Waterloo Regional Announcements

Contents

Page

Upcoming Events 1

Ongoing Events & Programs 4

Settlement Resources 8

In the News! 37

Education/Job Opportunities 62

Regional Networking 63

Research and Data 64

Call for Awards, Surveys, Funding 75

Upcoming Events

(2023-08-22)

Will update upon availability.

Settlement Resources

Toolkit for service providers: A future without gender-based violence: Building newcomer's resilience through community education -  This toolkit, developed by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI),  is for staff at community organizations that serve immigrants, refugees, and people without status. It was developed to support service providers in providing community-based education to newcomers about gender-based violence, and begin to equip them to address challenging situations.  http://ocasi.org/sites/default/files/ocasi-gbv-toolkit-english-online.pdf?utm_source=OCASI+In+the+Field+Newsletter

Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health online course - It is a free and self-directed training that provides in-depth discussion on how context and culture influence mental health and mental illness, as well as providing sample tools and resources for use in various practice settings, and offering evidence-based strategies and interventions to help you provide better services and supports to different immigrant and refugee populations. 

Information: https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/courses

Guelph-Wellington Employer’s Guide to Hiring and Retaining Newcomers and Immigrants - This guide developed by the County of Wellington and Immigrant Services Guelph Wellington addresses key principles that employers can put into practice when hiring and retaining a newcomer workforce. For more information see: http://www.guelphwellingtonlip.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Guelph-Wellington-Employers-Guide-to-Hiring-and-Retaining-Newcomers-and-Immigrants-report-small.pdf

Other resources:

Employer checklist at http://www.guelphwellingtonlip.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Toolkit-checklists1.pdf

Employer toolkit at https://www.guelphwellingtonlip.ca/resources-reports/resources-for-employers/

“Building Inclusive Governance” toolkit for not-for-profit boards - This comprehensive toolkit is to help evaluate how to create a more diverse board that can have a positive impact, develop inclusive governance policies and practices, and how to embed a culture of inclusion. For more information see: https://pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca/inclusiveleadership/

The Waterloo Region Community Legal Services has begun to practice Immigration and Citizenship Law. We are offering the following services:

1) Assistance, advice for Family Class Sponsorships (sponsoring your spouse, common law or conjugal partner, child, parent or grandparent)

2) Assistance, advice for Citizenship applications/ denials of applications

3) Assistance, advice regarding immigration status/Permanent Residence status including applications for Permanent Residence based on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds

Our services are not meant to duplicate or detract from the important and skilled work your organization does. Please continue to do that work! We are initiating these services so that community members have somewhere to turn to when you/your organization reach(es) the limits of your knowledge or ability to assist.

Clients can call to schedule an appointment with the Immigration Lawyer, or, if language is a barrier, they can attend directly at the clinic (101-450 Frederick St., Kitchener) with all relevant documents to begin the process. Interpreters are available for all languages. Clients will be screened for financial eligibility.

If you have any questions or concerns or for more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at laker@lao.on.ca or 519-743-0254, x. 17.

“Understanding the Canadian Language Benchmarks” video - This video produced by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada IRCC) explains the national standards framework and its value for language professionals and learners. This video is primarily aimed at language trainers, administrators, service provider organizations and other partners with an interest in learning more about how to describe and measure the language ability in English as a second language of adult newcomers. For more information see: 

https://youtu.be/dswbbWj-PtE (English)

https://youtu.be/8KlMzRNGthE (French)

"Less Telling, More Asking: Meaningful Youth Engagement at a Glance" - It is the newest resource developed at the Children and Youth Planning Table (CYPT) to introduce the concepts of youth engagement and adult allyship, with input from local youth, the knowledge of CYPT members, local child and youth-serving organizations, and national and international research. More information: https://childrenandyouthplanningtable.ca/youth-engagement-adult-allyship-resource/#intro

Interim Pathway for Caregivers - The Interim Pathway for Caregivers is a limited time pathway to permanent residence for qualifying in-home caregivers and their families. It is intended for immigrants with experience in Canada as a home child care provider or home support worker seeking to apply for permanent residence. Information about the process, here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/caregivers/interim-pathway/eligibility.html#status-in-canada

Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched these 2 new pilots that will help caregivers who come to Canada make it their permanent home and will open for applications on June 18, 2019, replacing the expiring Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs pilots. Information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/06/canada-caring-for-caregivers.html

“Bridge to Registration and Employment in Mental Health (BREM)” program - This 2-stream program supports internationally trained mental health professionals to access meaningful employment, plus application to the college of registered psychotherapists (CPRO). For more information see: https://mnlct.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BREMBrochure0221-compressed.pdf

“Bridge to Employment in Media and Communications (BEMC)” program - This new program offers internationally trained communications professionals multiple pathways to employment and/or entrepreneurship in the field of media and communications (ie journalism, public relations, broadcast media, web & graphic design). For more information see: https://mnlct.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/BEMCBrochure0221-compressed.pdf

"Syrian Youth Mentoring Initiative: Cultivating social-connectedness, linguistic acquisition and vocational goals" archived webinar - In this CAMH archived webinar, Hain Al-Shihabi and Sarah Mikhaiel's discuss how migration is affected by mental health challenges, the role of mentorship in helping to navigate these concerns, and also explore this initiative's program activities, core values, challenges and benefits. For more information: https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/webinars/past-webinars/populations/al-shihabi-and-mikhaiel

Calling 911, in different languages. The Diversity Committee of the Waterloo Regional Police Service has developed a guide in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Serbian about what to expect from police when someone calls 9-1-1. https://www.wrps.on.ca/en/services-reporting/calling-911-in-your-language.aspx?_mid_=9022

Rainbow Newcomers (2^nd Thurs & 4^th Wed monthly, 7 -9 pm) – Rainbow Newcomers is a social evening where LGBTQ+ newcomers can connect with other members in Waterloo Region's rainbow community.  For more information see:

A few research projects on newcomers in Southern Ontario:

§ Rural Ontario Institute’s “Newcomer Engagement” research. Rural Ontario Institute’s recent research on building newcomer social capital in rural Ontario communities (Huron, Dufferin, Northumberland Counties.

Research about children in Waterloo Region. The Waterloo Region Children's Planning Table is looking to connect with children, their parents or caregivers, as well as frontline service providers for informal, semi-structured conversations - to get a glimpse at what it's like to be a kid in Waterloo Region in 2017. This work is part of One Youth—a movement of children, young people and adults who want the best possible opportunities for every young person in Canada. They have a collection of question topics they might ask about in these 60-minute conversations (over the phone or in person). Follow this link to check out the available dates/times and book yourself in.

"Effective Governance through the Stages" course - This course developed by onBoard Canada, provides an overview on different stages of organizational development and its specific needs, based on the lived experiences and case studies of accomplished board directors. For more information or to register ($): https://onboardcanada.ca/training/effective-governance-through-the-stages/

"The Economic Impact of Immigration" podcast - John Shields, a professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University, provides an overview how immigration has a very significant impact on the Canadian population, contributing the labour market's stability and growth. For more information see: http://www.rcinet.ca/immigration-en/2017/03/07/the-economic-impact-of-immigration/

"Can Failure Lead us to Impact?" Tamarack Institute e-magazine article- This article briefly summarizes how failure and achieving impact are connected with one another, by being more observant, reflective, and moving forward. For more information see: http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/engage-may-2019?

"Reverse Cuts to Legal Aid Ontario Funding" petition - This petition is another way to share concerns you may have about cuts to legal aid funding and how cuts will impact refugees, newcomers, and immigrants in Ontario: https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/reverse-cuts-to-legal-aid-ontario-funding-caroline-mulroney

"Language Learning Options in Waterloo Region" - The Settle Steering Group of the Immigration Partnership developed this overview of English language learning options in Waterloo Region. It provides a map of formal learning options (i.e. various ESL/LINC classes) and informal options (such as conversation circles, tutoring or online learning). It is designed for organizations and staff that work with newcomers so they can more effectively refer clients to various available options. https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/EnglishLearningOptions

-"Stop legal aid cuts" email campaign - The Society of United Professionals is organizing an email campaign regarding the provincial cuts to legal aid. www.stoplegalaidcuts.ca enables you to easily send an email to Premier Doug Ford, Attorney General Caroline Mulroney and your MPP.

"PLE Learning Exchange" CLEO (Community Legal Education Ontario) project - This project supports non-profit organizations in developing and delivering effective public education and information for their communities. It also provides an online network for organizations to build partnerships and share their experiences. For more information see: http://plelearningexchange.ca

"Community of Practice (CoP)" virtual community - Canada's Mental Health & Addiction Network (CAMH)  in partnership with Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project have established this open online community where service providers can stay up-to-date on new events and resources in this sector. For more information see: https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/community

"Putting family first" book - Migration and Integration in Canada published this book about how the family context can be mobilized to facilitate the successful integration of newcomers. For more information see: http://www.ubcpress.ca/putting-family-first

Addiction Treatment Services - House of Friendship offers a wide range of services for individuals struggling with substance use concerns such as counselling services, day and residential treatment programs, and community addiction support. For more information: https://www.houseoffriendship.org/how-we-help/addiction-treatment

"Canada 2040: No Immigration Versus More Immigration" Report - This report examines the economic implications of no immigration in Canada and the economic impacts of gradually increasing immigration. For more information see: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=9678

Protocols/Guidelines in Best Practices for Mental Health Promotion - The Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership has compiled documents which highlight best practices and guidelines on supporting newcomers, refugees, immigrants and other groups with their mental health. For more information or to register https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j6zh3ozyv0alras/AADThB5YLGcNziChy6xoJU7aa?dl=0  One of these is a "Mental Health Promotion Guide for Agencies Serving Immigrants and Refugees by OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j6zh3ozyv0alras/AADThB5YLGcNziChy6xoJU7aa?dl=0&preview=7_Ontario+Council+of+Agencies+Serving+Immigrants_Mental+Health+Promotion+Guide.pdf

"Small Steps to Success" 12-Week Pre-Employment and Life Skills Program For Women - YWCA Cambridge is recruiting participants for this program that focuses on how to write resumes, develop interview and job search skills, and increase self-esteem and self confidence when entering in the workforce. Transportation and childcare assistance will be provided. For more information or to register contact YWCA Cambridge at s.hohenadel@ywcacambridge.ca and 519-622-9960.

