Building Community Through Immigration – the Waterloo Region Example

Migration and immigration are largely seen as international and national affairs, but immigrants live and experience their challenges and successes in local communities. In Canada, the federal and provincial governments share responsibility for immigrant selection and facilitating the movement of people from around the world to Canada. It is then in local communities across the country where immigrants are welcomed, where they settle, get connected to services, go to school, find work, participate in community and develop social connections and a sense of belonging. Local matters in immigration.

This lecture will explore the experiences of immigrants living in Waterloo Region and the way organizations across the region have worked together through the Immigration Partnership to create the conditions for immigrants to succeed and help build a welcoming, dynamic community for everyone.