Immigration Partnership Highlights | |
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SAVE THE DATE! - On March 5, the Immigration Partnership is hosting a networking event for Waterloo Region employers to connect with international talent.
Calling All Employers
Are you seeking new talent to join your team?
This is great opportunity to promote your organization and employment opportunities to over 200 internationally trained individuals. Book a FREE complimentary exhibit table now!
Space is limited!
For further information or to book your table, contact Nora Whittington: NWhittington@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Insights from the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership's 2024 Partner Survey
This report shares insights from the Immigration Partnership’s 2024 Partner Survey. As part of our Data and Evaluation Strategy, it reflects how our collaborative efforts are driving success and improvement opportunities. These findings will guide our ongoing work and contribute to shaping the Immigration Partnership’s 2025 strategic plan.
Read the report here: IP 2024 Partner Survey
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February 6, 12 - 2:30 PM, 30 Fairway Rd. South, Kitchener | Free
Canadian Immigration Law: Best Practices and Opportunities for Employers - PART 2
Are you managing employees on temporary or student permits? Helping them transition to permanent residency?
Join us for Canadian Immigration Law: Best Practices & Opportunities for Employers to gain tools for attracting, retaining, and supporting immigrant talent—all while staying compliant.
This event is hosted by the Workplace & Immigrant Network (WIN) and the Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership.
Lunch included. Seats are limited - Register now
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Immigrant Survey Results & Snapshots | |
The Immigration Partnership conducted the Waterloo Region Immigrant Survey in June 2023, providing almost 1,700 immigrants the opportunity to share their experiences of living, working or studying in Waterloo Region and impact organizational and community change. Check out the reports released to date to help guide your policy, program and investment decisions. | |
Immigration Partnership Resources | |
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Make your organization accessible to over 10,000 residents who don’t speak English or French by providing interpretation.
Use the "Interpretation Best Practices Checklist" here: Interpretation Checklist
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Explore antiracism resources and join our campaign at: www.racialequitywr.ca | |
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Get insights into recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and integrating the best immigrant talent with this new resource created with World Education Services.
Explore the Playbook: Waterloo Region Employer Playbook
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New to Waterloo Region? Our partners can help! | | |
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January 29, 1:30 - 4:30 PM, 151 Charles St. East, Kitchener | Ticketed
Training for service providers in honour of the National Day of Remembrance & Action Against Islamophobia
Coalition of Muslim Women is offering a training session for service providers in honour of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia. This training will equip participants with skills and resources to effectively address Islamophobia in workplaces and deliver culturally sensitive services.
Register with: Sarah.shafiq@cmw-kw.org
Limited spots. First come first served.
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January 30, 1 - 2 PM, Online | Free
Navigating Newcomers' Insights: Using Data to Reach Newcomer Audiences
Join Refugee 613 and the Media Technology Monitor for an exclusive webinar that delves into the latest findings from MTM Newcomer's 4th annual survey. These insights are essential for organizations aiming to better serve and connect with newcomers, enabling them to tailor strategies and outreach efforts to this unique and diverse demographic.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your understanding of this rapidly growing segment of the population!
Register now
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February 6, 1 PM, Online | Free
The Changing Landscape of Immigration and Refugee Policies in Canada
This webinar seeks to inform healthcare providers and settlement workers about recent policy changes and their impact on access to healthcare, anticipated future policies, and the reasons behind these policies.
Register now
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Language Interpreter Training at Conestoga College
The Language Interpreter Training program is designed for bilingual individuals who wish to work as spoken language interpreters in the legal, health care, social service and domestic violence prevention sectors in Ontario. This 180-hour program, provides an introduction to spoken language interpreting, with skills development practice in the tasks of interpreting - consecutive interpreting, sight translation and note taking, simultaneous interpreting, and a focus on setting-specific interpreting.
There is a bursary available to eligible students to support with tuition and textbook pricing, up to maximum amount of $1320 each.
For details, contact Liliana Pereira Melo at lpereiramelo@conestogac.on.ca
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Updates & News | | |
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Evaluation Division, Audit and Evaluation Branch, IRCC
This report presents the findings of the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluation of the Refugee Resettlement Program. The objective of this evaluation was to assess the performance of the program in meeting its expected outcomes. The evaluation also considered strengths and limitations of program design, as well as program integrity and management, including clarity and appropriateness of roles and responsibilities among program partners.