Cardinal-Léger Catholic Elementary School registration for JK/SK students - The Cardinal-Léger Catholic Elementary School is accepting registrations at any time for JK/SK students to be enrolled in their French immersion program. For more information or to register see https://cl.cscmonavenir.ca/nous-joindre

Safe Housing and Directed Empowerment initiative (SHADE) - This initiative started in Winnipeg, Manitoba and provides safe housing and supportive services to immigrant and refugee women who have been impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or family violence. This initiative began as a result of the gap in transitional housing programs and services specifically for immigrant and refugee women since they face many additional barriers to access housing facilities. For more information or to connect: https://mailchi.mp/camh/irmhp-newsletter-apr2018-1248829?e=9427580c74

Pre-employment counselling program at KW Multicultural Centre - KW Multicultural Centre offers one-on-one employment counselling for permanent residents, live-in caregivers, and convention refugees to support their employment needs and long term goals. For more information see: https://www.kwmc.on.ca/employment-services

Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project (IRMH) courses - IMRH in partnership with CAMH (Canadian Association of Mental Health) offers free courses for social service providers and health care providers about how to support the mental health needs of immigrants and refugees. For more information or to register: https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/courses

Waterloo Wellington LHIN Interpretation Service - The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has partnered with the KW Multicultural Centre to provide free professional interpretation services in many primary care, community support and mental health/addiction service settings. See this 2-page summary to find out more including a list of organizations that are covered under this funded interpretation initiative: https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/settle-and-belong/resources/LHIN-KWMC-interpretation-service-for-health---dec2018-summary.pdf). Under this initiative, health care providers will have fast, easy access to interpreters who can provide interpretation services either in-person (in approximately 50 languages) or over the phone (in approximately 140 languages). To access services, family physicians or clinicians will simply need to contact the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre at 519-745-2593 to arrange interpretation services for their patients.

"Introduction to Investing" multilingual website - The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) has created a multilingual website, www.InvestingIntroduction.ca as a primer for new investors. It discusses the basics of the Canadian securities market and provides information on consumer protection. It is available in 22 languages. The OSC is also available for free presentations to clients.

Carizon winter 2019 group programs and workshops (various dates) - Carizon will be facilitating these various group programs and workshops which include: Money Matters, Let's Talk about Trauma, Understanding Me, Building Better Boundaries, and much more. For more information see: https://www.carizon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Winter-Workshops-2019.pdf (workshops); https://www.carizon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Winter-Groups-2019.pdf (groups).

"Addressing gender-based violence in immigrant and refugee populations" article - This article from the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project addresses understanding the impacts of intimate partner violence on mental health. For more information see https://mailchi.mp/camh/irmhp-newsletter-apr2018-1248785?e=9427580c74

"Evaluating Systems Change: A Results-Based Framework" archived webinar - The Tamarack Institute has compiled this webinar and a series of resources about analyzing systems change efforts including: describing systems (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vojPksdbtI&t=218s), evaluating systems change (http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/evaluating-impact-evaluating-systems-change), different ways of conceptualizing strategy (http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/library/what-we-know-so-far-strategy-continuum), and the skills of evaluators (http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/developmental-evaluation-exemplars-principles-in-practice). Access the webinar at: https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/library/webinar-evaluating-systems-change-a-results-based-framework

Congolese and Eritrean refugees RSTP webinars - RSTP has webinars about Congolese and Eritrean refugees and blended visa office referred (BVOR) sponsorship options: http://www.rstp.ca/en/resources/videos/blended-visa-office-referred-bvor-program-and-congolese-refugees(Congolese refugees) & http://www.rstp.ca/en/resources/videos/bvor-program-eritrean-refugees (Eritrean refugees).

"Making Canada Home: The Syrian Refugee Settlement Initiative (two years after arrival)" survey report - This report provides an overview of the challenges and successes of Syrian newcomers living in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as key findings for additional supports and service improvements. For more information see: http://www.costi.org/sys/anno_detail.php?id=41475   This article in The Star also summarizes the findings: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/11/16/this-syrian-refugee-is-living-the-classic-canadian-dream-we-are-so-proud-of-canada-and-want-to-make-canada-proud-of-us.html

Online consultation for measuring Canada's low income and official poverty line - Statistics Canada is conducting an open consultation to validate how they measure poverty. Recently, the Government of Canada announced that the Market Basket Measure (MBM) will be used as Canada's Official Poverty Line. Statistics Canada is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the MBM. They are looking for input from participants to evaluate the current estimate costs of living (ie food, transportation, shelter) and if they are unaffordable/affordable for low income individuals and families. For more information or to participate see: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/consultation/mbm?mc_cid=aa6bf7f24b&mc_eid=49f6dda666

"In Search of a New Equilibrium: Immigration Policymaking in the Newest Era of Nativist Populism" report - The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) has launched a report about assessing the demographic changes and trends within the immigrant population. This report also highlights how to improve immigration governance systems, how to communicate more effectively about the benefits of immigration policy, and the diversity of ways populists are influencing immigration policymaking. For more information see: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/immigration-policymaking-nativist-populism

"Immigration Matters" Campaign - The federal government launched a communications campaign to counter anti-immigrant and anti-refugee comments. This campaign also displays the success stories and statistics about immigrants making a difference in the economy, and creating jobs for Canadians. For more information see https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/immigration-matters/track-record.html

Employing young talent incentive program - The YMCA Employing Young Talent Incentive Program connects young people (aged 15-29) and employers. For more information or to register see https://twitter.com/YMCAEmployment/status/1060920587902582785 or contact Yanqiu at 519-579-9622 x241 or yanqiu.yang@ckw.ymca.ca

Housing Information for newcomers to Canada - The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has provided online information about accessing safe and affordable housing, translated in 8 languages. For more information see: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/buying/newcomers-housing-information

"Newcomer youth learn to become legal leaders" - The Ontario Justice Education Network (OJEN) has piloted a new program for about 125 newcomer youth in Toronto to develop their legal leadership skills. This program partnered with schools and community centers for newcomer youth to navigate complex governmental services and legal systems. For more information see: http://ojen.ca/en/legal-leaders

"Migration and Resilience: Discovering Strengths and Building Capacity in International Students" report - This report funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, focuses on how international students develop resiliency when pursuing further in education and accessing settlement and community services. For more information see: http://bmrc-irmu.info.yorku.ca/files/2018/11/Veres-Schlosser-Shahbazi-2018-Edited-Oct16_Adriana.pdf

LHIN Waterloo Wellington Interpretation Services initiative launched - Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) is providing free professional interpretation services for Waterloo-Wellington residents with limited English or French speaking skills, who require specific health care services. This joint initiative of the LHIN and KW Multicultural Centre will provide free interpretation services will be when residents need to go to their family physician, or when they access mental health and community support services in Waterloo Wellington. Health care providers will have fast, easy access to interpreters who can provide interpretation services either in-person (in approximately 50 languages) or over the phone (in approximately 140 languages). To access services, family physicians or clinicians will simply need to contact the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre at 519 745 2593 to arrange interpretation services for their patients. For more information about this service, contact Connie MacDonald at 519 748 2222 ext. 3235 connie.macdonald@lhins.on.ca, or Lucia Harrison at 519 745 2531 lucia@kwmc-on.com. For more information see

http://www.waterloowellingtonlhin.on.ca/newsandstories/current_news/20181102_InterpretationServicesLaunch.aspx

CAMH: Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health course - CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) and The Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project is offering a free online course for service providers exploring topics such as: in-depth discussion on how context and culture influence mental health and mental illness, and using evidence-based strategies and interventions to help provide better services and supports to different immigrant and refugee populations. For more information or to register: https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/courses

Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Community of Practice, online virtual community - CAMH in partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project, is offering an online virtual community and network for service providers who support immigrant and refugee mental health. This online community offers service providers to stay up-to-date with new events and resources, connect with one another, share promising and innovative practices, and ask questions for experts in the field. For more information see https://irmhp-psmir.camhx.ca/community

"Racial equity in the settlement sector" report - The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Serving Agencies of BC (AMSSA) developed a report on recommendations and resources to senior leadership, management and frontline staff on how to develop racial equity in their organizations and assist clients who report being victims of racism. For more information see: https://www.amssa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Racial-Equity-in-the-Settlement-Sector-AMSSA.pdf

"Wellbeing Waterloo Region" calendar - The Wellbeing Waterloo Region has a calendar that offers opportunities for individuals to participate in the working groups that they're interested in. For more information, see http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/wr-calendars/

Ten years of refugee arrivals data - The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) has a 10-year comparison of the numbers of different categories of refugees in Canada - following up on the recently released 3-year immigration plan by IRCC. http://list.rstp.ca/pipermail/psr_list.rstp.ca/attachments/20181102/f7e8b856/attachment.pdf

Jobs, careers, placements, etc. (Note, this is not an exhaustive list of opportunities. For more information about newcomer-related volunteer opportunities see the Volunteer Action Centre database or subscribe to their newsletter for current local employment opportunities): https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionOfMuslimWomen.KW/posts/2073982705996879

Diversity and Inclusion webinars - Diversity at Work's website provides various archived webinars that increase understanding of diversity awareness, intercultural communication, intercultural conflict, and creating a diversity committee. For more information or to purchase access to the webinars see https://www.yourdiversityatwork.com/webinars/#diversity-committee

Multicultural Outreach Worker at KW Counselling Services - https://www.kwcounselling.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Multicultural-Outreach-Worker-Posting-ID2018-0927.pdf

Conversation Circles in KW and Cambridge - Did you know that you can find conversation circles near you at the Kitchener Public Library website (http://www.kpl.org/esl) or the Cambridge Idea

The Labour Market Report - The Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin has published this report on topics such as: top 10 job postings by industry and region, number of employees, and top growth/decline of businesses. For more information, see https://tinyurl.com/y8xj9qk9

Waterloo-Wellington Learning Alliance. The Volunteer Centres of Guelph, Cambridge and KW join together to create a selection of professional development opportunities for volunteer managers, board members and interested community members to consider for their own personal development. Visit wwla.ca for a complete listing and further information. For more information see the attached WWLA flyer or contact Dianne at VAC KW at dianne@volunteerkw.ca or call 519-742-8610.

Ways to Mental Wellbeing. Website launched! The website has been launched with simple ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing, and numerous resources for individuals and service providers. Hosted by the Mental Wellness Network of Waterloo Region.

Does your sponsorship group have families with young adults who are ready to enter college or university? If so, check out this link: Ontario government website re tuition subsidies- https://www.ontario.ca/page/30-off-ontario-tuition

Conversation Circles in KW and Cambridge – Did you know that you can find conversation circles near you at the Kitchener Public Library website or the Cambridge Idea Exchange library website ? Check it out!

