PEMBINA VALLEY LOCAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIP

I N F O R M A T I O N G U I D E

Connecting Cultures & Communities Celebration

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Building Welcoming and Inclusive Communities for Newcomers throughout the Pembina Valley.

Background –Immigration in The Pembina ValleyPembina Valley is located on Treaty One Territory: Original Lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples and homeland of the Metis Nations.

• 1880’s & 1920’s – Mennonite immigration

• 1998 – Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program • includes Winkler as pilot site (50 families)

• 2012 – Morden Immigration Program

• 2019 – Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot

• Next 21 years:• 15,000 arrivals: assisted by Regional Connections• 5-18% growth rates in local municipalities• 134 countries of origin• 35 first languages

• 2017 – Establishment of PVLIP

PVLIP Catchment Area:South Central Region of Manitoba

13 Municipalities

Combination of cities, towns, & Rural Municipalities

9791 square miles

Population = over 62,000

Pembina Valley now receives the 2nd highest number of newcomers in Manitoba next to Winnipeg!

As PVLIP continues to grow and develop, we anticipate having additional communities and municipalities at

our discussion tables.

(Current Communities = Red Star)

Local Partnership Council:7/13 Municipalities on Council:

Current Council Partnerships:

Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) are an INDIRECT Service….what does that mean?

The role of a Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) as an indirect service:a. A LIP helps establish two way communication between:

i. What newcomers bring to a community and what a community needs to offer newcomers

ii. This path of communication involves decision makers and municipal leaders from a variety of organizations to help community partners prepare for successful settlement of newcomers

b. A LIP organizes community based partnerships to work together on a Local Partnership Council (LPC):

i. For the Pembina Valley, the voices on the council enable multiple communities to come together and rely on each others strengths as well as develop plans to address existing gaps

ii. This will help to improve coordination of services, especially in a large region with multiple communities, with different levels of immigration, and different programs and services

iii. As collaboration between stakeholders and communities increases, so does the ability to address complex social needs

1. . Throughout Canada:a. LIPs were first established in 2008 in Ontario and BC

b. There are now over 82 projects across Canada, in every province and territory, including Francophone representation

c. We network with other LIPs in the province (now 7) as well as throughout our prairie region (MB, SK, AB, NWT)

2. The first Pembina Valley Local Partnership Council (LPC) meeting happened in May 2018 with 12 partners:a. We now have 19 stakeholders, including 8 of the original 12

b. The logos display the variety of stakeholders currently represented, including: 7 municipalities, human resources, employers, settlement and language services for newcomers, health care,

justice, arts & culture, library, immigration, multi-faith council, employment & bilingual services.

c. Current members live and work throughout the region in either Notre Dame de Lourdes, Carman/Dufferin, Morris, Winkler, Morden, Altona, Rhineland Municipality, and the RM of Stanley.

d. This council meets a minimum of 4 times a year.

3. What has happened to date:

a. In Oct 2018, the council members along with additional community members, stakeholders and newcomers, developed PVLIPs strategic plan identifying 3 main priorities for the region:i. Developing Welcoming & Inclusive Communities ii. Improving Communication iii. Newcomer Mental Health (well-being)

b. Each of these priorities are represented by working groups and have plans in place to implement change.

c. Together we are Connecting Cultures and Communities: uniting voices in the Pembina Valley to ensure everyone can feel welcomed and belong.

4. What we continue and/plan to do:a. Ensure all communities and municipalities in the Pembina Valley are aware of PVLIP

b. Meet to identify current gaps related to newcomer integration and discuss solutions

c. Continue to develop and implement sustainable solutions for the successful integration of newcomers

d. As leaders and/or spokespersons within our sector, we continue to share knowledge from what we have learned though PVLIP, to the networks we represent

LPC Members: Name Title Organization

Renee Barnabe Supervisor, Small Centers IRCC Settlement

Steve Reynolds (Co-Chair) Executive Director Regional Connections Immigrant Services

Zahid Zehri (Co-Chair) Multi-Faith and IAT Representative Shoppers Drug Mart Owner/Operator

