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London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

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Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: January 17, 2018

9:30 – 11:00 am

Meeting Location: South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks – Welcome & Introductions

2. Additions to Agenda

3. Adoption of November 14, 2017 minutes

4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest

5. Central Council November 27, 2017 Update: Mohamed Al-Adeimi

6. Welcoming Communities Update: Huda Hussein

7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2017-2018 implementation Updates:

a) Joint Work Group to Support Volunteerism Amongst Established Immigrants Update:

Amani Radhaa

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group Update: Jacquie Rumiel

c) Joint Seniors’ Support Work Group Update: Ramona Lucan

8. Information Sharing

9. Rescheduling March Sub-council meeting

10. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

11. Adjourn

12. Next Meeting TBD


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Minutes

LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: January 17, 2018 9:30 am – 11:00 am


Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Abbey Duggal, Sheila Foster, Rifat Hussain, Arla Longhurst, Kathy Milczarek, Amani Radhaa, Jacquie Rumiel, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza

Regrets: Tam Dam, Alain Kazidi, Flora Lan, Ramona Lucan, Speciose Mukakamanzi, Sara Salem, Lana Winchester-Tucker

Guest: Jacqueline Bannerman

Item Description

Information, Update, Action, Lead and Due Date

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

Mohamed Al-Adeimi’s welcomed the group and guest, Jacqueline Bannerman.


Update on the Housing Work Group under 2017-2018 Implementation Plan updates.

3. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve November 14, 2017 minutes was moved by Sheila Foster, seconded by Jacquie Rumiel, and approved.

4. Declaration of conflict of interest

Members were asked if anyone had interests that conflict with the LMLIP’s Terms of Reference. There were none.

5. Central Council updates: Mohamed Al-Adeimi

The Central Council met on November 27, 2017.

A presentation was made to Central Council by Diverse Voices for Change (DV4C) which aims to increase the number of women from diverse communities in the municipal decision making process. The initiative was Introduced by Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 2015. Focus groups held in London identified barriers to participation in advisory committees.

Another presentation focused on immigrant data from Census Canada in the city of London. London’s immigrant population has stayed steady at around 22% since 2006. Visible minority figures are lower in London than Ontario and some other Canadian cities.

Rifat Hussain enquired about the introduction of acknowledgement of indigenous lands at LMLIP meetings. Mohamed confirmed that it is was endorsed by Central Council in November and will be finalized at the January meeting. Rifat will send the

Staff will share presentations with members


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text used by the Diversity Inclusion Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee (DIAAC) statement to project staff.

6. Welcoming Communities Update: Huda Hussein

The #AllAreWelcomeHere campaign is being rolled out in three phases. The first phase launched on December 6, 2017 saw the distribution of lawn signs all over the city. Of these, at least 11 have been taken outside London. Huda Hussein encouraged members to contact project staff and collect a sign if they had not already done so.

February 1, 2018 will see the launch of 1,000 Acts of Welcome campaign. A website, designed by rTraction, will be used to promote it. Members as well as the public will be requested to submit their acts of welcome through the website and social media. SWIS will be involved in promoting the campaign to students. Community Engaged Learning (CEL) students at Western will also be involved in campaign promotion.

The third phase is a culminating event on March 21, 2018 that coincides with the United Nations’ Elimination of Racism Day. DIAAC, Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) and settlement agencies have been approached to partner on the event along with the LMLIP and the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC). Members were requested to save the date.

The local immigration partnership for Mission, BC has decided to adopt the welcoming communities campaign.

7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2017-2018 Implementation Updates:

a.) Joint Work Group to Support Volunteerism Amongst Established Immigrants: Amani Radhaa

The work group, which is a joint collaboration between Inclusion & Civic Engagement and this Sub-council, met on November 30, 2017.

A survey to check on immigrants’ interests in various topics, was sent out to 250 clients by the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. Of these, 66 responded and 31 indicated interest in attending the March 7, 2018 information session. It will be held at Stronach Community Centre.

In early December, a call out was sent to agencies offering volunteering positions to see if they would like to participate in the event.

The work group will meet on January 18, 2018 to continue planning the event.

Since many immigrants may not be connected to settlement services, participants will also be targeted through posters advertising the event.