Ryerson Centre for Immigration & Settlement research papers. The Ryerson Centre for Immigration and Settlement has a number of research papers on their website (https://www.ryerson.ca/rcis/publications/rcisworkingpapers) which may be of broad interest. These include:

§ Serving Immigrant Families: Using Knowledge Translation to Inform a Family Approach in the Settlement Sector (2018);

§ The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Canadian Media (2017);

§ Immigrant Settlement and Integration Services and the Role of Nonprofit Service Providers: A Cross-National Perspective on Trends, Issues and Evidence (2016);

§ Community Support for Newcomer Families: A Literature Review (2015);

§ Ethnic Media Election Coverage A Content Analysis Methodology (2014).

The Future of Migration Policy in a Volatile Political Landscape - The Migration Policy Institute shared a number of papers related to the future of migration policy, including:

§ In the Age of Trump: Populist Backlash and Progressive Resistance Create Divergent State Immigrant Integration Contexts;

§ The Growth of the Radical Right in Nordic Countries;

§ The Impact of Populist Radical-Right Parties on Immigration Policy Agendas: A Look at the Netherlands;

§ U.S. Immigration Policy under Trump: Deep Changes and Lasting Impacts. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/transatlantic-council-migration/future-migration-policy-volatile-political-landscape

Family Violence Supports - The Refugee Sponsorship Training Program (RSTP) highlighted information and number of Family Violence Supports that are particularly relevant for newcomers in their recent July bulletin. http://list.rstp.ca/pipermail/psr_list.rstp.ca/attachments/20180727/f059e5bf/attachment.pdf

The Immigration Waterloo community calendar (www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/calendar) is a great source of information about local programs and events for newcomers. Subscribe for a digest of events coming up in the next week. You can add your own relevant events at www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/submitevent. 

"Immigration in Canada: Does recent change in forty year opinion trend signal a blip or a breaking point?" - This Angus Reid research discusses trends in public opinion about immigration. http://angusreid.org/canadian-immigration-trend-data

"Meet Me Where I Am: Redefining Access" project - Check out this brief summary of a project between the Mississauga Halton LHIN, CAMH, and Punjabi Community Health Services which offers services to clients at their place of worship. https://mailchi.mp/camh/irmhp-newsletter-apr2018-1248665?e=9427580c74

Resources for French-speaking newcomers – Newcomers who speak French can find some useful resources at the AFKW website (https://afkw.org/nouveaux-arrivants-ressources).

“Refugees and the City: The Twenty-first-century Front Line“ – This report by the Centre for International Governance Innovation assesses the characteristics of the urban displacement crisis and identifies challenges and opportunities confronting cities, challenging myths associated with the “refugee burden” and offering preliminary recommendations for stepping up international, national and municipal cooperation. https://www.cigionline.org/publications/refugees-and-city-twenty-first-century-front-line

Call for multicultural community leader participants – Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre (KDCHC) with the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns (CCORIC) launched a new project: “Needs and Assets Assessment of Informal Multicultural Community Leaders”. The project is looking for community leaders from diverse ethno-cultural groups within Waterloo Region for a roundtable discussion (2 hours), as well as a discussion between these community leaders and representatives from established services in the region (2 hours). Community leaders should have: knowledge of the resources in the community; have at least 3 years of volunteer experience in informal supports and advocacy work; good communication and interpersonal skills; be able to communicate in English; and have a non-judgmental attitude and sensitivity to the needs of their own community. The goal is to determine what our region can do to support multicultural leaders to be more effective in their roles as community connectors and, at the same time, assist formal organizations in connecting with multicultural communities. For more information or if you are interested contact Aleksandra Petrovic at alekspg@gmail.com and Fadhilah Balogun at fadhilahb@yahoo.com

"Let's Talk" newcomer youth program – This fall will be the first session of the new "Let's Talk" Newcomer Youth Program for high school youth aged 14-17. The goal of "Let's Talk" is to promote the positive mental health and well-being in the newcomer youth population in KW by offering programming that is dedicated to supporting their education and career aspirations. The program uses arts-based methods and engagement with community mentors to achieve its goal. As part of this program, they will be creating an Advisory Committee with youth and community partners, as well as a Youth Advisory Sub-Committee so that youth have a space of their own to share their thoughts openly and honestly and contribute to the program. They are currently looking for youth to be part of this committee.  For participating in this committee, they can offer community service hours, reference letters, and bus tickets to youth. Contact Anika Williams-Hewitt (email anika@kwmc-on.com or text 519-404-3984) if you know of any youth that may be interested in joining. 

“An Anatomy of Settlement Services in Canada: A Guide” research report – This SSHRC research by researchers from Ryerson includes data about immigrant/recent newcomer proportion across communities and provinces (p4), settlement program contributions per client by immigration category (p24) and proportion of IRCC funding to types of services (p24), list of provincial ministries responsible for immigrant/settlement compared across provinces (p26), etc. http://bmrc-irmu.info.yorku.ca/files/2018/07/An-Anatomy-of-Settlement-Services-in-Canada_BMRCIRMU.pdf

“Faith and Immigration” report – This report by the Angus Reid Institute shares that New Canadians often rely on religious communities for material, social and spiritual support (49% receive material support from faith-based communities; 63% relied on these communities for social support); immigrants are most likely to see a significant role for faith in the public sphere, among other findings. http://angusreid.org/faith-canada-immigration

“Thought Patterns“ – This website by the Century Initiative collects people’s thoughts about immigration with a 1-minute survey. They will later share a summary of the findings to inform public policy.  https://www.thoughtpatterns.ca

“An Overview of Community Innovation Trends - Part One: Design-Based Approaches“ – In this first of a series of papers on Community Innovation, Galen MacLusky explores two approaches that have their roots in the practice and rigour of design: Design Thinking and Social Labs. These approaches draw heavily on Community Engagement, iterative and experimental processes, and creative collaboration as pathways to effect change. http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/library/paper-overview-of-community-innovation-trends-design-based-approaches

“Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives“ – The Immigration Partnership Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Initiatives was established at the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation in 2017 – a legacy of the $800,850 Immigration Partnership Fund for Syrian Newcomers from 2016.  Check out the stories of the programs and supports for newcomer families that were realized through this earlier fund.  You can also donate to the fund to further support some great services for newcomers in Waterloo Region into the future.  http://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/donate

§ Check out this reflection on the 2016 Fund for Syrian Newcomers: “Creating Hope One (Matched) Donation at a Time” https://www.kwcf.ca/news/2018/5/31/creating-hope-one-matched-donation-at-a-time

The Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx on Local Systems of Support. The results from the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) project entitled “The Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx on Local Systems of Support” are now available on the project website, including the final report slides and a policy brief. As a community, we gained much insight into how local communities can better support refugees, and how public policy can reinforce community efforts. There will be a community forum in the coming months where the findings of this research and other related research projects will be presented. The forum will also be an opportunity for our community to discuss the implications of the research for future action. Stay tuned for more details.

Grant helps Waterloo Region’s newcomers and diverse populations address trauma and attachment needs. The Cowan Foundation has donated $84,000 to Family and Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region to adapt its Trusting Loving Connections © (TLC) group to meet the needs of Arabic - speaking refugees , First Nations, Metis and Inuit families , and French - speaking audiences. See here for more information: (http://exchangemagazine.com/2017/week25/Thursday/17062207.htm#anchor).

To learn more about the Sanctuary Refugee Health Center and how you can support them, click here

To view the MCCO Refugee Support Manual – Waterloo Region, click here

Region of Waterloo Housing Services – Emergency Shelter Framework. A new Emergency Shelter Program Framework was recently approved by Regional Council. The framework updates and clarifies the role that the Emergency Shelter Program plays in a system designed to prevent and end homelessness in Waterloo Region. Under the new framework, people are supported to explore their options before being admitted to the Emergency Shelter Program. The Emergency Shelter Program is available to those who have no other safe and appropriate place to stay while they work to find housing. Once in shelter, people are supported to develop or update housing plans within 48 hours to help them move on to permanent housing as quickly as possible. Shelter providers tailor length of stay and services to each person's unique strengths, depth of need, and barriers related to housing. If more support is needed to find housing, people are connected to other programs and resources in the community. For more information see the Emergency Shelter Program Framework Summary: http://communityservices.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/communityPlanningPartnerships/resources/ES-Framework-Summary.pdf)

For more information about local Shelter providers, please see the Emergency Shelter On-line Catalogue here:

(http://communityservices.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/communityProgramsSupports/emergency-shelter-catalogue-.asp) or the Housing Stability Pocket Card <http://communityservices.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/communityProgramsSupports/resources/2017-Pocket_Card.pdf) for shelters, services and outreach in Waterloo Region.

SHORE Centre is now offering FREE prenatal vitamins to any person who is planning, pregnant or nursing. Individuals who are interested in receiving vitamins are welcome to drop-in any time during our office hours. No appointment is necessary.

The Region of Waterloo Public Health and Community Services Departments have produced a brochure highlighting services, programs, and information available to newcomers in Waterloo Region! Digital copies of the English and translated brochures (Arabic, Farsi, French, Mandarin, and Spanish) are available on our website at: http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/researchresourcespublications/newsletters.asp

If you require more print copies, you can access our Public Health Resource Centre in three different ways:
1. Phone: 519-575-4400 x 2196
2 Email: phrc@regionofwaterloo.ca
3. Online: http://webapps.regionofwaterloo.ca/phrcpamphletordering/
If you have any additional questions about the brochure, please contact Health Communications at 519-575-4400 ext. 2244 or PublicHealth@regionofwaterloo.ca

Visit the Immigration Website at http://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/

In the news!