Rhoda Keck Language Program Director Regional Connections Immigrant Services

Trevor Siemens Human Resources Grandeur Housing

Chris Kalansky Deputy Chief Winkler Police Service

Don Wiebe Reeve Rhineland Municipality

Karina Bueckert Councillor City of Winkler

Kym Kaufmann CEO Eden Health Care Services

Joanne Riel Information Specialist Centre de services bilingues|Bilingual Service Centre

Ann Vermette Career Development Consultant Industry Training & Employment Services

Tina Barkman VP of HR Friesen’s/Altona Immigration Committee

Shelly Voth Immigration Coordinator Morden Immigration Program

Jordan Siemens Deputy Mayor Town of Altona

Richard Dyck Councillor Carman & RM of Dufferin

Cathy Ching Executive Director South Central Regional Libraries

Bob Giesbrecht Councillor RM of Stanley

Laurie Wiebe Administration Coordinator Pembina Hills Art Gallery

Jim Hunt Councilor City of Morden

Elaine Burton Saindon Coordinator PVLIP Staff

Immigrant Advisory Table:

Bangladesh Brazil Bolivia Congo Colombia Germany

India Kenya Kazakhstan Nigeria Nicaragua Pakistan

Philippines Poland Russia Ukraine United States Venezuela Zimbabwe

The Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT) express the Lived Experiences of newcomers to help inform the Local Partnership Council of the needs or gaps

throughout the region to help develop strategies to create welcoming and inclusive communities.

1. The first IAT meeting in the Pembina Valley happened in March 2018 with 6 members:a. We now have 19 members from 19 countries!

b. We represent a variety of demographics, and length of time in Canada

c. Current members live throughout the region in either Winkler, Morden, Altona, or the RM of Stanley

d. The flags represent the current countries on our advisory table.

e. This group meets a minimum of 4 times a year (or as needed) to discuss what newcomers experience as they settle into their new community. Essentially, we ask the questions:

i. What helps a newcomer feel welcomed?

ii. What helps a newcomer feel they are included and belong?

f. We seek to have as many cultures and countries represented as possible who live and work throughout the region. This is still a growing group and we welcome new referrals to add

their voice to our discussions.

g. These discussions are shared with the Local Partnership Council who can then make informed decisions on how to address needs and gaps in their communities.

h. This effort is to ensure that local partnerships from a variety of communities work together with the newcomer voices and jointly develop solutions for the successful settlement and

integration of newcomers.

i. Together, we help to create more welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers!

2. What has happened to date:a. We have contributed our lived experience to help inform the strategic action plan identifying the 3 main priorities that will be explained in more detail with the working groups

b. This past year, we have met every two months to acknowledge the impact of Covid 19 on newcomers especially as it impacts mental well being

c. We have participated in 2 Mental Health Focus Groups to better understand newcomer well-being and the impacts of transition on top of all the other aspects of settling into a new

community, school, work, language, etc.

d. We have also contributed to the development of the Welcoming & Inclusive Community Policy

3. What we continue to do:a. Meet to discuss current issues, concerns, as well as successes and ways to promote a positive diversity and inclusion message

b. As leaders and/or spokespersons within our cultural groups, we share knowledge from what we have learned though our work with PVLIP, to the cultural groups we represent

c. Seek to expand our group to ensure all voices are represented from a variety of cultures and demographics