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group: Jacquie Rumiel

The group is planning to hold the event on March 9, 2018 at the Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre.

The work group will be meeting shortly to discuss speakers.

Five organizations: LUSO Community Centre, London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre (SLNRC), YMCA of Western Ontario and YMCA Across Southwestern Ontario, will be applying to OCASI for funds to organize the PD day. SLNRC and CCLC are contributing professional development funds for the event.

Sub-council members are invited to attend the event


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c) Joint Seniors’ Support Work Group: Huda Hussein

The Settlement and Health Well Being Sub-councils work group will be meeting on January 24, 2018 to discuss holding a pilot event in the North East.

Immigrant seniors are the focus of the work group.

d) Housing Work Group: Huda Hussein

Amani will be making a presentation on January 26, 2018 to residents at Boardwalk.

Huda noted that an invitation was received from Brescia College to participate in a panel on housing as part of an event on March 24. The organizers are looking for a private sponsor and a refugee family to share their experiences. Arla was requested to participate if possible. Huda will check on the type of audience expected at the event and if Sub-council members can attend.


Mohamed mentioned that agencies working with Yazidi women and children who have survived Daesh met to discuss how to best support these clients. Settlement agencies handle a large number of clients and often support clients with sensitive needs. Some Toronto agencies have received negative press for their handling of similar clients. No such problems were reported in London. There was some discussion about the need to educate both the community and Yazidis about each other.

A background information document on the Yazidis compiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was shared with IRCC funded agencies. Jacquie offered to share the document with interested members.

Arla mentioned that issues faced by private sponsors with federal and provincial governments can make settlement difficult for vulnerable populations that are already having problems.

9. Rescheduling March Sub-council meeting

Members were informed that the next Sub-council meeting would be rescheduled to March 22, 2018.


Mohamed thanked members for attending.

11. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.

12. Next Meeting Location and Date

March 22, 2018 South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd

Huda will check if Sub-council members can attend


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Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: March 22, 2018

9:30 – 11:00 am


Item Description

1. Land Acknowledgement Statement



4. Adoption of January 17, 2018 minutes


6. Central Council January and February Updates:

7. Welcoming Communities March 21 event report: Rifat Hussain

8. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2017-2018 implementation Updates:

a) Joint Work Group to Support Volunteerism Amongst Established Immigrants Event Report:

Amani Radhaa

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group Update: Jacquie Rumiel

c) Joint Seniors’ Support Work Group Update: Maria D'Souza



11. Adjourn

12. Next Meeting April 10, 2018

Upcoming meetings, please mark your calendars: 2018: June 12, September 11, November

13, 2019: January 15, March 5, 2019


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Minutes

LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: March 22, 2018 9:30 am – 11:00 am


Present: Tam Dam, Sheila Foster, Rifat Hussain, Alain Kazidi, Arla Longhurst, Ramona Lucan, Speciose Mukakamanzi, Amani Radhaa, Maria D’Souza

Regrets: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Abbey Duggal, Flora Lan, Kathy Milczarek, Jacquie Rumiel, Sara Salem, Lana Winchester-Tucker Huda Hussein

Item Description



The Land Acknowledgement Statement was read.


Rifat Hussain, who was chairing the meeting conveyed the regrets of Chair, Mohamed Al-Adeimi, and welcomed the group.


None.


Motion to approve January 17, 2018 minutes was moved by Sheila Foster, seconded by Arla Longhurst, and approved.



6. Central Council updates: Maria D'Souza

The Central Council met on January 22 and February 26, 2018.

A presentation was made by the Immigrant Community Capacity and Engagement (ICCE) project. The project which is led by the John Howard Society of London & District and stemmed from the Justice & Protection Services Sub-council, aims to increase immigrants' understanding of the Canadian justice system. Presentations developed are on the LMLIP website.

As a follow up to the discussions regarding how the LMLIP can involve the Indigenous community in welcoming immigrants, one of the suggestions made was to distribute a simpler version of the cultural safety card translated into various languages. Since the project would be complex, it was decided to defer the matter to the Governance Work Group. The Governance Work Group recommended that this item be reviewed when drafting the 2019-2022 LMLIP Strategic Plan.


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The Community Data Program proposed by the Calgary LIP which provides data for municipalities and community sector organizations was discussed. The program is being implemented with support from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and will provide an opportunity to compare data on a geographic basis. Since all LIPs are members of the consortium, there is no difference in terms of accessing data and the LMLIP can continue to access data the same way it does now.

The Justice & Protection Services Sub-council held an information session on immigration law on February 8, 2018.

7. Welcoming Communities March 21 Event Report: Discussion

The “All Are Welcome Here: United in Diversity” event held on March 21, 2018 was attended by more than 200 people. The event was held to coincide with the UN Elimination of Racism Day.

Members of the Sub-council who attended the event were asked for feedback. Positive comments were made on the venue, speakers and panelists. Suggestions for future events included starting the event earlier in the day, having more time for group discussion and focusing on 1-2 questions per group to give participants more time to analyze and discuss questions.

8. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2017-2018 Implementation Updates:

b.) Joint Work Group to Support Volunteerism Amongst Established Immigrants Event Report: Amani Radhaa

The event, a joint collaboration between Inclusion & Civic Engagement and this Sub-council, was held on March 7, 2018 at the Stronach Community Centre. The main aim of the event was to connect immigrants with agencies that have volunteering opportunities.

The event attracted a large number of immigrants and more than 10 agencies who showcased various volunteering opportunities ranging from youth to the environment. There was a lot of interest from attendees in visiting the booths and networking.

Pillar Non-Profit presented on the importance of volunteering while Asmaa Al Joudy, an immigrant herself, was the keynote speaker.

A follow up with be done in a few months with agencies to see if any of the event attendees actually obtained volunteering positions. Feedback will also be obtained on whether the event should be repeated in future.

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group: Jacquie Rumiel via email

The event held on March 9, 2018 at the Best Western Plus Stoneridge Inn & Conference Centre was very successful with close to 300 IRCC funded frontline staff attending. The speakers were engaging and the food and accommodations at the hotel were appreciated.

Jacquie thanked all those who helped especially the working committee of IRCC funded staff and the LMLIP staff who helped with registration.

An evaluation will be sent to participants. Initial responses from those who tapped the “Happy or Not” machine demonstrated that it was an overwhelming success.

Professional Development certificates are still available for those who need them.


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Some Sub-council members who attended the event noted that speaker Emmanuel Jal demonstrated that it is possible to move forward despite trauma, however there should be a warning at the start of similar presentations about emotional triggers.

c) Joint Seniors’ Support Work Group: Maria D'Souza

An event will be held on May 5, 2018 at the Stronach Community Centre North East from 2:30-4:30 pm.

Immigrant seniors are the focus of the work group. Members suggested providing interpretation especially for Bhutanese and Assyrian communities.

d) Housing Work Group: Amani Radhaa

Amani and Arla are panelists at the Ontario Home Economics Conference at Brescia College on March 25, 2018. They will be speaking about immigrants’ experiences with finding housing when they first arrive. A recently arrived immigrant will also be featured on the panel.

Tam mentioned that the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre is developing a video on housing and that the same video with Kurmanji sub-titles for the Kurdish community would be ready soon.


None.


Rifat thanked members for attending.

11. Adjourn



April 10, 2018 South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd


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Agenda LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: April 10, 2018

9:30 – 11:00 am


Item Description




4. Adoption of March 22, 2018 minutes


6. Central Council March 26, 2018 Update: Mohamed Al Adeimi

7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2018-2019 implementation discussion of possible and

ongoing projects:

a) Explore coordinating information sessions on services, resources and ways of accessing

them at family centres in London

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group

c) Explore ways to enhance links with faith groups

d) Joint Seniors’ Support Event on May 5: Huda Hussein



10. Adjourn

11. Next Meeting June 12, 2018

Upcoming meetings, please mark your calendars: 2018: September 11, November 13, 2019:

January 15, March 5, 2019


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Minutes

LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: April 10, 2018 9:30 am – 11:00 am


Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Sheila Foster, Alain Kazadi, Flora Lan, Arla Longhurst, Ramona Lucan, Kathy Milczarek Speciose Mukakamanzi, Jacquie Rumiel, Huda Hussein, Maria D’Souza

Regrets: Tam Dam, Rifat Hussain, Amani Radhaa, Lana Winchester-Tucker

Item Description



The Land Acknowledgement Statement was read.


Mohamed Al-Adeimi, welcomed the group and informed them that Abbey Duggal and Sara Salem had resigned.


None.


Motion to approve March 22, 2018 minutes after moving Jacquie Rumiel’s name under regrets was moved by Arla Longhurst, seconded by Sheila Foster, and approved.



6. Central Council updates: Mohamed Al-Adeimi

The Central Council met on March 26, 2018.

A presentation was made by Gabriele Schotter of LUSO Community Services regarding a project undertaken to enhance landlords’ cultural awareness of their Syrian tenants. Resources such as cards with commonly used phrases with translations in English and Arabic, presentations and videos were developed as part of the project.

Feedback from All Are Welcome Here United in Diversity event on March 21 was discussed at Central Council. More than 200 people attended the event. Alain Kazadi noted that the event helped him recognize that if it is imperative to speak up when a racist incident is witnessed.

7. Settlement Sub-council Strategic Plan 2018-2019 implementation discussion of possible and ongoing projects:


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a.) Explore coordinating information sessions on services, resources and ways of accessing them at family centres in London

Huda noted that the Education Sub-council was invited to present to the Mutual Aid Parenting Programming at three family centres. Since the sessions were well received, it was suggested that the Sub-council could look at holding other information sessions at the family centres.

Project staff will research and identify groups and once a need is identified, presentations can be made to them. The presentations could either be for the host or immigrant community.

b) Professional Development Support for Frontline Staff Work Group

Mohamed thanked the group and recognized Jacquie and Sheila’s efforts in organizing the Professional Day event held on March 9, 2018.

He noted that the Sub-council’s idea of holding a professional development day for frontline staff had taken root and asked the group if they thought the Sub-council should now step back.

Jacquie suggested that the group go back to its roots and organize smaller professional development activities such as lunch and learns for all frontline staff, including those not funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Sub-council could also act as a resource that agencies could approach and request them to connect to training programs.

Kathy suggested holding half-day events as it may be easier for staff to attend than a brief activity during their lunch time.

Members observed that agencies can also apply to OCASI and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for funding if needed.

c) Exploring ways to enhance links with faith groups

Mohamed noted that faith groups have sponsored a large number of refugees from different parts of the world and those immigrants and their sponsors have to be made aware of community resources available to them. Faith groups are also often the first point of contact for immigrants.

Jacquie suggested identifying contacts for the different faith groups and reaching out to them to see what they do and how the Sub-council can collaborate with them.

Mohamed noted that the LMLIP could approach settlement workers who have made personal contact with specific faith groups and reach out through them.

There was a suggestion to hold an information session for faith groups. Huda noted that the learning from the Faith and Settlement Partnerships from the Centre for Community Based Research could be shared with faith groups on that day. Jacquie commented that the YMCA can offer free space to hold the session if required.

Huda noted that the Health & Well Being Sub-council is also looking to enhance links with faith groups. Arla, Speciose, Mohamed and possibly Amani will join the work group.

d) Joint Seniors’ Event on May 5: Maria D'Souza

Bhutanese and Arabic interpreters are required for the event which will be held on May 5, 2018 at the Stronach Community Centre from 2:30-4:30 pm. Volunteer interpreters have already been found for French and Spanish. The event focuses on mobility for seniors and various organizations including the London Transit Commission and March of Dimes will be participating.

Mohamed will email family centre contact info to staff

Once obtained, project staff will send information on family centre presentation needs to Mohamed

Arla, Speciose, Mohamed and possibly Amani will join the work group

Arla will look for Bhutanese interpreters and Kathy will check on Arabic


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Gym space will be available for children who accompany the seniors to play in.

e) Housing Work Group

Mohamed noted that the work group would continue to be kept a resource and presentations would be made as required.


Arla: She and Amani participated as panelists at the Ontario Home Economics Association Conference at Brescia College on March 24. Positive feedback was received from the organizers on the panel discussion.

Kathy: The Day of 100 activities will be held on June 2. She suggested that the All Are Welcome Here campaign could participate and will forward details on the day to project staff.


Mohamed thanked members for attending and requested them to inform project staff if they would like to join any of the working groups.

10. Adjourn



June 12, 2018 South London Community Centre, 1119 Jalna Blvd

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