Access it here: Evaluation of the Refugee Resettlement Program - Canada.ca
C'est disponible en français aussi: Évaluation du Programme de réinstallation des réfugiés - Canada.ca
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Initiatives & Funding Opportunities | | |
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Seniors Community Grant Program closing this week!
The Seniors Community Grants range from $1,000 to $25,000. These grants support community organizations and not-for-profit community groups to promote greater social inclusion, volunteerism, and community engagement for older adults aged 55+.
Apply by January 16, 2025
Learn more: Available funding opportunities from the Ontario Government
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City of Waterloo's Art Grant Program is now open!
The Arts Grant Program supports arts organizations with funding for operations, specific projects and capital. Learn how to apply, who is eligible, what you need, and when to submit your application.
Apply by February 20, 2025.
Learn more at Arts Grant - City of Waterloo
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New to Canada? Learn about the benefits of doing your taxes
Tax season is fast approaching—get prepared with this interactive webinar hosted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Discover how Canada’s tax system works, explore ways to file your taxes, learn about free tax help, and get an overview of other CRA services.
You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers during the event.
March 12, 2025 - Benefits and credits for newcomers to Canada
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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.
Learn more about how you can become a host and support the Ukrainian community:
Provide Housing | WRGR (wrgrassrootsresponse.ca)
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Food and Housing Resources pocket card
Emergency shelters are a safe place for people to stay while they work to find stable housing. The Region of Waterloo provides funding to seven shelters in Waterloo Region.
Keep a list of locations and contact information for shelters, drop-in services, and street outreach with you when you need it with this pocket card.
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La Communauté en Français | | |
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Le 12 mars 2025, webinaire | Gratuit
Vous venez d’arriver au Canada? Apprenez-en plus sur les avantages de faire vos impôts
L’Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC) organise un webinaire interactif qui portera sur :
- le régime fiscal canadien;
- l’allocation canadienne pour enfants;
- le crédit pour la taxe sur les produits et services/taxe de vente harmonisée;
- les différentes façons de faire ses impôts, l'aide fiscale gratuite et les autres services de l’ARC.
Vous pourrez poser vos questions et recevoir des réponses tout au long du webinaire. Nous avons hâte de discuter avec vous!
Inscrivez-vous
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Guide d'établissement pour les communautés francophones de l'Ontario
Ce guide se veut une source d'information pour le personnel de première ligne des prestataires de services de langue anglaise afin qu'il puisse plus facilement orienter les clients francophones vers les services de langue française dans leur zone géographique.
Plus d'informations : Settling-in-French-in-Ontario---Settlement-Guide.pdf
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WR Connectors
For many newcomers, the idea of building a network can feel overwhelming. WR Connectors is here to help! You’ll receive coaching on networking skills, guidance on developing an action plan, and a match with a Connector.
A Connector is a community volunteer from a similar industry or profession who will meet with you to share their knowledge and expertise, answer your questions, offer advice, and introduce you to people in their network.
Learn more at www.wrconnectors.com
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Behind the Business podcast - Season 2
The Behind the Business Podcast is a weekly podcast created by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that highlights the important people and issues in Waterloo region and in our community. Business and community leaders share their thoughts on the issues that affect the region and business community.
Checkout this week's special guest Amit Mehta from Godd Company Productions: Behind the Business Podcast
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January 21, 10 - 11:30 AM, Online | Free
Business Plan 101
Learn why a business plan is important for your business success and the steps to complete your own!
The information in this webinar is focusing on starting a business in Waterloo Region and will be covering provincial and municipal regulations.
Hosted by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Register now
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January 28, 10 - 11:30 AM, Online | Free
Startup Business Basics
Starting a new business venture? Learn the necessary steps to start your business! The information in this webinar is focused on starting a business in Waterloo Region and will be covering provincial and municipal regulations.
Hosted by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Register now
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Funding now available for Southwestern Ontario businesses and organizations
Businesses, municipalities, and non-profits in southwestern Ontario are invited to apply for funding through the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF). The program offers support for projects that drive regional economic growth, increase productivity, foster innovation, and create sustainable jobs.