4. Would you like to bring your voice to this discussion?a. Send us an email info@pvlip.ca

b. Look us up on Facebook and IG

c. Check out our website www.pvlip.ca

IAT Members: Name Representing Arrival Year Community

Zahid Zehri Pakistan / Multi Faith Community / Business 1999 Winkler

Rajesh Parekh India / Settlement Services 2019 Morden

Eugen Klassen Russian/German / Human Resources 1998 Winkler

Helga Jungbluth Germany 2001 Altona

Diana Suderman USA / Mental Health Working Group 2006 Winkler

Kathlyn Amurao Philippines 2017 Altona

Yevgeniya Tatarenko Ukraine 2016 Morden

Edwin Chavarria Brazil 2016 Morden

Assani Muhanuzi Congo 2014 Winkler

Lana Marinho Brazil 2018 Winkler

Christian James Nigeria / Afripembina 2018 Morden

Somnath Naha Bolivia 2018 Morden

SM Zafrul Hasan Bangladesh 2015 Morden

Shepherd Chiwandire Zimbabwe 2015 Winkler

LJ Barquillia Philippines / Pembina Valley Pinoys 2007 Winkler

Rosemary Zahn Kenya 2004 Morden

Irma Meier Germany / Immigration 1998 Morden

Beatrice Aderemi Nigeria / PVLIP Staff 2019 Morden

Elaine Burton Saindon PVLIP Coordinator Pembina Valley

Working Groups:

Each of the 3 priorities identified at the strategic planning session is represented by a working group. These groups will meet to flesh out the action items over the next 5 years (2020-2025).

Each working group must include at least one LPC and one IAT member, along with additional members from PVLIP or the community who can share their knowledge and experience to assist

with implementing the Action Items.

Priority 1: Welcoming & Inclusive Communities – Working Group (WIC WG)

Creating Welcoming & Inclusive Communities and ensuring newcomers feel a sense of belonging is the essence of what PVLIP intends to accomplish though local partnerships.

When people arrive in the Pembina Valley, whether migrating from another country or moving within Canada, they benefit from a coordinated arrival strategy. Successful integration is about

more than just finding a place to live and work. Collaborative efforts will help newcomers feel welcomed and attain a better sense of belonging.

1. The WIC Working Group has 4 members representing: Bilingual services, municipal leadership, settlement services and local newcomer voices.

2. To date this group has worked together on:a. Raising awareness on Go Manitoba, a ride sharing option to offer options with transportation barriers in the region

b. Developed newcomer stories in the form of videos and a book: ‘Hear My Story’

c. Developed a diversity calendar

d. Started a weekly newspaper column

e. Hosted intercultural and diversity training for employers

f. Developed a Welcoming & Inclusive Community Policy

3. Ongoing efforts include:a. Celebrating cultural diversity

b. Cultural Connections Column – Submitting weekly articles to the South Central Post to help raise more awareness on diversity in the region, promote knowledge on cultures from the region, and

celebrate cultural festivals and holidays

4. Future plans include:a. Invite communities in the Pembina Valley to adopt and implement elements of the WIC Policy

b. Explore how the Pembina Valley can work together to have a centralized information sharing network, or discover an existing platform that everyone can access

c. ‘Shift Judgement to Curiosity’ Campaign – promotion of diversity & inclusion

Priority 2: Communication - Working Group (CommWG)

This Priority was developed out of the recognition that there is often a ‘disconnect’ between where information is shared and how that information is discovered. This is often a result of a

community relying on ‘word of mouth’, which is typical in smaller communities. But as these communities grow and develop, newcomers, regardless of where they come from, often find it

challenging to locate common information about their communities’ services & resources.

Communication is a two way street. As newcomers arrive in their community, they need to be able to find information to assist their settlement in an easy and barrier free manner.

a. By providing newcomers with information on resources, supports, and activities in our communities, they will be able to select and access those that are of value to them.

b. This priority is helping raise awareness to organizations on how they communicate their information, and how to reduce barriers to locate that information.

1. The Communication WG has 4 members representing: Language services for newcomers, local newcomer voices, community members.

2. To date this group has:a. Conducted a Communication Study (available on website), to explore:

i. Best practices on delivering inclusive and easily accessible information and resources,

ii. Identify if services are barrier free, and

iii. Increase awareness of settlement services for newcomers.

b. Discussed the use of creating an APP to better provide up-to-date information on services throughout the region, including the use of multi-language options

c. Promoted the use of translation options on websites throughout the Pembina Valley to help reduce language barriers

d. Hosted a knowledge Sharing Fair with interagency groups to help raise awareness of local programs and services in multiple communities and connect service providers with settlement services

3. Ongoing efforts include:a. Development of a podcast series to help bring more awareness about immigration in the region

4. Future plans include:a. Explore communication plan options to aid information sharing between communities

b. Expand working group to include youth voices to contribute to development of communication plan

