Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres: Attracting, Welcoming & Retaining Immigrants to Your Community Funded by the Government of Canada Prepared by the National Working Group on Small Centre Strategies

Snapshots of Rural Canada Opportunities Why is Rural Canada Important Importance of Immigration to Rural Canada Statistical Snapshots of Immigrants in Rural Canada Welcoming Newcomers to Rural Canada

Why is Rural Canada important? A significant proportion of Canadians live and work in Rural Canada 19.8% of Canadians live in rural communities and represent 24% of Canada’s total employment In some regions, more than 50% live in Rural Canada (e.g. Atlantic Region/Saskatchewan) Rural communities are a strong contributor to Canada’s economy and prosperity 95% of Canada’s natural and environmental resources are in Rural Canada: Of the 1916 resource-reliant communities in Canada, 1686 or 88%, were located in rural Canada Resource-based sectors represent: 21% of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, 50% of Canada’s exports, which contributes substantially to Canada’s positive trade balance Rural Canada has a proven capacity to innovate with 60% of new small businesses start in rural communities Rural areas provide the location of many recreational and natural amenities enjoyed by rural and urban

Why is immigration important to Rural Canada? Historically, immigration/newcomers has impacted rural population growth and depopulation Resource-based industries (forestry, fishing, energy, mining and agriculture) provided many opportunities for employment Technological and economic developments reduced labour demands Today, rural communities are facing many additional pressures in population decline – aging of the active population, youth outmigration and falling birth rates. Decreasing the size of the potential labour pool Smaller tax base for municipalities Rural communities are looking to immigration/newcomers as a means to stimulate economic development and social institutions and curb population loss

An Introduction to the Tool Box An Introduction to the Tool Box Some Tips on How to Become a Some Tips on How to Become a “Welcoming Community” “Welcoming Community” Contents & Benefits of the Tool Box Contents & Benefits of the Tool Box Tool Box Presentation This Presentation will provide you with…

Created in 2005 by National Working Group on Small Centre Strategies and funded by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC) Designed to help small centres that wish to attract, welcome and retain newcomer immigrants and refugees Provides ideas, resources, strategies & tools for small centres to grow and prosper by attracting immigrants What is the Tool Box?

Who Uses the Tool Box? is for any self-identifying “small centre” region that wishes to attract, welcome and retain newcomer immigrants can be a province, territory or town such as: can be a province, territory or town such as: Newfoundland & Labrador (province) Newfoundland & Labrador (province) Red Deer, Alberta (small city) Red Deer, Alberta (small city) Trail, British Columbia (small town) Trail, British Columbia (small town) Small Centers The Tool Box

Benefits of the Tool Box is: User Friendly User Friendly Resourceful and Practical Resourceful and Practical Designed for use by a variety of community groups, organizations, government officials, etc. Designed for use by a variety of community groups, organizations, government officials, etc. Flexible and Adaptable Flexible and Adaptable A resource that can be used at any point in the development of your community’s population strategy A resource that can be used at any point in the development of your community’s population strategy The Tool Box

Small Centres: Tool Box Users Small Centres that wish to attract new residents and have support & consensus from key community residents & stakeholders Who Uses the Tool Box? Key Community Stakeholders ► Community Service Groups ► Businesses ► Settlement Agencies ► Faith based organizations ► Local government officials ► School boards, universities, colleges

CHAPTER 1: Introducing the Tool Box Did You Know? Due to Canada’s decreasing birth rate, immigration will account for Canada’s net population growth after 2020 Includes: Purpose and Background of the Tool Box Global and National Population Trends and Context Website links to national & global immigration trends Strategies and Reality Checks for your Community

CHAPTER 2: Building the Foundations Did You Know? In ,511 new immigrants arrived in Canada BUT less than 10% settled in rural areas Includes: Strategies & Steps to Build Support in Communities Refugee and Immigration Trends in Canada Immigration Information- how it works & who is eligible

