Immigration Waterloo Region Weekly
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Immigration Partnership News | |
We Continue to Build Community Through Immigration | |
Learn How to Provide Equitable Services to Newcomers to Canada by Providing Interpretation | |
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Join us tomorrow, on January 24, when the Windsor Essex Local Immigration Partnership in collaboration with the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council and Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership will host an online session where we will be sharing about the importance of providing service beyond just English and how language interpretation can work.
The panelists will speak from the perspective of the health sector and other government-mandated services in particular - such as Children’s Aid Societies, municipal governments, legal, etc. We will be sharing a self-checklist to help organizations implement interpretation services within their organization.
January 24, 2023 - 10:30AM - 12:00PM (Zoom)
To register: http://bit.ly/3XpbKx7
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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: NWhittington@regionofwaterloo.ca.
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A Session for Ethno-Cultural Leaders on Making Our Region More Accessible for Everyone | |
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We invite you to this session that will provide members of ethnocultural communities living in Waterloo Region with information and resources on immigrant accessibility services. Some of the topics that will be covered include: Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Personal Assistance for Leisure (PAL), Inclusion Support, Specialized Programming, Paid Assistance and Special Services at Home.
The online session will be on Saturday, February 4 at 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. For any accessibilty support/accomodation and/or for an interpreter, please contact Robyn Hyland - accessibility@cambridge.ca.
Registration is now open: Accessible Services in Waterloo Region Tickets, Sat, 4 Feb 2023 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite
For more information, please contact: Abiha Syed - Asyed@regionofwaterloo.ca
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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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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 interpreters@kwmc-on.com 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 interpretations@ckw.ymca.ca.
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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 promise@carizon.ca.
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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 intake@ytr.ymca.ca 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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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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The cofounder of ApplyBoard, Martin Basiri, wants to provide loans to international students so they can get their master’s degree in Canada.
He wants to help the brightest international students get graduate degrees in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science or cybersecurity. Source: THE RECORD
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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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Ukrainian families settling into their new homes in Waterloo region are receiving additional support thanks to a new collaboration seeking to donate healthy food to their doorsteps.
With the demand for food increasing, Grocery Garden, a Waterloo-based food delivery service, stepped up to ensure the newcomers were welcomed with a box of healthy food. Upon signing up for the program, a box of healthy food is delivered right to the Ukrainian newcomer’s doorstep. The newcomers to the region expressed gratitude at the kindness people have extended to them as they navigate the complexities of beginning their life anew. Source: CTV NEWS KITCHENER.
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Information and Resources | |
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Recreation Facilities Survey Closes Soon
The City of Waterloo is developing an Indoor Community Space Master Plan (ICSMP) to guide the city's actions and investments related to indoor spaces over the next 10 years. The plan will support making city facilities more usable, welcoming, inclusive and environmentally friendly.
Whether you use city facilities regularly or have not used them before, your input will help the city develop a plan that reflects the diverse interests and needs of Waterloo residents. This is a great civic engagement opportunity for immigrants and those supporting them.
Take the survey before it closes on January 31.
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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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Waterloo's Neighbourhood Matching Fund
The Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) supports projects that help neighbours develop connections, foster a sense of belonging, and create placemaking. 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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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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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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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.
You can find the Waterloo Region Community Legal Services' Best Practices for Housing Providers of the Waterloo Region Toolkit here.
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Global Challenges:
Climate Change and Irregular Migration
Jan. 24, 2023, 12 - 2:30PM
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Join the first Migration Working Group of 2023!
This meeting will address the issues of climate change and irregular migration. The workshop will be chaired by Jérémie Molho, Senior Research Associate, CERC Migration.
The Migration Working Group meets monthly to discuss the migration research of emerging and established scholars. Their meetings provide researchers with the opportunity to present their ongoing projects, learn about each other's work and share feedback.
Visit the event website for more details.
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Virtual Group Mentorship Session: Supply Chain
Jan. 25, 2023, 2:00 - 4:00PM
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Are you looking to start a career in supply chain?
WILL Immploy invites those interested in starting their career in the supply chain sector to an interactive session where you will have the opportunity to gain insight from HR professionals working in this industry.
Visit the event website for more information.
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Are International Students Disposable Workers?
Jan. 26, 2023, 12 - 1:00PM
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Recently, international students have had regulatory changes to the work cap and the reasons behind them will be reviewed in this webinar. The panelists will address questions about how these changes will influence the work and personal environments of international students. | |
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WILL Immploy Virtual Information Sessions
Jan. 30, 2023, 5:30PM - 7:00PM
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Join WILL Immploy in one of their information sessions! Participants will have the opportunity to learn about their programs and receive lightning round consulting on their most pressing challenges.
Through a suite of recruitment, hiring, training and retention services, WILL Immploy can help your business:
- Become immigrant & newcomer ready
- Connect to diverse new pools of talent
- Fill your labour shortages
- Enhance your workplace culture
- Diversify your workplace
- Increase your social impact
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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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Moving the Dial On: Health Equity Advocacy
Feb. 2, 2023, 12:00PM - 2:00PM
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This presentation will share outcomes and impacts of community advocacy work to establish the Restoration House clinic in Hamilton, to prioritize hard to reach Black, other racialized, and disabled population who were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 infection. Specifically, the work to challenge systemic inequities through community solidarity building and mobilization will be discussed to offer insights on future transformative potentials and possibilities for community-engagement.
For more information, please visit the event website.
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The Impact of Policy Changes on Highly Skilled Migrants’ Decision-Making
Feb. 2, 2023, 3:00PM - 4:00PM
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Join CERC Migration for a webinar to investigate the lasting impacts that changes in immigration policies made during the pandemic have had on migration-related decision-making in Canada, Australia and the UK.
The discussion will be chaired by Luisa Veronis, Associate Professor, University of Ottawa and co-chaired by Ashika Niraula, Research Fellow, CERC Migration, Toronto Metropolitan University.
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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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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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Community Circles in January 2023
Online Sessions
Jan. 17, 24 & 31 2023, 7:00PM - 9:00PM
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Spectrum, the Waterloo Region's Rainbow Community Space, will host four community circles in January 2023. Each of the community circles will have a different focus and are intended to be organic and open conversations with the community to reflect on pressing issues and relevant to Black, Indigenous, and racialized 2SLGTBQIA+ people. Circle #2 will be on January 17, 2023. Visit the event website for more information. | |
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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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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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