5. Suggestions:a. If you have feedback on any of these points, or ideas on how this priority can be addressed in the Pembina Valley please reach out to us!

b. Feel free to reach out to any of our working group members or contact the coordinator directly through the website www.pvlip.ca , the Facebook page, or email elaine@pvlip.ca

Priority 3: Mental Health - Working Group (MH WG)

Mental Health for newcomers was identified early on as a priority in our region based on interviews & surveys with newcomers, and feedback from a variety of service providers, educators

and employers who have seen the impact of immigration and how it affects all ages and demographics

a. When people have equal access to care and organizational support they feel connected to their community.

b. By promoting mental well-being, our communities can be proactive in supporting newcomers through the challenge of transition.

1. The MH WG has 6 members including representation from Eden Health Care, Human Resources, Settlement Services, Law Enforcement, and Newcomer voices.

2. PVLIP does not deliver ‘Mental health’ direct support services to newcomers. Rather, PVLIP networks with those direct support services to:a. Improve knowledge of the newcomer needs and gaps in this region,

b. Ensure mental well-being for newcomers is understood by mental health service providers (based on lived experience from the Immigrant Advisory Members)

c. As well as helping to reduce barriers in how newcomers access supports, if needed, as they settle into their new home.

3. To date this group has worked together in the region to:a. Meet with mental health service providers to share knowledge and better understand available programs and resources

b. Collaborate on compiling a Mental Health List of services in a ‘cheat sheet’ format to provide a quick reference guide to be shared with newcomers and others in need

c. Hosted 2 Mental Health Focus Groups with a facilitator to help identify needs and gaps in this region as it relates to both newcomers and service agencies

d. Share mental health supporting resources from CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association – Central Region) as they are made available with PVLIP members for disbursement

4. Ongoing efforts include:a. Partnering with local organizations to plan the Heathy Communities Conference in April 2021 with a mental health focus, bringing a newcomer session

b. PVLIP Coordinator is on the Board of CMHA-Central Region (Canadian Mental Health Association) Directors to help bring awareness to newcomer needs and advocate for resources

5. Future Plans include:a. Ongoing development of partnerships to support research on newcomer mental health needs in the region

b. Host a forum with mental health service providers to share content with newcomers on programs and resources

6. Suggestions:a. If you have feedback on any of these points, or ideas on how this priority can be addressed in the Pembina Valley please reach out to us!

b. Feel free to reach out to any of our working group members or contact the coordinator directly through the website www.pvlip.ca , the Facebook page, or email elaine@pvlip.ca

Welcoming & Inclusive Communities WG Members Title Organization

Karina Bueckert Councillor – LPC Member City of Winkler

Joanne Riel Information Specialist – LPC Member Centre de services bilingues|Bilingual Service Centre

LJ Barquilla President – IAT Member Pembina Valley Pinoys

Rajesh Parekh Settlement Worker – IAT Member Regional Connections

Mental Health WG Members Title Organization

Steve Reynolds Executive Director – LPC Member Regional Connections

Trevor Siemens Human Resources – LPC Member Grandeur Housing

Chris Kalansky Deputy Chief – LPC Member Winkler Police Service

Diana Suderman Mental Health Counsellor – IAT Member Regional Connections

Lana Marinho Immigrant Advisor – IAT Member Masters Student - Counselling

Nicole Szmerski (Yvonne Stoesz-alternate) Regional Manager – LPC Member Eden Health Care Services

Working Groups: (PVLIP Coordinator is member of each Working Group to assist with implementing Action Items)

Communication WG Members Title Organization

Rhoda Keck Language Director – LPC Member Regional Connections

Edwin Chavarria IT Support – IAT member Western School Division

Shepherd Chiwandire Entrepreneur – IAT Member Community Member

Braedon Thiessen Communications – Student Community Member

Enhancing collaboration, coordination and strategic planning at the community level

that will foster more welcoming and inclusive communities

while improving settlement and integration outcomes

for newcomers in the Pembina Valley.

PVLIP Coordinator: Elaine Burton Saindon | 204 324 3012

elaine@pvlip.ca | www.pvlip.ca

Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership