect with international talent. Employers are encouraged to book a FREE exhibit table at this networking event as part of the 13th Annual Global Skills Conference hosted by the KW Multicultural Centre.
Come and make connections for your organization! This is great opportunity to promote your organization and employment opportunities to over 200 internationally trained individuals. The event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom, Second floor, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm.
For further information or to book your space, contact Nora Whittington, Community Engagement Coordinator, Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region: [email protected].
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Building a Community Committed to Providing Equitable Interpretation Services to Newcomers to Canada
On January 24, the Immigration Partnership with partners in Windsor-Essex and Hamilton co-hosted an online session on the importance of providing services beyond English and how language interpretation can work.
During the event, the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" was launched, a great tool to help organizations implement interpretation services as part of their organizational core.
If you couldn't join us, a recording of the event is available on the WE LIP Knowledge Sharing and Training webpage.
Download and use the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" here: www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/InterpretationChecklist
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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 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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Each February, we commemorate Black History Month which honours the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. We recognize their daily contributions to Canada, Waterloo Region and the community. We encourage everyone to learn more about these communities and how they continue to help shape Canada's history. | |
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Black Love Day
Feb. 13, 2023 - 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Did you know that February 13th is recognized as Black Love Day?!
Rhythm and Blues Cambridge will be hosting Black Love Day celebration through the sharing of poetry, spoken word, and community arts and crafts activities for the whole family. There are five black love tenets - love for yourself, love for the creator, love for your family, love for the black community and love for the black race.
Registration is now open: Black Love Day Tickets, Mon, 13 Feb 2023 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
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Black Heritage Month Fireside Chat
Feb. 28, 2023 - 4:00PM - 6:00PM
This event recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our Black elected officials as part of a historic election year toward a more representative government in the Region of Waterloo. We will also look forward to the future as each leader discusses what they hope to achieve in their term, systemic barriers and how we can aspire towards an inclusive and equitable Kitchener.
Registration is now open: Black Heritage Month - City of Kitchener
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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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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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Information and Resources | |
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Waterloo's Neighbourhood Matching Fund
The Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) supports projects that help neighbours develop connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create place making. Groups of two or more neighbours may apply for up to $7500 in matched funds to support their idea.
Deadlines to apply for the NMF are: February 16, May 31 and October 17, 2023. If you have a great idea that contributes to your community don't miss this opportunity.
Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.
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Applications are Now Open for the Community Services Recovery Fund
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. Now more than ever, charities and non-profits are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all communities. The Community Services Recovery Fund responds to what charities and non-profits need right now and supports organizations as they adapt to the long-term impacts of the pandemic. Source: Community Services Recovery Fund website.
All applications must be submitted by February 21, 2023, at 5:00 PM PT, for more information visit their website.
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The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund will be accepting applications until March 5!
The Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation's Kids to Camp Fund provides grants to camps enabling children and youth who reside in Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener, North Dumfries, Waterloo, Wellesley, Wilmot or Woolwich) and are in need of financial assistance to attend.
Camps offer children and youth the opportunity to learn, play and socialize with other children.
Applications will be accepted until March 5, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
For more information visit: Kids to Camp Fund — Waterloo Region Community Foundation (wrcf.ca)
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Seniors Community Grant Program Call for Applications Open
This program supports local, not-for-profit community organizations, Indigenous groups, and municipalities to deliver programs and learning opportunities for Ontarians age 55+. Every year, the Ontario government provides hundreds of Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 – funding that allows community groups across the province to offer a wide variety of activities to promote engagement, reduce isolation and promote healthy living.
Applications are open now and will be accepted until 5:00 pm on March 6, 2023
Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.
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2023 Women of Distinction Award
Nominations are now open for the YWCA Cambridge Women of Distinction Awards. Since 1994, the Women of Distinction Gala has been YWCA Cambridge's premier fundraising event, recognizing more than 300 women for their contributions to their communities.
The awards ceremony will take place at Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa on June 14, 2023. Ticket sales will open in early spring. Funds raised from ticket sales and sponsorship go toward community outreach, gender-based violence prevention programs, employment services and advocacy to end gender inequality and gender-based violence.
Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 17th.
Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.
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Nominations Open for Senior of the Year in Kitchener
If you know an outstanding Kitchener resident aged 65+, don't miss the opportunity to nominate this special person to be Kitchener’s 2023 Senior of the Year!
The Provincial Senior of the Year award gives each municipality in Ontario the opportunity to honour one outstanding resident aged 65+ from their local community each year.
Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 31st.
Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.
