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The Regional Municipality of York 2017 to 2021 Newcomer Strategy supports York Region’s vision for a welcoming and inclusive community where newcomers are supported, engaged and thriving.
“Newcomers represent a growing and vital part of our population in York Region, bringing a wealth of cultural, social and economic contributions to our communities,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “The Newcomer Strategy helps ensure we are meeting the needs of new immigrant families and individuals and encouraging full participation in all aspects of community life and work.”
By 2031, an estimated 55 per cent of York Region’s population will be immigrants and 62 per cent will be members of a visible minority group. The Newcomer Strategy helps connect newcomers – York Region residents who have lived in Canada less than 10 years – to the right jobs for their skills and experience, and the right resources to feel connected and engaged in the community. The strategy also aims to strengthen links between employers and newcomers to meet labour growth needs in coming years.
“Everyone should feel supported and at home in York Region, across all nine local cities and towns,” said Town of Newmarket Regional Councillor John Taylor, Chair of Community and Health Services. “York Region will continue to develop programs and services that consider newcomer needs and show the community is here to help.”
Work is already underway on a number of actions under the strategy, such as:
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Planning the next York Region Internationally Educated Professionals conference for fall 2017
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Developing and promoting tools supporting the Diversity and Inclusion Charter for York Region
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Refreshing the yorkwelcome.ca portal to better meet newcomer and service provider needs
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Working with partners to research and better understand social resiliency in the community
“The Community Partnership Council has grown into a strong collaborative committed to improving the lives of newcomer residents in York Region,” said City of Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Co-Chair of the Community Partnership Council. “Through the Newcomer Strategy, this important work will continue as we develop needed resources and employment supports to help more newcomers succeed.”
York Region’s Local Immigration Partnership and Community Partnership Council (CPC) have contributed to creating a welcoming community for all newcomers. Members of the Community Partnership Council include settlement services, employment, language and skills training, economic development, education and health services, police services, local municipalities and three levels of government.
“York Region has one of the largest newcomer populations in Canada,” said Nella Iasci, Job Skills Executive Director and Co-Chair of the Community Partnership Council. “Supporting these new residents to integrate successfully will positively impact the health and prosperity of the entire community.”
The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns, and provides a variety of programs and services to almost 1.2 million residents, 50,000 businesses and 595,000 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices
(Source: The Regional Municipality of York) |
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