Apply by January 28, 2025.
Learn more: Regional Development Program guidelines for business projects
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Industrial Try a Trade Pre-Apprenticeship
There are many opportunities for everyone interested in the skilled trades, but knowing where to start can be challenging. The skilled trades offer fulfilling careers where you can be in demand, be well paid, and enjoy challenging and engaging work. This unique and fully funded pre-apprenticeship program provides an opportunity for you to gain hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge in various trades critical to this sector: electrical, welding, millwright, and machining.
This program is funded by the Government of Ontario and is free for qualified applicants. To learn more about the program visit: Industrial Try A Trade Pre-apprenticeship
For more information contact: ett4w@conestogac.on.ca
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Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is offering a virtual learning series to show employers how they can make use of Canada’s immigration programs and services. Each session will feature a new topic and will give employers an opportunity to ask questions. Attend one or all sessions based on your interests and needs.
Available in French.
Learn more: Virtual learning sessions for employers across Canada - Canada.ca
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Wednesdays, January & February, 6 - 8 PM, Waterloo Public Square Ice Rink, Waterloo | Free
Skate Night Date Night
Bring your skates and skate along to tunes spun live by DJ King Kadeem, while warming up with hot drinks from the Hissing Goose Coffee Roasters. Each week will feature a different music playlist theme.
Learn more
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January 16, 7 - 8 PM, Waterloo Public Library - Main Library, Waterloo | Free
Indigenous Reading Group
Join the Waterloo Public Library for an Indigenous Reading Circle to explore a variety of readings by Indigenous writers. Presented in partnership with Willow River Centre. This program will take place monthly in January and February. Please register for each date separately. For ages 16 years and up.
Learn more
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January 17, 1:30 - 3 PM, 101 father David Bauer Dr. Waterloo | Free
Empowered Learners
Calling all curious minds! Join the City of Waterloo for an informative presentation and lecture series on a wide range of themes and topics, including health resources and general interest.
January 17, 1:30 - 3 PM, 101 father David Bauer Dr. Waterloo | Free
The Value of Volunteering - Register now
Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and Canada Dental Benefit - Register now
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January 17, 1 - 3 PM, Waterloo Public Library - McCormick Branch, Waterloo | Free
PD Day Skate & Craft
Join the Waterloo Public Library for some PD day fun with a free skate in the East Rink at the Albert McCormick Community Centre, crafts in the Community Room, and some hot chocolate to keep you cozy!
Learn more
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Jan. 25, 12 - 5 PM, Uptown Waterloo | Free
Winterloo Festival
Break away from the winter blues at the annual Winterloo festival! Watch award-winning ice carvers, take part in winter-themed activities and sports, and explore all that uptown Waterloo's winter culture has to offer.
Learn more
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Thursdays, starting January 16 to February 20 , 4:30 PM, 85 Queen Street N, Kitchener | Free
We Belong - Introduction to photography for newcomer seniors
In this introductory program, newcomers 55+ will learn basic photography skills and capture what belonging means to them through a camera lens. Participants will borrow a camera for the duration of the 6-week program from Kitchener Public Library. No previous photography experience is required.
Register now
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Thursdays, starting January 23 to March 13 , 1 - 2:30 PM, KW Multicultural Centre | Free
English Conversation Circle
Practice your English! No registration required, all are welcome.
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February 3, 2 - 3 PM, Online | Free
Mastering your online job search
Explore effective online job search strategies by using the most popular websites, managing your professional identity with LinkedIn and making your resume Applicant Tracking Systems compatible. This presentation is provided and delivered by a staff member from the YMCA of Three Rivers Employment Services.
Register now
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Strategic Resume Writing Workshop
This workshop is suitable for seasoned professionals, new immigrants, or if you already have a resume. It will dive deeper into systems used to shortlist resumes and tailor them to stand out. Parking passes are available on both locations.
January 30, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 20 Weber Street East, Kitchener | Free
Kitchener - Register now
February 27, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 150 Main Street, Cambridge | Free
Cambridge - Register now
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Send us any suggestions or information about relevant events and resources to include in the Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly by emailing
Diana Carrillo at djoya@regionofwaterloo.ca
We encourage you to add your own events to our Community Calendar
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