Visitors from India face high rejection rates on visa applications (The Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-visitors-from-india-face-high-rejection-rates-on-visa-applications/

How the media contributed to the migrant crisis (The Guardian) - https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/aug/01/media-framed-migrant-crisis-disaster-reporting

Government reinstating some visa services at embassy in Cuba (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/visas-embassy-cuba-havana-1.5226806

Myanmar holds repatriation talks with Rohingya refugees ( The Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/world/asia/2019/07/28/myanmar-holds-repatriation-talks-with-rohingya-refugees.html

New temporary resident permit (TRP) for family violence cases (IRCC News) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/updates/2019-family-violence.html

From immigration limbo to liberty: Canada sees surge of non-American migrants (The Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/07/26/from-immigration-limbo-to-liberty-canada-sees-surge-of-non-american-migrants.html

Canada does immigration well ... but here's an easy way to do a lot better (National Post) - https://nationalpost.com/opinion/canada-does-immigration-well-but-heres-an-easy-way-to-do-a-lot-better

Lawyers Are Furious That Immigration Courts Are Getting Rid of Interpreters (Vice) - https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/43jj9j/immigration-courts-getting-rid-of-interpreters

More churches choosing to house asylum-seeking migrants (The Record) -

https://www.therecord.com/living-story/9520346-more-churches-choosing-to-house-asylum-seeking-migrants/

Mohammed: Could Trump's refugee policy encourage Canada to rethink its own? (OttawaCitizenhttps://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/mohammed-could-trumps-refugee-policy-encourage-canada-to-rethink-its-own

From immigration limbo to liberty: Canada sees surge of non-American migrants (The Star) -   https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/07/26/from-immigration-limbo-to-liberty-canada-sees-surge-of-non-american-migrants.html

New immigration program opens door to undocumented construction workers in GTA (The Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/07/26/new-immigration-program-opens-door-to-undocumented-construction-workers-in-gta.html

Canada does immigration well ... but here's an easy way to do a lot better (National Post) -  https://nationalpost.com/opinion/canada-does-immigration-well-but-heres-an-easy-way-to-do-a-lot-better

More churches choosing to house asylum-seeking migrants (The Record) - https://www.therecord.com/living-story/9520346-more-churches-choosing-to-house-asylum-seeking-migrants/

Mohammed: Could Trump's refugee policy encourage Canada to rethink its own? (Ottawa Citizen) - https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/mohammed-could-trumps-refugee-policy-encourage-canada-to-rethink-its-own

Justice minister swats back at Ontario attorney general over refugee legal aid spending (The Start- https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/07/23/david-lametti-swats-back-at-ontario-attorney-general-over-refugee-legal-aid-spending.html

Canada needs more empathetic, responsive immigration system, panellists say (CBC News) - 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-political-panel-podcast-immigration-system-1.5220978

Ontario attorney general invokes PM in spat over refugee legal aid (The Record) -  https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9511465-ontario-attorney-general-invokes-pm-in-spat-over-refugee-legal-aid/

“As US clamps down on asylum seekers, Canada is urged to do more” (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/as-u-s-clamps-down-on-asylum-seekers-canada-is-urged-to-do-more-1.4517506

“Friends, community gather to celebrate legacy of Hodan Nalayeh” (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/journalist-memorial-edmonton-1.5219072

Ontario attorney general invokes PM in spat over refugee legal aid ( The Record)

https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9511465-ontario-attorney-general-invokes-pm-in-spat-over-refugee-legal-aid/

Ottawa stands by US as safe third country, despite new border policy (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/safe-third-country-agreement-canada-us-1.5216750

“Temporary foreign workers needed to grow processed-foods sector, says Senate report” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-senate-report-agri-foods-1.5211917

“Doctors, lawyers say new border agency policy risks 'criminalization' of asylum seekers” (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5493486/border-policy-criminalization-asylum-seekers/

“Asylum figures show slower rate of irregular crossings into Canada” (National Post) - https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/asylum-figures-show-overall-slower-rate-of-irregular-crossings

“Protesters fight to block new Laval migrant detention centre” (CTV News) - https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/protesters-fight-to-block-new-laval-migrant-detention-centre-1.4509129

“Police street checks more likely for visible minorities in Waterloo region, report says” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/police-street-checks-more-likely-for-visible-minorities-in-waterloo-region-report-says-1.5207261

“It's next to impossible to pay the rent working full time for minimum wage, new report calculates” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ccpa-rents-minimum-wage-1.5216258

“KPL career workshops help guide newcomer youth through future in Kitchener” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/lets-talk-newcomer-youth-1.5214077?__vfz=medium%3Dsharebar

How Google Translate is helping refugee claimants to navigate daily life in Toronto (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/google-translate-refugees-matthew-house-claimant-1.5209124

. Paramount Fine Foods CEO provides work opportunity to refugees upon their arrival in Canada (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/paramount-fine-foods-refugee-hiring-1.5209491

Canada announces 3-year permanent residence pilot for eligible agri-food workers (CIC News) - 

https://www.cicnews.com/2019/07/canada-announces-3-year-permanent-residence-pilot-for-eligible-agri-food-workers-0712507.html#gs.ptqv6b

New immigration pilot program to offer permanent residency to migrant farm workers (The Star) https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/07/12/new-immigration-program-offers-migrant-farm-workers-pathway-to-permanent-residence.html

New Ontario draws will target Express Entry candidates with tech experience (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/07/new-ontario-draws-will-target-express-entry-candidates-with-tech-experience-0712503.html#gs.ptrcuq

Foreign caregivers say changes aimed at helping them realize their immigration dreams come with a costly catch (The Start) - https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/07/09/foreign-caregivers-say-changes-aimed-at-helping-them-realize-their-immigration-dreams-come-with-a-costly-catch.html

130 new families create population boom in Cap-Pelé (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/immigration-cap-pel%C3%A9-family-1.5205393

Interim Pathway for Caregivers reopens to new applications (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/07/interim-pathway-for-caregivers-reopens-to-new-applications-0712483.html#gs.ptpv70

Express Entry candidates with CRS scores as low as 300 invited in latest Alberta draw (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/07/express-entry-candidates-with-crs-scores-as-low-as-300-invited-in-latest-alberta-draw-0712487.html#gs.ptq0ga

Canada updates list of eligible Global Talent Stream occupations (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/07/canada-updates-list-of-eligible-global-talent-stream-occupations-0712481.html#gs.ptnoq1

How asylum seekers and resettled refugees come to Canada (CBC News) -  https://www.cbc.ca/news/refugees-asylum-seekers-canada-1.5210093

'We didn't talk about the bombs': How the 1st cohort of Syrian refugees made it through high school” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/syrian-refugee-graduation-1.5183867

“Reality check: Is it OK to call migrant detention centres concentration camps?” ( Globalnews) https://globalnews.ca/news/5408298/concentration-camps-history/

“The headwinds against refugees are powerful - but Canada must march on" (Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-headwinds-against-refugees-are-powerful-but-canada-must-march-on/

“How climate change exacerbates the refugee crisis” - (World Economic Forum) https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/06/how-climate-change-exacerbates-the-refugee-crisis-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/

“Canada's immigration minister wants to accept more refugees as economic immigrants” - (CTV News) https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canada-s-immigration-minister-wants-to-accept-more-refugees-as-economic-immigrants-1.4475208

“Asylum-seeker border crossings down nearly 50 per cent in 2019 compared with last year” (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/irregular-asylum-claims-rcmp-canada-drop-1.5137482

“Could Canada be a safe haven for climate refugees?" - (CBC News)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canada-climate-refugees-1.5165029

Canada’s Global Talent Stream: Nearly 24,000 visas granted in 2 years" - (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/2019/06/canadas-global-talent-stream-nearly-24000-visas-granted-in-2-years-0612393.html?

Canada's refugee claim acceptance rate falls amid record backlog of asylum seekers” - (The Star) https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/06/19/canadas-refugee-acceptance-rate-falls-amid-record-backlog-of-asylum-claims.html

“A guide to Quebec's new immigration and religious symbols laws: How we got here and what's next” - (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-religious-symbols-immigration-faq-1.5178694

“Canada's new caregiver immigration pilots set to launch this week” - (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/2019/06/canadas-new-caregiver-immigration-pilots-set-to-launch-this-week-0612404.html#gs.kma154

“Supreme Court chief justice says legal aid 'essential' to fair justice system” - (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/supreme-court-chief-justice-wagner-1.5182657

“18000 immigration applicants denied as CAQ invokes closure on Bill 9” (CTV News) - https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/18-000-immigration-applicants-denied-as-caq-invokes-closure-on-bill-9-1.4468342

“Poll suggests majority of Canadians favour limiting immigration levels” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadians-favour-limiting-immigration-1.5177814

“Share of recent immigrants landing jobs increases as Canada welcomes more” (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/share-of-recent-immigrants-landing-jobs-increases-as-canada-welcomes-more-1.4457818

Federal government delivering funds to boost employment for immigrant women” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/hussen-immigration-women-employment-1.5164509

“Canada's Global Talent Stream: Nearly 24000 visas granted in 2 years” (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/06/canadas-global-talent-stream-nearly-24000-visas-granted-in-2-years-0612393.html

“Ottawa picks 11 communities for pilot immigration project” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rural-north-immigration-pilot-1.5175418

“Women with hijabs talk about what it's like to wear the Muslim head scarf” (TheRecord) - https://www.therecord.com/living-story/9434901-women-with-hijabs-talk-about-what-it-s-like-to-wear-the-muslim-head-scarf

“Canada could see Hong Kong immigration bump after crackdown on protesters, experts say” (TheStar) - https://www.thestar.com/vancouver/2019/06/12/canada-could-see-hong-kong-immigration-bump-after-crackdown-on-protesters-experts-say.html

“Feds pledge $5M to Manitoba for housing costs for asylum claimants” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-asylum-seeker-5-million-1.5171816

“Women in Siberian coal town beg Trudeau to let them come to Canada as environmental refugees” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/russia-coal-environmental-refugees-trudeau-1.5169668

“Physician immigration should be a national conversation” (TheStar) - https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2019/06/10/physician-immigration-should-be-a-national-conversation.html

“Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund aims to help newcomers get Canadian credentials” (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5374184/aiclf-fund-canadian-credentials

“Foreign students say they 'have no choice' but to work more than their permits allow” (CBCNews) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/international-students-speak-out-about-why-they-work-more-hours-1.5162316

“Providing a sense of dignity': Ottawa pledges $7.5M to help women immigrants land work” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/hussen-immigration-women-employment-1.5164509

“Canada to empower visible minority newcomer women” (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/06/canada-to-empower-visible-minority-newcomer-women.html

“Cuts to Legal Aid Ontario mean asylum seekers are on their own, refugee lawyer says” (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5352782/legal-aid-ontario-budget-cats/

“Employers face long delays for temporary foreign workers as demand spikes” (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/employers-face-long-delays-for-temporary-foreign-workers-as-demand-spikes-1.4450497

“Nova Scotia invites Express Entry candidates with work experience in early childhood education” (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/06/nova-scotia-invites-express-entry-candidates-with-work-experience-in-early-childhood-education-0612347.html#gs.he7j89

“Ontario invites Express Entry candidates with work experience in 11 occupations” (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/06/ontario-invites-express-entry-candidates-with-work-experience-in-10-occupations-0612344.html#gs.he7n26

“Rainbow Railroad station praises expansion of program to help LGBTQ refugees get to Canada” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/lgbt-refugee-program-1.5159468

“Applications for asylum in Canada for Syrian White Helmets stalled over security concerns” (The Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-applications-for-asylum-in-canada-for-syrian-white-helmets-stalled/

“Government of Canada launches Centre for Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics” (Government of Canada) - https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-scienceeconomicdevelopment/news/2019/05/government-of-canada-launches-centre-for-gender-diversity-and-inclusion-statistics.html

“'Fear no more': Liberal government takes steps to help foreign workers, newcomers escape abuse” (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/hussen-migrant-workers-abuse-1.5157114 . “Lawsuit planned to get asylum seekers access to subsidized daycare” (CTV News) - https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/lawsuit-planned-to-get-asylum-seekers-access-to-subsidized-daycare-1.4443211

Canada's 2019 federal election: How could it affect immigration and Express Entry? (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/2019/05/canadas-2019-federal-election-how-could-it-affect-immigration-and-express-entry-0512307.html?

Canada's immigration policies providing tech sector advantage, Trudeau says (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/2019/05/canadas-immigration-policies-providing-tech-sector-advantage-trudeau-says-0512304.html?

Ontario issues new invitations through Express Entry-aligned French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/2019/05/ontario-issues-new-invitations-through-express-entry-aligned-french-speaking-skilled-worker-stream-0512318.html?

Australia's Immigration Reforms Offer Lessons for Other Countries Seeking to Develop Tailored Selection Systems for Economic Migrants (MPI News) https://www.migrationpolicy.org/news/australia%E2%80%99s-immigration-reforms-offer-lessons-other-countries-seeking-develop-tailored

Refugee and immigrant radio show finishes 1st year with Atlantic Journalism Award (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/riac-radio-chmr-darrell-power-zay-nova-nabila-qureshi-1.5143293

Thousands of Saudi students remain in Canada, despite Riyadh's pledge to axe scholarships (CBC News)  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/saudi-arabia-students-remain-canadian-universities-healthcare-1.5141470

UN urges Canada to take more vulnerable Central American migrants from Mexico (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/un-urges-canada-to-take-more-vulnerable-mexican-migrants-from-central-america-1.5150446

Immigrants and refugees tell their stories in these five new books (The Star) - https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2019/05/24/immigrants-and-refugees-tell-their-stories-in-these-five-new-books.html

Canada seeing spike in temporary visas as migrant worker advocates raise alarm (CTV News) https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/canada-seeing-spike-in-temporary-visas-as-migrant-worker-advocates-raise-alarm-1.4435272

Migrant caregivers make fresh call for better immigration program (CBC News) 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/migrant-caregivers-demand-better-immigration-program-1.5133168

Visa rejections frustrate efforts to bring in more international students (CTV News) https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/visa-rejections-frustrate-efforts-to-bring-in-more-international-students-1.4418382

Community comes together to restore new refugee welcome centre (CBC News)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/matthew-house-expansion-1.5129770

Supreme Court says migrants can bring detention challenge to judge (CBC News)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/supreme-court-immigration-refugee-detention-1.5130676

Canada's refugee changes will hurt women asylum seekers, organizations say (The Star)  https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/05/08/canadas-refugee-changes-will-hurt-women-asylum-seekers-organizations-say.html

Canada Immigration Newsletter - (CIC News) https://www.cicnews.com/

Legal Aid cuts are attack on poor and marginalized, Kitchener MPP says (CBC News)  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/legal-aid-ontario-kitchener-poor-marginalized-1.5127698

. "Canada's refugee changes will hurt women asylum seekers, organizations say" (National Post)

https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/refugee-changes-will-hurt-women-asylum-seekers-womens-organizations-say

"Three Questions: Prof. Cristina Rodríguez on the Immigration Crises" (Yale Insights) https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/three-questions-prof-cristina-rodr-guez-on-the-immigration-crises

"Immigration, improved labour market participation of Canadians 'best path' to future prosperity, new study says" (CIC News https://www.cicnews.com/2019/05/immigration-improved-labour-market-participation-of-canadians-best-path-to-future-prosperity-new-study-says-0512263.html#gs.bgsodt

"Immigration key to Canada's economic growth, study says" (Toronto Star) https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/05/03/immigration-key-to-canadas-economic-growth-study-says.html

"New program will train immigration and citizenship consultants" (Canadian

Magazine) https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/legalfeeds/author/aidan-macnab/new-program-will-train-immigration-and-citizenship-consultants-17207/

"Trump wants an immigration system 'like they have in Canada.' Would a merit-based plan work in the U.S.?" (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-immigration-system-canada-merit-based-points-1.5115475

"Immigration is vital to Hamilton's future" (The Record) - https://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/9307694-immigration-is-vital-to-hamilton-s-future/

 "New life, new country, new job, new future - Syrian refugee set to start coding at Bonfire thanks to Talent Beyond Boundaries program" (Communitech News) - https://news.communitech.ca/new-life-new-country-new-job-new-future/

"Minimum score drops again in latest draw from Canada's Express Entry pool" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/05/minimum-score-drops-again-in-latest-draw-from-canadas-express-entry-pool-0512248.html

"Is Canada right to tighten its border?" (The Star) https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/thebigdebate/2019/04/30/is-canada-right-to-tighten-its-border.html

"Canada's backlog of 'legacy' refugee claims soon to be cleared - but a new list is growing" (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5220024/refugee-legacy-claims-cleared/

"Canadian public opinion on immigration, refugees 'remarkably steady', new survey finds" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/04/majority-of-canadians-maintain-positive-views-of-immigration-new-survey-finds-0412240.html#gs.9inz7j

"Ontario reopens Masters Graduate Stream" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/04/ontario-reopens-masters-graduate-stream-2-0412246.html

"New language training centre hopes to be a 'game changer' for Edmonton newcomers" (The Star) - https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2019/05/01/new-language-training-centre-hopes-to-be-a-game-changer-for-edmonton-newcomers.html

"Free dental care for low-income seniors to be announced in budget" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-budget-health-politics-free-dental-care-1.5090396

"Don't make election about immigration, corporate Canada tells political leaders" (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/don-t-make-election-about-immigration-corporate-canada-tells-political-leaders-1.4396099

"New immigration stream planned for Ontario tech workers, but will workers or their bosses benefit?" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/ontario-immigrant-nominee-program-tech-sector-stream-1.5111508

"Immigrant families more likely to own home than add to pension plan, StatsCan says" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/immigrants-wealth-statistics-canada-1.5100205

"Groups that help newcomers seek solutions after Syrian girl, 9, dies by suicide in Calgary" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/syrian-girl-suicide-calgary-groups-1.5102702

"'A refugee is a refugee': Asylum changes threaten Canada's 'gold standard' system" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/opinion-canada-refugees-1.5103772

"Warning to refugee and immigrant communities about fraudulent calls" - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugee/news/2019/03/warning-to-refugee-and-immigrant-communities-about-fraudulent-calls.html

7 surprising things that could change the job market by 2030 (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/change-job-market-2030-1.5086022  (e.g."climate refugees", tech talent immigration, and other trends)

"Canada must put the emphasis on economic immigration" (Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-must-put-the-emphasis-on-economic-immigration

"Liberals move to stop asylum 'shopping' - but the measure may not work on everyone" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/refugee-asylum-seekers-border-changes-1.5092192

"Refugee advocates 'shocked and dismayed' over asylum changes in budget bill" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/refugee-asylum-federal-budget-1.5091397

"Canada introduces act to create new regulatory body for immigration consultants" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/04/canada-introduces-act-to-create-new-regulatory-body-for-immigration-consultants-0412163.html

“Legal Aid funding cut nearly 30% in Ontario budget" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ontario-legal-aid-funding-cut-1.5095058

"How to prepare for the baby boom bust" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/boomers-bust-1.5088836

"Migrant mushroom-farm workers file lawsuit and call for stronger labour protections in Ontario" (Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-migrant-mushroom-farm-workers-file-lawsuit-and-call-for-stronger

"Canada commits $10 million to help newcomers find work and enter job market faster" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/canada-commits-10-million-to-help-newcomers-find-work-and-enter-job-market-faster-0312017.html#gs.21wd08

"Caregivers still vulnerable under new immigration rules, advocates warn" (CTV News)- https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/caregivers-still-vulnerable-under-new-immigration-rules-advocates-warn-1.4331278

"Government announces 2,000 additional spaces under the Provincial Nominee Program" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/03/government-announces-2000-additional-spaces-under-the-provincial-nominee-program.html

"Canadians share most favourable view of immigrants, global study finds" (Toronto Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/03/14/canadians-share-most-favourable-view-of-immigrants-global-study-finds.html

"Blair mulling ways to close loophole in Safe Third Country Agreement" (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/blair-mulling-ways-to-close-loophole-in-safe-third-country-agreement-1.4337837

"Calls for reform after Ontario migrant workers claim they worked in terrible conditions" (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5063850/migrant-workers-reform-ontario

"As Canada ages, immigration expected to keep Alberta's workforce strong for decades" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-edmonton-immigration-labour-force-participation-1.5067843

"Widespread sex torture of male, female migrants reported in new study" (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/widespread-sex-torture-of-male-female-migrants-reported-in-new-study-1.4350517

"New immigrants made up 61% of Canada's population growth in 2018" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/new-immigrants-made-up-61-of-canadas-population-growth-in-2018-0312086.html#gs.3dxdh6

"Refugee health care gets $283M boost, but some patients turned away by providers: study" (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5103493/refugee-health-care-funding-barriers/

"Agrifood sector welcomes budget's immigration pilot for foreign workers" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/immigration-agriculture-seasonal-workers-1.5070913

"Waterloo region welcomes 200 new Canadians at largest citizenship ceremony" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-region-citizenship-ceremony-largest-1.5077446

"Canada's five fastest growing urban areas are all in Ontario" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/stats-can-population-census-1.5075855

"Express Entry 2019 Quarterly Report: Over 20,000 invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/express-entry-2019-quarterly-report-over-20000-invitations-to-apply-for-canadian-permanent-residence-0312101.html#gs.3e0k1c

"Canada commits $10 million to help newcomers find work and enter job market faster" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/canada-commits-10-million-to-help-newcomers-find-work-and-enter-job-market-faster-0312017.html#gs.21wd08

"Caregivers still vulnerable under new immigration rules, advocates warn" (CTV News)- https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/caregivers-still-vulnerable-under-new-immigration-rules-advocates-warn-1.4331278

"Government announces 2,000 additional spaces under the Provincial Nominee Program" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/03/government-announces-2000-additional-spaces-under-the-provincial-nominee-program.html

"Canadians share most favourable view of immigrants, global study finds" (Toronto Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/03/14/canadians-share-most-favourable-view-of-immigrants-global-study-finds.html

"Blair mulling ways to close loophole in Safe Third Country Agreement" (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/blair-mulling-ways-to-close-loophole-in-safe-third-country-agreement-1.4337837

"Calls for reform after Ontario migrant workers claim they worked in terrible conditions" (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/5063850/migrant-workers-reform-ontario

"Canada's private refugee sponsorship program turns 40: Friendships forged by Vietnam War endure" (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/mennonites-vietnam-boat-people-private-sponsorship-1.5038385 

"Canada extends Atlantic Immigration Pilot" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/canada-extends-atlantic-immigration-pilot-0311957.html#gs.0zfehv

"Interim permanent residence pathway for caregivers now open to applications" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/03/interim-permanent-residence-pathway-for-caregivers-now-open-to-applications-0311969.html#gs.0zcoma

"Community quilt project stitches together newcomer and Indigenous experiences in Canada" (CBC News) -https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/community-quilt-project-stitches-together-newcomer-and-indigenous-experiences-in-canada-1.5050774 

"Newcomer women ready for the local workforce" (CTV News) - https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/newcomer-women-ready-for-the-local-workforce-1.4326652

"Illegal border crossings from Canada quietly rising, data shows" (NBC News) - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/illegal-border-crossings-canada-quietly-rising-data-shows-n981131

"Program to teach newcomer students workplace health and safety" (Guelph Today) - https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/program-to-teach-newcomer-students-workplace-health-and-safety-1216413

"Hundreds of ex-slaves in Libya coming to Canada, immigration minister says" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rescued-slaves-coming-to-canada-1.5008268

"Canada opened its door to more than 40,000 immigration applicants in January" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/02/canada-opened-its-door-to-more-than-40000-immigration-applicants-in-january-0211852.html#gs.tnJd1Oo6

"Costs of migrant "irregular" entry and asylum claims" (Radio Canada News) - http://www.rcinet.ca/en/2019/02/04/costs-of-migrant-irregular-entry-and-asylum-claims

"One step forward for migrant workers but more to be done" (The Toronto Star) - https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2019/02/05/one-step-forward-for-migrant-workers-but-more-to-be-done.html

"Thousands of immigrants left in limbo as CAQ looks to implement new job-matching system" (CTV News) - https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/thousands-of-immigrants-left-in-limbo-as-caq-looks-to-implement-new-job-matching-system-1.4289947

"Ottawa opposed to Quebec setting conditions on permanent residency Social Sharing" (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/coalition-avenir-quebec-immigration-bill-federal-government-1.5011915

"IKEA Canada Launches Refugee Employment Program Coast-to-Coast" (IKEA) - https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/about_ikea/newsitem/2019feb_refugee_employment

"Lifeline Syria and Windmill Microlending announce a $400,000 initiative to help Syrian refugees upgrade their credentials and restart their careers in Canada" (Lifeline Syria) - http://lifelinesyria.ca/lifeline-syria-and-windmill-microlending-announce-a-400000-initiative-to-help-syrian-refugees-upgrade-their-credentials-and-restart-their-careers-in-canada/?fbclid=IwAR2vb5RHOsbUYnlr2_0g4aa1474sAx71abm11-VjYlefeYaqrFq6TUZtm_c

"Online applications to sponsor family immigrants hit limit in less than 11 minutes" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ircc-parent-grandparent-sponsorship-filled-2019-1.4995806

"When the world's population shrinks, Canada is poised to grow and prosper" (Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-when-the-worlds-population-shrinks-canada-is-poised-to-grow-and

"Ottawa to offer $114M in new money to provinces, cities for asylum-seeker housing" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/114-million-asylum-seekers-1.4996821

"Kids Help Phone Selected to Improve Settlement Services for Newcomers across Canada" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/01/kids-help-phone-selected-to-improve-settlement-services-for-newcomers-across-canada.html

"Canada launches new fast-track system for processing refugee claims" (Global News) - https://globalnews.ca/news/4912186/canada-launches-fast-track-system-for-processing-refugee-claims

"After a slow start, immigration program surpasses 2018 target (Atlantic Pilot)" (CBC News) - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/immigration-program-pilot-federal-provincial-legislature-committee-1.4997226

"Formerly illiterate Syrian refugees learning English to become Canadian citizens" (CTV News) - https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/formerly-illiterate-syrian-refugees-learning-english-to-become-canadian-citizens-1.4280655

"'We felt we were reborn.' Thousands of Eritrean refugees quietly welcomed to Canada" (LeJournalCanadien) - https://lejournalcanadien.com/2019/02/03/we-felt-we-were-reborn-thousands-of-eritrean-refugees-quietly-welcomed-to-canada

"15 Bullet Points on Canada's Extraordinarily Fast Population Growth" (Journal of Commerce) - https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/economic/2019/01/15-bullet-points-canadas-extraordinarily-fast-population-growth

"Canada's Parents and Grandparents Program: Are you ready?" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/01/canadas-parents-and-grandparents-program-are-you-ready-0111776.html

"Express Entry draw continues record start to 2019, CRS score drops" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/01/express-entry-draw-continues-record-start-to-2019-crs-score-drops-0111781.html

"Former newcomer now helps clients relocate to Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge" (Waterloo Chronicle) - https://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news-story/9140191-former-newcomer-now-helps-clients-relocate-to-kitchener-waterloo-cambridge

"New federal immigration program to support middle class jobs in rural and northern communities" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/01/new-federal-immigration-program-to-support-middle-class-jobs-in-rural-and-northern-communities.html

"'Recasting' needed in global response to refugee crisis, report says" (Toronto Star) - https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/01/24/recasting-needed-in-global-response-to-refugee-crisis-report.html

"Trudeau warns voters to be wary of fear-mongering about immigration" (The Globe and Mail) - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-trudeau-warns-voters-to-be-wary-of-fear-mongering-about-immigration

"YMCA of Greater Toronto Selected to Provide Pre-Arrival Services" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2019/01/ymca-of-greater-toronto-selected-to-provide-pre-arrival-services.html

"Canada's goal of 1 million new permanent residents turning heads worldwide" (CIC News) - https://www.cicnews.com/2019/01/canadas-goal-of-1-million-new-permanent-residents-turning-heads-worldwide-0111743.html#gs.AIswG43o

"Canada Says, 'Give Me Your MBAs, Your Entrepreneurs': Foreign talent helps power the nation's economic boom" (Bloomberg Businessweek) - https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-01-02/canada-says-give-me-your-mbas-your-entrepreneurs

"Growing number of refugees arriving in Canada as unaccompanied minors" (CBC News)  https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/refugee-shelter-matthew-house-youth-unaccompanied-transition-1.4922946

"Canada adopts historic agreement to address migration" (IRCC) https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2018/12/canada-adopts-historic-agreement-to-address-migration.html

"I will be born again: First wave of Syrian refugees set to become Canadian citizens" (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/syrian-refugees-canadian-citizenship-1.4935481

"From Surviving to Thriving: Imagining Cambridge 2031, Part 2: Affordable housing" (CambridgeTimes) https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news-story/9077668-from-surviving-to-thriving-imagining-cambridge-2031-part-2-affordable-housing

"Increase in refugee claimants puts pressures on system, families in Waterloo region" CBC Radio -https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/the-morning-edition-k-w/episode/15640577

"Why finding housing for refugee housing has become a 'nightmare' in Waterloo region" CBC Radio - https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/the-morning-edition-k-w/episode/15644111 or in print at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/waterloo-region-refugee-house-hunting-a-nightmare-1.4933546

"Why low-income earners should actually welcome Ontario's reversal on rent control" (CBC News) -https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/rent-control-opinion-1.4934398

"How to develop the mental health care that refugees really need" (National Post) - https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/how-to-develop-the-mental-health-care-that-refugees-really-need

"Indigenous peoples and immigrants more at risk of domestic violence in Canada, study says" (CBC News) -https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/indigenous-peoples-and-immigrants-more-at-risk-of-domestic-violence-in-canada-study-says-1.4934895

"New impaired driving and marijuana-related penalties could affect immigration status for permanent and temporary residents" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/impaired-driving-cannabis-penalties-affect-immigration-status.html

"The Power of Entrepreneurship in Exile - Lessons and Opportunities From Syrians" - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-entrepreneurship-exile-lessons-opportunities-from-schroeder/ (with a link to a free ebook: "Entrepreneurship in Exile: Insights into Syria Refugees Startups in Host Countries")

"Rental vacancy rate dips to 2.4% across Canada, CMHC says" (CBC News)https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/rental-market-cmhc-1.4923635 Here is a related CMHC report specifically for Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo: "Rental Market Report [fall 2018]" https://eppdscrmssa01.blob.core.windows.net/cmhcprodcontainer/sf/project/cmhc/pubsandreports/rental-market-reports-major-centres/2018/rental-market-reports-kitchener-64399-2018-a01-en.pdf

"Brothers achieve dream with new barbershop in Kitchener: Syrian brothers newly out of Lebanon refugee camp open barbershop" (TheRecord) https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9062511-brothers-achieve-dream-with-new-barbershop-in-kitchener/#.XAVVBT2HUXJ.twitter

"2018 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration" (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/annual-report-parliament-immigration-2018/report.html

"A Place to Call Home" (CTV news) story on housing needs for refugees and one of this year's Newcomer Landlord Award winners: Whiltehall Apartments. https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1547200

"Ontario's Government for the People Announces Plan to Restore Dignity, Independence and Empowerment to Social Assistance System," (Ontario Government) - https://news.ontario.ca/mcys/en/2018/11/ontarios-government-for-the-people-announces-plan-to-restore-dignity-independence-and-empowerment-to.html

"Majority of Canadians continue to see immigration in a positive light, new survey shows" (Canada Immigration News) -https://www.cicnews.com/2018/11/majority-of-canadians-continue-to-see-immigration-in-a-positive-light-new-survey-shows-1111482.html

"Hundreds of refugees to settle in Canada by year's end after receipt of $3.5 million in donations ensures community sponsorship spaces are filled" (The Refugee Hub): https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/hundreds-of-refugees-to-settle-in-canada-by-years-end-after-receipt-of-35-million-in-donations-ensures-community-sponsorship-spaces-are-filled-700467131.html

"Immigration Partnership recognizes 2 landlords for their support of new Canadians" (CBC Radio): https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1372653123602  (For more information about the Newcomer Landlord Award recipients - Abhi Sankar and Whitehall Apartments - see the summary of award recipients: https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/en/resources/Events-and-Initiatives/2018_Newcomer_Landlord_Award_-_summary_handout.pdf

"Campaign aims to end chronic homelessness" (The Record): https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9035857-campaign-aims-to-end-chronic-homelessness

"Why immigration could be a high-risk, low-reward issue in the 2019 election" (CBC News): https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/grenier-immigration-poll-1.4907577

"This Syrian refugee is living the classic Canadian dream": https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2018/11/16/this-syrian-refugee-is-living-the-classic-canadian-dream-we-are-so-proud-of-canada-and-want-to-make-canada-proud-of-us.html

"Canada set to get most refugee claims in nearly three decades" (Reuters): https://ca.reuters.com/article/idCAKCN1NL2II-OCADN  ("About 56 percent of refugee claims finalized in the first three quarters of 2018 were accepted, according to the Immigration and Refugee Board, with lower acceptance rates for border-crossers.")

"Now a translator can help when you visit the doctor" (The Record) https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9003804-now-a-translator-can-help-when-you-visit-the-doctor

"Waterloo-Wellington LHIN launches funding for professional interpretation services" (Kitchener Today) https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/waterloo-wellington-lhin-launches-funding-for-professional-interpretation-services-1110000

"Immigration Minister announces key initiatives to promote Francophone immigration from pre-arrival to citizenship" (IRCC) https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2018/11/immigration-minister-announces-key-initiatives-to-promote-francophone-immigration-from-pre-arrival-to-citizenship.html

"Canada to increase annual immigration admissions to 350,000 by 2021" (CBC News): https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-immigration-increase-350000-1.4886546

"Businesses and communities across Canada to benefit from increased immigration" (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada): https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2018/10/businesses-and-communities-across-canada-to-benefit-from-increased-immigration.html

"Lack of council diversity puts municipalities at risk" (Institute for Research on Public Policy):

http://policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/october-2018/lack-of-council-diversity-puts-municipalities-at-risk

"Immigrant, refugee youth end up in ER for mental health care more than others: study" (Global News) https://globalnews.ca/news/4529750/immigrant-mental-health-care-canada

"So the World Will Know Our Story: Ethical Reflections on Research with Families Displaced by War" research article. This article examines the ethical implications on researching Syrian families displaced in Lebanon and their everyday experiences. For more information: http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/3087

Call for newcomer cyclist champions. The "Who is a Cyclist" campaign by the Intermunicipal Partnership for Active Transportation committee (IMPAcT) seeks to normalize cycling as an active transportation method, and encourage safe driving behaviour. They want to feature local residents that ride bike - including newcomers. For more information or to participate contact: Julie Bélanger (519) 585-7597 ext. 7373

Canada population explosion - the biggest gain since 1957 - fuelled by international migration" (FinancialPost) https://business.financialpost.com/news/economy/migration-drives-canadas-biggest-population-gain-since-1957  "Canada's population grew by more than half a million over the past year as international migration recorded the biggest increase ever measured"

"Immigration department changed 'illegal' to 'irregular' on webpage about asylum seekers as debate flared" (CBC News) https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/asylum-seekers-immigration-illegal-irregular-federal-government-1.4847571  (This article provides a bit of an overview of the language of 'illegal' and 'irregular' related to asylum seekers.)

Joint Statement - Ministers from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Argentina, Spain and New Zealand underline their support for community-based refugee sponsorship in advance of the 2018 United Nations General Assembly and agreement on the Global Compact on Refugees. From the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative) - https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/joint-statement---ministers-from-canada-the-united-kingdom-ireland-argentina-spain-and-new-zealand-underline-their-support-for-community-based-refugee-sponsorship-in-advance-of-the-2018-united-nations-general-688280161.html

Canada expands biometrics screening program (IRCC) - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2018/07/canada-expands-its-biometrics-screening-program.html

Syrian refugees share their stories with WLU prof's research team (Waterloo Region Record). The stories of dozens of Syrian refugee families living in Lebanon are being shared online as part of a Laurier research project.https://www.therecord.com/news-story/8798465-syrian-refugees-share-their-stories-with-wlu-prof-s-research-team or www.outofplaceresearch.com

"Access to Justice Needs of Arabs in Ontario" survey - The Arab Canadian Lawyers Association and the University of Windsor with support from the Law Foundation of Ontario are collaborating on a survey to study the rapidly growing Arab communities across the province and the issues they are facing and their views on the legal system. Survey is available in Arabic and English. To take the survey see https://uwindsor.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_elZCxpanw2LAQvP

"Employment news" by Workforce Planning Board - Recently released stats from the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin show that 74% of area construction companies had difficulty hiring this past year. That's up from 59% in 2016. These companies have indicated that not enough applicants, lack of work experience, lack of technical skills and lack of qualifications are the top four reasons behind their difficulty hiring. See the top positions hired, top competencies sought, and lots more information at the Workforce Planning Board website: https://www.workforceplanningboard.com/home/general_news

Education/Job Opportunities

Will update upon availability.

Regional Networking – New Opportunities!

Waterloo Region Helping Middle Eastern Refugees Meetup http://www.meetup.com/Waterloo-Region-Helping-Refugees/

KW Refugee Sponsors Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/KWRefugeesponsors/?ref=bookmarks

Waterloo Region Welcomes Refugees website (especially the “Sponsor/Agency Resources” page) http://www.wrwelcomesrefugees.ca/en/index.asp

Welcome Ontario (Syrian Refugee Assistance Information) http://welcomeontario.ca/

Research and Data

When Facts Don’t Matter: How to Communicate More Effectively about Immigration’s Costs and Benefits - This report by Migration Policy Institute explores why there is often a pronounced gap between what research has shown about migration trends and immigration policy outcomes and what the public believes. More information: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/when-facts-dont-matter-immigration

Equipping Immigrant Selection Systems for a Changing World of Work (Transatlantic Council Statement) - A new report from the Migration Policy Institute’s Transatlantic Council that explores the implication of the changing world of work for immigrant selection systems, highlighting key challenges such as figuring out how to anticipate future labor-market needs, balance employer demand with human-capital considerations, and build an element of regional variation into selection processes. More information: 

https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/immigrant-selection-systems-changing-world-work

“Skyrocketing rent pushes modest apartments out of reach for lower-income Canadians in 97% of neighbourhoods” study - In nearly every neighbourhood, in all parts of Canada, the hourly wage needed to afford an apartment rental is far above minimum wages and rising quickly, according to this new study released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives . For more information see: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/newsroom/news-releases/study-maps-canada-rental-affordability-crisis

Study: Residential Property Ownership Among Refugees in Vancouver and Toronto - A new study based on data developed by the Canadian Housing Statistics Program (CHSP) provides, for the first time, detailed information on homeownership among resettled refugees in different segments of the Vancouver and Toronto housing markets. Get more information at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190618/dq190618c-eng.htm?CMP=mstatcan

Study: The Role of Social Capital and Ethnocultural Characteristics in the Employment Income of Immigrants Over Time - This new study released in Insights on Canadian Society, suggests that having social capital is associated with higher earnings among immigrants, including in the long term. Read the details at https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190619/dq190619b-eng.htm?CMP=mstatcan

“Talent attractiveness” report - The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published this report that features the indicators of talent attractiveness in various countries and to capture their strengths and weaknesses regarding their capacity to attract and retain 3 specific categories of talented migrants: highly educated workers (those with master's and doctoral degrees), foreign entrepreneurs and university students. For more information see: http://www.oecd.org/migration/talent-attractiveness/

"Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey" results - The Waterloo Region Community Wellbeing Survey was launched in spring 2018 to ask Waterloo Region residents about how various factors related to well-being influence their overall health. According to these results, 1 in 4 local residents felt lack of companionship, and over 75% reported that they are very satisfied with life in general. For more information see: http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/wellbeing-survey

"Can't Go it Alone: Immigration Is Key to Canada's Growth Strategy, 2019" report - The Canadian Conference Board has released this report that evaluates how various solutions could help strengthen Canada's labour force and economy. The solutions assessed include welcoming more immigrants, improving the labour force participation of women, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities, boosting the fertility rate, and advances in technology such as automation and artificial intelligence. Read the report at https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=10150

"A Call to Action: Transforming the Global Refugee System" report - The World Refugee Council presents in this report a prescription of concrete actions to protect the interests of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) - particularly the interests of women and children - while helping governments to manage refugee movements. More information: https://www.worldrefugeecouncil.org/sites/default/files/documents/WRC_Call_to_Action.pdf

DiverseCity Counts Reports -These onBoard Canada reports feature research that studies the levels and impact of diversity in leadership, sheds light on the representation of visible minorities and under-represented immigrants and reveals to us where progress is being made and where we're falling behind. More information: https://onboardcanada.ca/resources/research-reports/

"Introduction to Putting Family First: Migration and Integration in Canada" report - This report, from Immigration Research Series, highlights the findings from how immigrant families settle and integrate into Canadian society, and how they navigate boundaries associated with gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, family and community. For more information see:

https://publications.iom.int/books/mrs-no-57-introduction-putting-family-first-migration-and-integration-canada

"New Study Finds Immigrant-owned Businesses Created 'Disproportionate' Number of Jobs in Canada" study - According to a new StatsCan study, business owners by immigrants accounted for 25% of net jobs created by private incorporated firms during 2003-2013. Roughly 400,000 net new jobs were created during this period and translated to a higher per-firm net job creation average than Canadian-owned businesses. For more information see: 

https://www.cicnews.com/2019/04/new-study-finds-immigrant-owned-businesses-created-disproportionate-number-of-jobs-in-canada-0412234.html#gs.bgphym

"The Business Case for Diversity in the Workplace is Now Overwhelming" article - This article highlights important findings about diversity in the workplace. According to a Boston Consulting Group study, they found that companies with more diverse management teams had 19% higher revenues due to innovation. For more information see: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/business-case-for-diversity-in-the-workplace/

"Rebalancing the Opportunity Equation" report - United Way Greater Toronto in partnership with the Neighbourhood Change Research Partnership presented this report with an unique analysis on the impacts of income inequality across the population in Toronto region. These findings reveal which groups are mostly affected by income inequality and multiple barriers. For more information see: https://www.unitedwaygt.org/file/2019_OE_fullreport_FINAL.pdf

"Beyond the GTA: Making Immigration Work for All of Ontario" report - The Toronto Workforce Innovation Group presents this report about the dynamics of intraprovincial migration of newcomer immigrants in Ontario, and how they are willing to relocate to other parts of Ontario for the purpose of employment and more affordable living. The chart on page 25 notes that Kitchener/Waterloo is the most preferred area of relocation for newcomers outside of the GTA. It identifies strategies for attracting newcomer immigrants to rural remote or smaller communities. For more information see: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTJrjfSxQFpB1lveh5lXPsrmtPAs7aMC/view

"Immigrant Entrepreneurs as Job Creators: The Case of Canadian Private Incorporated Companies" paper - This paper focuses on job creation and destruction by private incorporated companies with immigrant and Canadian-born owners, using data from 2003-2013. Among other findings, they found that immigrant-owned firms tended to be younger, and younger firms create jobs at a higher rate than older firms. For more information see: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11f0019m/11f0019m2019011-eng.htm

"Turning the Corner: Improving Canadian Business Immigration" - The Conference Board of Canada hosted its second Entrepreneur & Investor Immigration Summit in November 2018. This report summarizes the challenges and suggestions made by the Summit's delegates. https://www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=10181

"Increased Polarization on Attitudes to Immigration Reshaping the Political Landscape in Canada" (Ekos) - http://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2019/04/increased-polarization-on-attitudes-to-immigration-reshaping-the-political-landscape-in-canada  with a summary of the poll findings here: "Why race and immigration are a gathering storm in Canadian politics" (Macleans) - https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/why-race-and-immigration-are-a-gathering-storm-in-canadian-politics

"Immigrant children's health declines rapidly after arrival in Canada" - https://theconversation.com/immigrant-childrens-health-declines-rapidly-after-arrival-in-canada-114421

"Evaluating Refugee Programs" website - The Centre for Community Based Research has created this website to build the evaluation capacity of the refugee sector across Canada in order to improve supports and outcomes for refugees. www.eval4refugee.ca

"Health Reports: Healthy immigrant effect by immigrant category in Canada" study - StatsCan has published this study about linking immigrant data with health survey data to examine more closely of the healthy immigrant effect (HIE) by time, since arrival and immigrant category at the national level. These results show that immigrants are overall healthier, compared to the Canadian-born population in terms of chronic conditions and overall self-reported health status. The healthy immigrant effect was strongest within the first 3 years of arrival. However there are differences by immigrant categories with a stronger HIE by economic class, and there is a weaker HIE for refugees. For more information see: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190417/dq190417h-eng.htm

"The Wealth of Immigrant Families in Canada" study - This Statistics Canada study addresses the gap in the wealth of immigrant families and labour market outcomes, using data from 1999, 2005, 2012 and 2016 Surveys of Financial Security. The results found that the wealth of both immigrant families and Canadian-born families grew substantially from 1999 to 2016. They also found that immigrant families had higher debt-to-income ratios than Canadian-born families of similar age. For more information see: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190416/dq190416c-eng.htm

"Study finds one in five Ontario children have mental health problems, same as 30 years ago" CBC article - According to a province-wide study from McMaster University, 1 in 5 Ontario children have a mental health illness, about the same percentage since 1983. One third of youth with mental health illnesses have seen a specialized professional in the past 6 months. Now people are around 3 times more likely to perceive a need for help (18.9% compared to 6.8%). Prevalence of mental disorders was lower among people in immigrant families, however, children in immigrant families were "far less likely" to be accessing mental health-related services. For more information see: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/study-finds-one-in-five-ontario-children-have-mental-health-problems-same-as-30-years-ago-1.5103478

"Needs and assets assessment of informal multicultural community leaders in Waterloo Region" report - This report explores the context and the roles of informal connectors in their ethno-cultural communities, and provides an overview of an action plan that strengthens the collaboration between institutional partners and informal community leaders/connectors. For more information see: http://kdchc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Needs-and-Assets-Assessment-CCORIC.pdf

Service Use Profile - Languages and Countries of Origin of Immigrants/Refugees in Waterloo Region - This brief annual Immigration Partnership profile report provides an overview of the languages and countries of origin of immigrants and refugees accessing services in Waterloo Region in 2018. Data were compiled from service providers that support newcomers. It is meant to assist local organizations and groups in planning services to respond to demographic shifts and changes in the newcomer population. https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/ServiceUseProfile

"Labour market outcomes among refugees to Canada" StatsCan report - This report highlights the gaps in employment rates and average annual earnings of refugees from 13 countries: Afghanistan, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, the former Yugoslavia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Poland, Somalia, Sri Lanka as well as Viet Nam-Cambodia-Laos) during the 1980-2009 period. For more information see: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190311/dq190311a-eng.htm

"Refugee Women's Experiences with the Healthcare System in Canada" research study seeking participants - This study conducted by the University of Waterloo seeks to understand the barriers refugee women experience when accessing healthcare services in Canada and what can be done to improve their experiences. Refugee women, clinic workers and refugee sponsors who assist refugee women with medical appointments are invited to participate. For more information contact ma3faroo@uwaterloo.ca

"Outcome Harvesting: Principles, Steps, and Evaluation Applications" article - This article in the Tamarack newsletter explores the concept of Outcome Harvesting with links to other helpful resources. It distinguishes the difference between impact and outcomes to produce systems change. For more information see: http://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/engage-february

"Primary care utilization trajectories for immigrants and refugees in Ontario compared with long term residents" report - This Wellesley Institute report will explore the various barriers, social determinants, and challenges for immigrants and refugees to access health care services and utilize their services. For more information see: https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Primary-care-utilization-trajectories-for-immigrants-and-refugees-in-Ontario-compared-with-long-term-residents.pdf

"Syrian Refugee Research" CCBR research summaries - CCBR (Centre For Community Based Research) has compiled the various research projects they were involved in regarding Syrian refugees: http://communitybasedresearch.ca/resources/Syrian%20Refugee%20Research.pdf . CCBR, in partnership with the University of Alberta, will also be leading a 3 year project about building evaluation capacity within organizations and groups that support refugees across Canada. Reception House will also be partnering with them, by leading the "Working together" project that will help its partners to develop innovative approaches to improve the vocational and language skills of refugees in the workplace.

"Migrant Acceptance Index: Do Migrants Have Better Lives in Countries That Accept Them?" World Happiness Report 2018 - This report analyzes the migrant acceptance index across various countries. According to this research, Canada had the 4th most accepting attitudes towards migrants, immigrants, and newcomers. For more information about this report see: https://s3.amazonaws.com/happiness-report/2018/CHANNEX-WHR-web.pdf    And for more information on the summary of results related to Canada and the US see: https://news.gallup.com/poll/233147/migrant-acceptance-canada-follows-political-lines.aspx

"Call Me a Business Owner, Not a Refugee!" Challenges of and Perspectives on Newcomer Entrepreneurship - This World Refugee Council Research Paper explores newcomer entrepreneurship through a systematic literature review and a selection of global case studies, identifying some of the challenges with respect to market opportunities, access to entrepreneurship, human capital, social networks, and the social environment in the newcomer entrepreneurship context. For more information https://www.cigionline.org/sites/default/files/documents/WRC%20Research%20Paper%20no.7_2.pdf

"Social Isolation of Seniors: A Focus on new immigrant and refugee seniors in Canada" - This report by Employment and Social Development Canada consists of two parts: Part 1 explores social isolation from the perspective of new immigrant and refugee seniors and Part 2 provides practical tools and resources to encourage human connections to reduce social isolation. https://gallery.mailchimp.com/8f9419c99b3d871a80efe6728/files/cec6aca1-c89a-4e30-9568-edcac2b8b605/Social_Isolation_of_Seniors_A_Focus_on_IR_Seniors.pdf

Call for Awards, Surveys, Funding Opportunities

Muslim Women's Human Rights Education & Awareness Program, Survey- The Coalition of Muslim Women of KW has just started a new project, “Muslim Women’s Human Rights Awareness and Education Program,” with funding from Department of Canadian Heritage, which aims to tackle the issue of discrimination faced by Muslim women in the areas of employment, housing, and services. The project is beginning with a survey that all Muslim women may fill out. Outcomes from the survey will inform the design of training sessions on how to respond to incidents of discrimination. For more information and to complete the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MWHREP

"One Stop Hub" survey - The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce, Immigration Partnership Waterloo Region, and other Community partners are seeking local employers to fill out this short survey about their feedback on a business focused Immigrant Talent Hub to better identify their needs for attracting, engaging, and recruiting Immigrant talent in Waterloo Region. For more information or to participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5RKJK26

"Grants now available for neighbourhood projects and events in Waterloo" (Kitchener Today).  - There are mini grants, cash grants and matching grants available for large and small projects and events like street barbecues, community information boards, vegetable gardens, movie nights and more. More information: https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/grants-now-available-for-neighbourhood-projects-and-events-in-waterloo-1423039

Volunteer recognition - In the last week several individuals were recognized for their efforts to help Waterloo Region become a community where immigrants and refugees can settle work and belong, including: Mary Lou Roe for her involvement with the Community Coalition on Refugee and Immigrant Concerns (https://www.volunteerwr.ca/vac/GALA%20PROGRAM%20-%20FINAL.pdf) at the Volunteer Impact Awards; and Dr. Mike Stephenson and Margaret Brockett from Sanctuary Refugee Health Clinic (https://donate.theworkingcentre.org/sites/default/files/2019%20Mayors%27%20Dinner%20Invitation.pdf) at the Mayor's Dinner. Congratulations!

KW Community Foundation Community Grants - The Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation will be distributing their community grants in spring and fall to support community initiatives or projects that involve affordable housing, healthy child and youth development, and/or social inclusion. For more information: https://www.kwcf.ca/community-grants

Help Waterloo Region win the Smart Cities Challenge - Smart Waterloo Region are seeking support from youth (18 years or younger) to sign this petition for Canada's competitive leaders to recognize the participation and support from local youth to win the Smart Cities Challenge. For more information about the smart cities challenge see: https://www.engagewr.ca/SWR and to participate in the petition: https://www.change.org/p/help-waterloo-region-win-the-smart-cities-challenge-sign-the-petition

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