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Welcome to the first issue of 2020! We have rounded up a few updates for you to get you all caught up on the latest in the immigration sphere. Here's what is new:
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Canada has a new Immigration Minister! Born into an immigrant family, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino has a long track record of community activism in Toronto. Mendicino was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence in 2015. Before entering politics, Minister Mendicino served as a federal prosecutor for nearly 10 years. He has sat on numerous boards, volunteering at John Wanless Public School, COSTI Immigrant Services, Toronto Symphony Volunteer Committee, North Toronto Soccer Club, and Heart & Stroke Canada.
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Immigration is essential to Canada's population and labour market growth, but newcomers tend to concentrate in Canada's largest cities. Smaller communities and rural areas are sometimes desperate for newcomers but unable to attract them.
In an attempt to help municipalities attract immigrants, the federal government will roll out a new program that gives local communities, chambers of commerce and labour councils a say in the selection of immigrants, helping them match newcomers with labour needs in various communities. At least 5,000 new spaces will be created for the program.
Hamilton Economic Development is actively watching developments in the Municipal Nominee Program in the hopes that it can be leveraged to fill local labour market needs.
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Employment and Language Task Force in Hamilton
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The Coordination of Services Committee initiated a task force to engage local employers in Hamilton to educate employers on processes of hiring newcomers, connect employers with newcomers who are looking for job opportunities, and explore innovative collaboration ideas with employers. Task force members will be initiating new projects in the coming months. Watch here for details!
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Celebrating Ten Years of HIPC
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That's right! HIPC turned ten. This year we plan to bring you events that cherish and celebrate our achievements in our city and community over the past decade. We look forward to continuing the work of building a Hamilton For All in 2020 with all our partners.
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Honouring the Lives Lost on Flight PS752
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It is with deep sadness that we read about the crash of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. Along with the global community, Hamilton mourns the many new Canadians, international students, permanent residents and others killed in the plane crash.
The remarkable individuals on that single flight, including two McMaster University graduate students, were a testament to Canada’s global reach and connectedness. The vision of the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council is to celebrate diversity, create a welcoming community and a place for everyone to call home. We recognize that within our own city and communities, many residents have ties that extend around the world.
The whole country is still processing the enormous loss that the crash has caused. Many of those who perished were young, new Canadians who held incredible potential for the future of Canada and in building bridges with Iran, and the world. Our sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to everyone impacted by this tragedy, here at home and abroad.
Jim Vanderveken, Chair
Lily Lumsden, Vice-Chair
Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council
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Social Justice Brunch and Panel Discussion
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In honour of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2020, Hamilton's Afro Canadian Caribbean Association is hosting a panel discussion on the topic of "Confronting Hate in Our Community" featuring community leaders working on different issues facing marginalized and radicalized groups in our city. HIPC is pleased to support the event. This brunch event will provide opportunities to connect with others who are working to confront hate and to participate in thought-provoking conversations. Get tickets to this Sunday's event here and spread the word. Allies welcome, all are welcome.
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