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Nominations Open for Senior of the Year in Waterloo
You know them: caring, involved seniors who have spent their year going out of their way to make a difference in our community. Please consider nominating that special 65+ resident for a Senior of the Year award
Nomination deadline for the 2023 award is March 31st.
Learn more about eligibility and guidelines on their website.
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Guide to Help the Landlord-Tenant Relationship Continue to Improve
Landlords have taken the time and effort to consider best practices to maintain a good relationship with their tenants and help ensure that our community is a home for all.
This toolkit includes information, tools and tips to assist housing providers with eviction prevention efforts. It can also be used to help develop new policies and improve existing practices. is a great set of tools to help you maintain your business and develop a caring and professional relationship with your tenants.
Click here for the Waterloo Region Community Legal Services' Best Practices for Housing Providers of the Waterloo Region Toolkit here.
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CMHC Just Shared Their Newest Housing Rental Update
The annual Rental Market Report provides in-depth analysis and market trends in Canada's major centers. The report uses data from the latest fall Rental Market Survey and the results of the Condominium Apartment Survey results.
You can find the Rental Market Report here.
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Asylum and Resettlement in Canada:
Historical Development, Successes, Challenges and Lessons
Canada is considered the world leader in refugee protection. This E-book addresses the issue of international migrants with an emphasis on refugees, who have had to flee for a variety of reasons, including persecution, violence and human rights violations. This document shows the challenges and obstacles faced by the Canadian protection system, as well as its successes and lessons throughout history.
Itis available at the University of Geneva Press website: Asylum_and_resettlement_in_Canada_ebook.pdf (unige.it)
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Inspiring Conversation:
The Power of Narratives: Documenting Black and Indigenous Histories in Canada
Feb. 8, 2023 - 11:30AM
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Join this Inspiring Conversation by two Laurier scholars as they explore why documenting and honoring Black and Indigenous histories is essential, and how sharing their stories positively impacts our modern times. | |
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Canadian Connections Summit: Connecting People & Places To Drive Newcomer Success
Feb. 8 and Feb. 15, 2023
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At this event, newcomers are invited to hear from leading Scotiabank economists about Canada's short-term economic, labour, and housing market forecasts so you can make smart landing city decisions; learn about pre-arrival job-finding programs and get tips to prepare for the Canadian job market; discover cities in Canada and connect directly with local settlement specialists, employment specialists, and rental and home buying service provider; and much more. | |
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Trauma-Informed Approaches to Working with Children and Youth Survivors of War and Torture
Feb. 9, 2023, 1:00 PM - 2:00PM
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Canada has supported the resettlement of thousands of refugees and continues to welcome refugee families each year to help them build a new life (UNHCR). Displaced and forced to flee their homes, these families have experienced hardship and trauma due to violence, war, poverty, and persecution. In this webinar, participants will have the opportunity to examine the different factors that impact the mental health of children and youth survivors and how to support their post-migration settlement.
This webinar is hosted by Safe Guards, for more information, please visit this link.
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Tea & Tales with Coalition of Muslim Women
Feb. 11, 2023, 2:00PM - 3:00PM
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Tea and Tales is a flagship program from the Coalition of Muslim Women of KW (CMW). It provides culturally safe platforms for Muslim women to share their narratives and interact with people. Tea and Tales is a culture café where participants get to engage in heart-to-heart conversations with diverse Muslim women from all over the world – over traditional tea and snacks. The aim is to break down perpetual misperceptions and stereotypes about Muslim women and help develop a more meaningful understanding between communities.
Tickets are available at: Tea & Tales w/ Coalition of Muslim Women – Three Sisters Cultural Centre (threesisterscentre.ca)
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Workplace Inclusion: A Few Things You Can Do Without Having to Wait for Top Management
Feb. 15, 2023, 1:00 PM
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This workshop will look at ways anyone can make a difference for others to feel safe, welcomed and valued. From micro-interventions to inclusive leadership, we will put into practice allyship skills that anyone can develop. | |
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Our Language Rights Canada Conference 2023: Language, Education, Stories Untold
Feb. 22 and 23, 2023, 12:00PM - 4:00PM
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In celebration of Language Advocacy Day, February 22nd, Language Access Coalition of Canada's (LACC) third annual conference will explore the important role of language education and storytelling in preserving culture and history, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating deeper human connections.
As an essential mediator of access to essential services, critical information and civic participation, languages are also the subject of often overlooked or ignored personal stories best told by those who face language barriers - individuals, organizations, and the language professionals that support them.
Registration now open!
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Islamophobia and Anti-Hate Workshops
Feb. 22 and Mar. 22, 2023, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
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January 29 and June 6 are heartbreaking dates where we all remember the Islamophobic hate crimes that occurred in Montreal and London respectively. These hate crimes resulted in the deaths of many innocent Muslims and have created uncertainty in the community.
For this reason, Muslim Social Services of KW in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Muslim Women encourages the community to attend this virtual event on Islamophobia and cyberhate, where a dialogue will be opened between the community and political members on possible solutions to these problems.
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Workplace Inclusion: A Roadmap for Senior Managers
Mar. 15, 2023, 1:00PM
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Strategic planning is one of the most widely used tools when it comes to EDI. As daunting as the exercise may seem, the key is getting started with the right people and practices. This workshop will examine how to set an EDI transformation process in motion and what research says about practices that can push the needle in favor of minoritized groups.
The speaker will be Michaël Séguin. He is an assistant professor at Saint Paul University Providence School of Transformative Leadership and Spirituality. He currently leads a SSHRC-funded research in partnership with N4 about inclusion in Ontario-based settlement agencies.
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Citizenship Support Group
IN PERSON
Classes: Jan. 11 - Mar. 29, 2023
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The YMCA of Three Rivers will be offering in person citizenship support classes to help permanent residents prepare to take the Canadian Citizenship Exam. These classes will cover material that will be on the exam and provide participants with a variety of study materials and practice tests that you can take home to review. If you are interested in registering please fill out this form. | |
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Newcomer Mental Wellness Information
Online Sessions, Jan. 12 - Feb. 9, 2023
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The YMCA of Three Rivers is hosting a variety of information sessions related to the Healthy Women Together program.
If you are a newcomer who identifies as a woman please fill out this form to register for the event.
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YEAH! Newcomer Youth Group
Jan. 17 - Mar. 6, 2023
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Join Carizon's YEAH! Newcomer Youth Group to support one another and share experiences that matter to you in a safe and encouraging environment. They want to hear what you’re interested in and they will share ideas and resources together to help you reach your goals! Open to high school aged newcomer youth. | |
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International Youth Group
Jan. 19 - Mar. 9, 2023
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Carizon invites newcomers connect with other youth in its in-person group through games, art, play and conversation. They will explore a wide range of issues that are important to you and explore new ways to connect with others! This group is for newcomer youth ages 10-13. | |
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Growing Stronger - Adult Trauma Group
Jan. 19 - Apr. 6, 2023
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Carizon brings a supportive space for newcomer adults with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future. | |
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Parents Talk it Through
Jan. 20 - Mar. 10, 2023
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Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful? Are you looking for ways to connect with your child? Join Carizon to Talk it Through with parents just like you where you can learn and share strategies. | |
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Let's Talk Winter Sessions:
Weekly on Wednesdays between
Feb. 1 - Mar. 22, 2023, 4:30PM - 7:30PM
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Let’s Talk is a free program for newcomer youth ages 14 - 21 that focuses on academic and career guidance. Their Winter Sessions will be starting soon. They will take place in the KPL Central Library located in 85 Queen Street North, Kitchener. During this 8-week free program, youth will be connected with various community and career mentors for support and guidance based on their needs and interests. Let's Talk participants will also gain volunteer hours, meet new friends, practice their English, and more as they become empowered to reach their future career and education goals.
Registration is now open for the KWMC Let's Talk program!
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Mahboubi, Skuterud – The Unintended Consequences of Category-Based Immigrant Selection from C.D. Howe Institute, Feb 6, 2023
Canada holds first Federal Skilled Workers-only draw in Express Entry history from CIC News, Feb. 2, 2023
Great Food Sort Challenge raises over 198K meals for local families from City News, Feb. 1, 2023
Immigration increase alone won't fix the labour market, experts say from City News, Feb. 1, 2023
Rhythm & Blues, City of Cambridge team up for Black History Month events from Cambridge Times, Feb. 1, 2023
IRCC approves Pearson Test of English for Canadian immigration applications from CIC News, Feb. 1, 2023
TD Announces Exclusive Strategic Relationship With CanadaVisa to Help Support Newcomers as They Establish Their Financial Life from Bloomberg, Jan. 31, 2023
Noticing a labour shortage? Here's what's really going on in Ontario's job market from CBC News, Jan. 30, 2023
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We would love to hear from you!
Feel free to send us suggestions or relevant events/resources to include to the Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly by emailing Dan Vandebelt ([email protected]) and Diana Carrillo Joya ([email protected])
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