Settlement Strategy. Prince Edward Island. Summary. We envision a welcoming One Island Community. whose service and support to new Islanders continues

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1 Prince Edward Island Settlement Strategy Summary We envision a welcoming One Island Community whose service and support to new Islanders continues to contribute to a culturally diverse and prosperous province. November Any Street West, Townsville, State Tel Fax

2 Norman Sahely (right) from Lebanon. An Islander since Also pictured Shadi (son) and Ethan Sahely (grandson).

3 Strategy Overview A Rich History Prince Edward Island has historically been a province of immigrants. Early settlers from France, Ireland and Scotland joined the province s original inhabitants, the Mi kmaq, to create systems of habitation and commerce. These settlers were later joined by immigrants from Lebanon, Holland, China and many other countries. In the past decade, thousands more newcomers have chosen to make Prince Edward Island their home. Government has worked on many fronts to establish and expand the services that new Islanders need. Prince Edward Island is currently experiencing an increased wave of newcomers as the province s annual immigrant inflows have strategically and steadily increased in recent years to meet the challenges of an ageing population. Recent newcomers have come to the Island through various avenues and for various reasons. Some have been actively recruited because of their skills, training, education and their ability to contribute to the economic growth of the Island. Some are expatriates, or former Islanders, who have chosen to return and reconnect with family and community. Some are refugees, seeking political and social stability. Others are drawn by the chance to experience the uniqueness of Maritime culture, the distinctiveness of Island living and the common hope for new experiences and a life filled with opportunities. Over the past eighteen months, with the input of the Island s newcomer communities, we have developed a modern day Settlement Strategy that integrates existing supports and adds new measures to encourage social and economic inclusion of new Islanders in our One Island Community.

4 The Process Over the last year, the Population Secretariat has commissioned research and sought input from over 40 non-government organizations and interested parties representing newcomers, service providers and communities. Additionally, opinions and experiences regarding settlement were solicited from all levels of government. Ayelet Stewart from Israel. An Islander since 2000.

5 Marilenne Ureña from Dominican Republic, and her daughter Mia Shanel Rodriguez. An Islander since Settlement Fundamentals Provide services over a continuum; from a newcomer s arrival until successful settlement; Address identified barriers to successful integration through implementation of effective initiatives; Engage all stakeholders; Be scalable and able to adapt to changes in population; Clearly communicate the benefits of increased retention and diversity to Island residents; Integrate with current provincial policies and programs; Provide rural communities and newcomers living within those communities, with access to programs and support.

6 Settlement Strategy Vision A welcoming One Island Community whose service and support to newcomers is contributing to a culturally diverse and prosperous province. Settlement Strategy Principles Equitable Using a fair and balanced approach Inclusive Working collaboratively with partners Community Based Supporting and building community throughout the province Accountable Measuring the timely and efficient deployment of resources Respectful and Ethical Maintaining and promoting a respectful and productive relationship with all residents Successful implementation of the Settlement Strategy will result in: The retention of as many newcomers as possible Successful social and economic integration of newcomers

7 Stakeholders Working Together Government is accountable for the delivery of this strategy but success cannot be achieved by government alone. We must engage a wide range of stake-holders to ensure that we have a comprehensive suite of programs and ser- vices to foster social and economic integration of all newcomers. Every Island resident has a role to play and the power to positively influence the integration of our new Islanders. All Islanders Government of Canada Government of Prince Edward Island Service Groups NEWCOMERS PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada Academic Institutions Business Community Religious Organizations Municipalities and Communities Julie Shore and Arla Johnson from the United States. Islanders since 1999.

8 Strategy Initiatives Many types of services are needed to assist newcomers to move through the phases of settlement, adaptation and inclusion. Based on newcomer input we have assembled a Settlement Strategy based on three priority areas; areas that can positively influence a newcomers desire and ability to settle in and contribute to our One Island Community. Priority Areas for Successful Settlement LANGUAGE SKILLS BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP QUALITY OF LIFE For further information on programs and services, please refer to the Settlement Strategy website at

9 Language Skills Develop a comprehensive language training framework offering accelerated, evening, weekend and/or summer scheduling options. Business & Employment Opportunities Job placements within the public sector, collaborate with Island Chambers of Commerce to offer specific programming for newcomers, offer a pilot program to assist with Canadian job experience and training. Work with Chambers of Commerce to establish a business mentorship program, co-fund the PEI Quality of Life Connector program, support quarterly Immigration forums. Publish a revised Newcomer Orientation Handbook, create a translation and interpretation policy, installation of two additional settlement case workers at the Association for Newcomers to Canada. Expand interpreter program offered through the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada to include Pharmacy visits. Work with Rural Action Plan for newcomer inclusion, create and deliver an education and awareness campaign highlighting the contribution of newcomers.

10 Looking Forward Implementing initiatives for newcomers has involved a great investment by a number of dedicated individuals, inside and outside of government. Newcomers enrich our society and contribute to our overall wellbeing in many ways. Government has an important role to play in ensuring settlement needs are being met in a timely and effective manner, but throughout history its been the hospitality of our One Island Community that keeps people here. This Settlement Strategy is an invitation to all Islanders to become involved in the settlement experience of newcomers. There will be challenges; but we all share the same unified desire a safe and happy place to live, work, and raise families, with equal access to opportunities for all. Successful settlement and retention are about people. Growing our One Island Community will require leadership from Government, a cooperative spirit from Islanders and newcomers alike and a supporting network of programs and initiatives for NEW Islanders to ensure our Island continues to grow and prosper in the coming decades. Mark and Katie Fulford from England. Islanders since 2007.

11 Quick Facts PEIANC Clients since ,785 LINC Students since over 2,000 Over 7,000 people have attended Diversity Presentations in the last year (2009/10) 750 students currently enrolled in the English as an Additional Language program in the K-12 education system The English as an Additional Language Tutor program at the Confederation Centre Library has offered 15 in-class tutor training sessions, training almost 250 volunteers to be matched with new English learners. Over 310 newcomers have been matched with tutors and a further 70 newcomers have participated in conversation circles, for a total of 380 matches. We see a welcoming One Island Community whose service and support to newcomers is contributing to a culturally diverse and prosperous province. Useful Links: A Guide for Newcomers to PEI Citizenship and Immigration Canada Prince Edward Island Association for Newcomers to Canada Prince Edward Island Employer Guide to Hiring Foreign Workers Prince Edward Island Immigration IIDI

12 Population Secretariat The primary mandate of Prince Edward Island s Population Secretariat is to achieve population sustainability and explore opportunities for population growth. This is achieved through recruitment, repatriation, settlement and retention. Much of this work is done through understanding the current labour market, promoting career opportunities and recommending policy that enhances a person both personally and professionally through collaboration with government, industry and other stakeholders. The initiatives within the Prince Edward Island Settlement Strategy will enhance PEI s ability to provide newcomers with the most appropriate and reliable tools for successful settlement and inclusion. Population Secretariat Atlantic Technology Centre 90 University Ave. Charlottetown, PE C1A 4K9 Telephone: (902) Facsimile: (902) Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.