CHAPTER 3: Key Factors to Consider Did You Know? Providing cross-cultural or inter-cultural training for staff of local businesses, government & service organizations can contribute to your community meeting the needs of international newcomers Includes: Information on how to identify & promote key factors such as family ties; employment or housing How to identify & manage barriers that may discriminate against newcomers

CHAPTER 4: Attracting Migrants Did You Know? Immigrants enter Canada under one of 7 different categories including: Skilled Worker; Business; Provincial Nominee Program; Live in Caregiver; Family; Refugee; or “Other” Includes : How to promote your community to immigrants Canada’s Immigration Categories Information on International Students & Temporary Foreign Workers

Includes: Chapter 5: The Welcoming Community Did You Know? English or French as a Second Language instruction & acquisition is critical in the successful adaptation & integration of newcomers. Resources to welcome newcomers in your community Cultural Competency Checklists for business & government Promotional Ideas and Events for your community to use Practical Steps to welcome newcomers in your community

2009 Permanent Residents to Canada Total number of permanent residents to Canada: 252,179. Percentage breakdown by province (top 4): Ontario (44.9); Quebec (18.3); B.C. (17.8); Alberta (9.8). Top 3 source countries: China (29,044); Philippines (27,271); India (26,118). Other top 10 source countries: USA, UK, France, Pakistan, Iran, South Korea, Morocco. Percentage breakdown by immigration category: Economic (45.8); Family (39.4); Refugees (8.3); Other (6.5).

2009 Permanent Residents in Alberta

2009 Permanent Residents Top Destinations Medicine Hat 169 Lethbridge: 483 Calgary: 13,708 Edmonton: 8,508 Red Deer: 537 Other: 3,612 Alberta Total: 27,017

Become a “Welcoming Community” What would a diverse & growing town look like? What could immigrants contribute to your town? What would keep newcomer immigrants here once they arrive? What are some ways to attract and welcome immigrants to your town? Key questions to consider as first steps towards becoming a “Welcoming Community…”

“Welcoming Community” “Welcoming Community” Barriers to successful settlement Barrier Factors Official language ability Labour market integration:  Credential recognition  Workplace communication skills  Canadian work experience Lack of accurate and timely information Social networks and engagement Two types: Individual level  Language abilities  Life skills  Community networks Systemic barriers  Credential recognition  Workplace culture  Recognition of work experience

What is Your Community’s Vision? BenefitsChallenges For Immigrant Newcomers For the Community Note: Optional slide to be used if presenter has time to ask audience to “brainstorm” and consider the benefits and challenges of Welcoming Newcomers

Steps taken by small communities in the Alberta Northeast Region toward becoming Welcoming Communities Implementing a Welcoming and Inclusive Community -Community events (potlucks, Canada Day breakfast) -Publications (Welcome to Bonnyville) -Information sessions for newcomers -Research (community focus group)

Attracting and Retaining Immigrants: A Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres, 2nd Edition Immigration is important for Canada. It may be vital for your community. Help is available based on current best thinking. A number of government and non-government immigration professionals from across Canada have developed a Tool Box of information and practical ideas to help your community attract and retain new people. The Tool Box will help you understand the challenging environment of laws and realities in which in- migration can happen. It is available for free. Prepared by the National Working Group on Small Centre Strategies Funded by the Government of Canada (Citizenship and Immigration Canada)

Tool Box of Ideas: Access & Information To order the Tool Box please contact: Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria 930 Balmoral Road Victoria, BC V8T 1A9 930 Balmoral Road Victoria, BC V8T 1A9 Phone: (250) Phone: (250) Fax: (250) Fax: (250) Internet: Or click on the following link:Or click on the following link: Funded by the Government of Canada

Tool Box This is only the beginning, the end result and success of a Welcoming Community will come with a great deal of efforts from this group and the other ones who will join later. “Welcoming Communities are the reflection of the community itself and the commitment of its members to become one”.

Tool Box THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR ATTENTION!! If you have any question or inquiries regarding today’s presentation on: Attracting, Welcoming & Retaining Immigrants to Your Community Tool Box, you can contact: SERGIO GAGGERO AE&I Business Industry Liaison Specialist Edmonton Region – West Area. PHONE #