Waterloo Region – A report presented to Regional Council ahead of Welcoming Week shows gains made last year to help newcomers and the community thrive now and into the future.

“Seventeen years ago, public, private and non-profit leaders doubled down on building regional infrastructure for newcomer integration, recognizing the long-term economic and social significance of immigration to regional communities," says Tara Bedard, Executive Director of the Immigration Partnership. "We are incredibly proud of the continued positive impact of our partners across the region.” 

The Immigration Partnership shared their latest annual report at Committee today. Highlights include: 

• Employment programs that helped more than 850 newcomers gain work experience. This includes a pilot project that could be expanded across industries.
• Coordinated support among dozens of providers for thousands of temporary foreign workers, refugees, and international students.
• Helping the Region of Waterloo secure millions in federal funding for transitional housing for vulnerable families.
• Continued investment in a diversified funding strategy.
• Forty events held across the region as part of Welcoming Week, a campaign to help newcomers feel welcome and included.

"Newcomers come to Waterloo Region seeking opportunity and a sense of belonging, and they strengthen our community in countless ways," says Regional Chair Karen Redman. "For generations, immigrants have contributed to our region's prosperity. "The organizations of the Immigration Partnership, along with many others, play a vital role in helping newcomers thrive and in ensuring those benefits continue for future generations."

The Immigration Partnership works with public, private and non-profit organizations to help newcomers thrive and in turn, strengthen the community.

Their annual report comes a few days before the launch of Welcoming Week, an annual campaign hosted by dozens of organizations that make up the partnership. 

This year's Welcoming Week runs September 10 to 19. For more information visit: https://www.immigrationwaterlooregion.ca/welcomingweek 

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