Immigration in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

Transcription

1 Immigration in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows W E L C O M I N G C O M M U N I T I E S P R O G R A M O C T O B E R 1 5, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Katzie

2 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are two Metro Vancouver cities that are still growing in terms of numbers of immigrants that are settling here compared to other communities. 76,000 population of Maple Ridge 18,200 population of Pitt Meadows 17.2 % new immigrants in Maple Ridge 22 % new immigrants in Pitt Meadows The District of Maple Ridge lies on the north shore of the Fraser River, 45 km east of the City of Vancouver. Nestled against the Coast Mountains, Maple Ridge is a community that combines small-town atmosphere with close proximity to a major trade centre. Pitt Meadows is a dynamic municipality, nestled between the mighty Fraser River and the majestic Golden Ears mountains. The languages most spoken by immigrants that live in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, according to the 2011 Census data, include: German Punjabi Korean Spanish Tagalog Chinese Farsi Dutch Russian The most recent regional profile information based on the 2011 Census, indicates significant growth in the region by 2041 with a in our communities. Census data also shows a wide and growing diversity immigrants settling within the area.

3 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 3 Welcoming Communities Program A welcoming and inclusive community promotes the full participation of all residents in the social, cultural and economic life of the region without discrimination. Individuals in welcoming communities are: helpful to newcomers, open to new ideas and customs, and recognize the contributions newcomers make The Welcoming Communities Program is a one-year project funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of BC. This new program at Family Education and Support Centre (FESC) serves as a catalyst for systemic change around issues of immigration, settlement, multiculturalism, racism and workplace diversity through long-term partnerships and capacity building at the community, regional and provincial levels. By bringing multi-stakeholders from government, education, employment, settlement services, community groups and residents together to address the needs of access, equity and inclusion, the program aims to acheive the long-term goal of this project, which is to engage immigrants as partners in the community building process through a more equitable, accessible and inclusive approach. During the course of this one-year program, Welcoming Communities activities will include: Community consultations and dialogues Community partnerships Workshops for businesses and employers Theatre performances Activity-based sessions resulting from community consultations The Welcoming Communities program focuses on a common vision to support the integration of New Immigrants by building welcoming and inclusive communities as well as having the capacity to support intercultural relationships, inclusive workplaces, welcoming spaces and improved access to services. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

4 4 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Immigration in Pitt Meadows & Maple Ridge On October 15, 2013 a Welcoming Communities dialogue was held in the Meadows Room at Pitt Meadows City Hall. The purpose of the Immigration in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge - Are We Welcoming Enough? dialogue was to gain an understanding of the services being provided to the immigrant population in order to improve overall services. This was the third dialogue, in series of five, being conducted for Family Education and Support Centre s Welcoming Communities Program. Although this dialogue was focused on local service providers, the event was open to all members of the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities including: local politicians; government employees; business owners, management and staff; service providers; members of the Aboriginal community; immigrant community members; and other interested members of the community. Panel Speakers included: Faye Luxemburg-Hyam, Executive Director of Family Education and Support Centre Mayor Deb Walters, City of Pitt Meadows Avex Cojti, Diversity Kiran Rai, Mental Health Coordinator - Family Education and Support Centre Maruška Jankova, Newcomer Florentina Takako Iimuro, Newcomer Gil Aguilar, Tempory Froeign Worker Program Robert (Bob) Gabriel, CoManager of the Settlement and Integration Program - ISSofBC Minna Kim, Settlement Worker is Schools (SWIS) - SD 42 Henry Lu, Direct Service Provider for Newcomers - ISSofBC WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

5 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 5 Panel Presentations Faye Luxemburg-Hyam Has been working in the Social Service field for the past forty one years as a front line worker, family counsellor, program director, community development worker and instructor in the fields of Early Childhood Education, Child Abuse and Neglect, and Parenting Education and Support. For the past seven years she has worked as the Executive Director of the Family Education and Support Centre Serving Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Katzie. Faye has worked in Social Services internationally in the countries of Israel and the Caribbean which has given her a perspective and experience as a newcomer in a new homeland. This experience has helped to expand her appreciation and understanding of diversity and the importance of a welcoming community. Faye began her presentation by acknowledging the Welcoming Communities Partners and Steering Committee. She also gave thanks to the Katzie Nation. Fay spoke about the purpose of the Welcoming Communities Program. A fundamental goal of the project is to strengthen collaborative efforts within the community. This begins by talking with one-another, sharing ideas, and identifying opportunities to pool resource and band together to most effectively support the successful integration of newcomers to our communities Mayor Deb Walters Mayor Walters was first elected to Pitt Meadows Council in She has served two terms as councillor prior to being elected Mayor in Mayor Walther s goal is to lead Pitt Meadows to a bright and prosperous future, while maintaining its wonderful charm that we are so proud of. She believes this can be best achieved by engaging residents in meaningful collaboration to contribute to the success of our community. Mayor Walters expressed her surprise at the number of immigrants who are settling in Pitt Meadows. She stated that Pitt Meadows strives to be a welcoming and inclusive community. PNP nominates in Maple Ridge 152 in total 105 Skilled workers 42 Entry-level skilled workers 5 International students 8 International enterprises WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

6 6 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Panel Presentations Avexnim Cojti, Avex is a Maya Canadian whose passion is to contribute to closing the gap in poverty, access to health, education and employment within populations who have been historically in disadvantage. She is a Sociologist with a Master s in Public Administration. Her experience has been in the field of research, teaching, and program management and delivery in immigration and settlement, Indigenous health, multiculturalism and education in Canada and in Guatemala. Avex s presentation focused on the factual data of immigration in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Avex made a strong point that the migration has many faces. The process of settlement is not a clear picture for everyone and there is no particular timeline that could apply to all newcomers. Some people come here and live their lives never actually feeling like they have found their home here. Some arrive and integrate and contribute to their new communities almost immediately. Presentation Data: Canada receives from 250,000 to 300,000 immigrants each year. Top source countries include China, India, Philippines and Pakistan. British Columbia is one of the top provinces of choice for immigrants Immigrant population constitutes 17.2% (12,935) of the total population in Maple Ridge. Immigrant population constitutes 22.5% (3,990) of the total population in Pitt Meadows According to Statistics Canada NHS Profile 2011 and Citizenship and Immigration Canada Statistics, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows has received an average number of 326 landings per year in both communities From 2010 to 2012 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Census reported 765 new permanent residents in Maple Ridge and 200 in Pitt Meadows. The languages most spoke by immigrants that live in Maple Ridge are German, Punjabi, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Farsi, Dutch, Russian. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

7 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 7 Based on the statistical information, it is noted that the majority of immigrant population coming to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows belong to a second migration or who were first generation immigrants before This explains the difference between recent landings and the total population of immigrants The process of integration and contribution according to the Federal and Provincial governments include the following steps in the integration process. From the four steps mentioned, only the first one happens outside Canada and the next three within Canada. The steps of settlement, adaptation, and contribution are portrayed as a linear process, where an individual or a family first gets settled when they get to learn the language and employment, then adapted and contributing as part of a community. Unfortunately, through the experiences of service providers, it is obvious that these steps are not clear cut and there are immigrants who have been in Canada for more than 20 years who continue to need supports despite their continuous effort in working and taking training in English. From 2010 t Census reported 765 new permanent residents in Maple Ridge and 200 in Pitt Meadows The Welcoming Communities program focuses on all parties having a common vision to support the integration of New Immigrants. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

8 8 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Panel Presentations Kiran Rai, Mental Health Coordinator - Family Education and Support Centre Kiran is the child of immigrant parents and is the Mental Health Coordinator of Family Education and Support Centre. She holds a Master s Degree in Education from Simon Fraser University. Kiran noted that immigrants are critical to Canada s economic well-being. She explained how society tends to put the mental health of immigrants in the background, placed behind physical, educational and employment needs. In the process of immigration, Kiran has recognized that there are many factors that affect the mental health of immigrants. There are some similarities in the values of immigrants, including education, wanting a good life for their children, freedom from persecution. She noted that the Government promotes Canada as safe and prosperous however, the immigrant experience may not always reflect this. Kiran presented a document titled Adapting to a New Language and Culture : Adapting to a new culture and to a new language is a difficult process for most immigrants. The process of adaptation can be broken down into five distinct stages. The five stages are: Honeymoon Stage: Immigrants are initially fascinated with life in their new country. There is a high degree of approval and positive feelings about everything that is Canadian. The exception could be refugees who have extremely difficult experiences in detaching from their home countries and experience fear and trauma when arriving to Canada. Culture Shock: Immigrants become overwhelmed with the reality of dealing with life in their new country. The challenge of dealing with housing, shopping, schooling and medical needs, as well as the strain of trying to comprehend and communicate in a second language. This stage can often result in severe mental fatigue and depression. Initial Adaptation: At this stage, everyday survival needs such as employment, housing, transportation, medical needs and schooling have been dealt with and life has settled into a satisfactory routine. The immigrant is not fluent in English but is able to communicate and understand at the basic level needed to survive on a day to day basis. Mental Isolation: At this stage, immigrants often feel lonely and alienated. They miss not only their native country, their families but they also feel that they cannot express themselves well enough in English to cope fully with the needs of life in their new. country. Some immigrants will remain at this stage and choose to live and work in their ethnic communities as the only way of dealing with their feelings of alienation and their lack of confidence in using their second language. Acceptance and Integration: At this stage, immigrants not only begin to accept the cultural values and the life style of their new country but also begin to feel comfortable expressing themselves in their second language and dealing with native speakers at both a cultural and linguistic level. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

9 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 9 Panel Presentations Maruška Jankova Maruška Jankova is a Level 4 ELSA Student at ISSof BC. Maruška arrived to Canada 3 years and 5 months ago from the Czech Republic. When Maruška arrived to Canada, she knew two English words: Hi and Bye. She was determined to adapt to her new home and studied every day, by herself. She would read the dictionary on a regular basis to try to build her English language skills. Maruška stated that when she arrived, she held a one-dimensional view of Canada that was depicted to her through media in her homeland. She stated she went through a bit of culture shock when she arrived to Canada. One of her biggest challenges was understanding the rules of her new country. She came with a visitor s visa and then was told to apply for a student visa. She was not in an economic position to be a student in Canada, she needed a job. She then applied for a permanent resident visa. It was difficult for the first year and a half for Maruška as she waited for a letter from immigration. During this time, Maruška discovered the services of ISSofBC. To her delight, she learned that ISSofBC offered FREE, English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) courses. Maruška explained that she was scared to start the classes but she realized how important it was for newcomers to know the language. With trepidation, Maruška participated in her first ELSA class and expressed that she felt 100% comfortable in this environment after her first class. There were many others, with similar determination to understand the English language and they were all very friendly and nice. She said the staff at ISSofBC made her feel very comfortable, welcomed, and excited to learn. Maruška explained that ELSA was much more than just learning the language. She learned about her new community, transportation, about Canadian culture and customs and many other topics that would help her adapt to her new home. Maruška s eloquent and engaging presentation is a testament to the success of ELSA and to the potential positive outcomes for newcomers who work hard to adapt to their new country. One dialogue participant noted that Maruška s presentation was her favorite part of the dialogue. She commended Maruška for her drive and determination and ability to speak so well in front of an audience. Florentina Takako Iimuro. Florentina was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil from Japanese parents. After finishing her University course she was granted by a scholarship and went to Tokyo, Japan. There Florentina met her husband, that is Korean. He also was studying in Japan. They were married in Japan and they had their first son in Tokyo. After finishing their studies they went to Korea where they had 3 more children. Florentina arrived in Canada in December of Her son arrived to Canada first and she followed with a permanent resident visa. During the time of her arrival, news had been circulating about the taser incident of a Polish immigrant at the Vancouver International Airport. She admitted to being quite frightened to travel to Canada but once she arrived she stated her experience was pleasant and that she felt relieved and grateful that she immediately felt welcomed upon arrival to Canada. Florentina s son and his family had settled in Maple Ridge. They were accustomed to living in large metropolis areas and wanted to try living in a smaller community. When Florentina arrived she could speak a little bit of English and stated that this greatly helped her to adapt. Florentina was led to WorkBC and was then led to ISSofBC. She found both to be very helpful to her, especially ISSofBC, where she has met many good friends. One of the biggest challenges Florentina has experienced since her arrival is becoming certified in her profession as a Dentist. She explained that in Korea it was much less difficult to become certified. In Canada she has unfortunately failed her exams for certification and is currently studying to obtain her certification while she cares for her children at home. Overall, Florentina expressed that she is very happy in her new home in Maple Ridge and is optimistic about her future and the future for her children. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

10 10 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Settlement and Integration Issues Gil Aguilar, Agricultural Workers Alliance Gil Aguilar is coordinator of the Surrey Support Centre of the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA-Surrey), where he works with migrant agriculture workers who come to work in Canadian fields, who often face hardship and discrimination. Gil is also a member CIPO-VAN, a Vancouver-based organization working alongside indigenous communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. AWA-Surrey promotes the recognition of the value of migrant agriculture workers while raising awareness about the conditions of exploitation, inequality and workplace discrimination that they face. AWA-Surrey supports workers from Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean who come to Canada as part of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and provides advocacy in cases of violation of migrant workers labour and human rights. Gil began his presentation with a sobering Trivia Game where he described a number of different human rights violations, exploitations, inhumane living conditions, and physical injuries that had taken place. He asked the audience to identify which country they would name as the place of such horrific incidents. Ultimately, it was discovered that each atrocity had occurred in Canada (Winnipeg and Kelowna), involving Temporary Foreign Workers. Gil went on to explain that Temporary Foreign Workers can only contract with one employer. This means that they cannot change employers if they need to quit their jobs. This sometimes causes a willingness of the TFW to bear with many unacceptable conditions and situations. He stated that their fragile situations keep TFW s silent for fear of losing the contract in Canada and being sent back to their home country. Most TFW s come to Canada seasonally to provide for their families in their homeland. Because they spend about eight months of the year in Canada and four in their home country, it is safe to say that they are temporary residents in their homeland. There are workers who have come for the last twenty years- eight months every year and have been detached from their families and see their kids every year. In reality, they are temporary at home because they spend less time of a year in their home country. The temporary program exist since 1966 and in BC, there have been up to 5,000 temporary workers reported in Gil reported that workers typically spend eight months of every year in Canada, some for the length of twenty years who then find themselves estranged from their own families as they in effect become temporary residents in their countries of origin too. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

11 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 11 Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have approximately 400 workers from Guatemala, Mexico, Philippines and Jamaica. Most of the food that is locally grown or raised and adorns our dining tables has been processed by TFW s. However, very little is known about this significant group of individuals. Most TFW s are not welcomed and included in the communities that they support through their hard work and taxes. Gil referred to TFW s as the invisibles, who are more often than not, treated as disposables. They contribute to CPP and EI in every paycheque, however, they do not enjoy the benefits of their contributions. For instance, somebody that has contributed for years to EI cannot claim at any point. Many of the TFW have issues of translation and transportation. They can go to a doctor, but cannot communicate because of their low levels of English. Translation to medical terminology is also a delicate issue because the translator has to be qualified or be familiar with the medical terminology and available at the time of the medical appointment. They face issues of transportation; living far away at their workplace - the farms. TFW do not own vehicles, not even bikes, are far away from bus routes, and depend on the good heart of the owner and other contributors like churches to give them a ride or provide the supports so that they can do their groceries. Temporary agricultural workers have hopes want to stay and make a life for themselves in Canada. Unfortunately, they cannot apply. Gil Aguilar stated that the first step in the community is to recognize that they exist. The second step is to create partnerships with organizations and community members to support. Immigration is shaping our communities and we need to respond to these changes. For more information on AWA, please visit: WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

12 12 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Settlement and Integration Issues Bob Gabriel, ISSofBC Bob is the Co-Manager of the Settlement and Integration Program at Immigrant Services Society of BC. Bob oversees both the Maple Ridge and Langley Offices Each of these offices offers 3 streams of Services: Settlement, Employment and Community Connection Services. Bob began his presentation explaining the adjustment process for immigrants to a new culture take different times for different individuals. This mirrored the presentation made by Kiran Rai, describing the five phases of adaptation: Honeymoon, Culture Shock, Initial Adjustment, Mental Isolation and finally, Mental Isolation. Bob presented statistical information on clients they serve. These were: 32% Korean 34% Iranian 11% Chinese 3% Russian 2% Indian And less than 1% Laos, Kazakstan and Colombia As a result, the languages most spoken by the clientele are Fari, Punjabi, Slovak, Korean and Russian. He went on to describe some of the prevalent settlement issues for new immigrants as: Lack of knowledge of Canadian system : Transportation, Education, Housing,Banking, Health, Labour market. Language barrier: reading, writing, listening, speaking skills Require translation and interpretation services Time management challenges between work, family responsibilities, upgrading skills: English, adult education, trainings. etc Adjusting to weather conditions Childcare issues Isolation: lack of social support Credential equivalency is not done on time Lack of employability skills: computer literacy. Numeracy, Working with others, Oral and writing communication. Finding a job Unemployed /Underemployed Low Self esteem Limited free local ethnic newspaper Bob described the challenges for service provider as: Wide range of age groups in organizing workshop Clients come when they need the service. Many clients do not like to commit to specific action plan because of other competing responsibilities: family, time, work etc. Local businesses do not have job openings with the flexibility to meet the needs of certain client group: mothers with school age children Many clients expect us to find a job for them WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

13 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 13 Bob then explained who is eligible and ineligible for services from ISSofBC Eligible: Permanent Residents: Live in Caregivers Family Class Skilled Workers Provincial Nominees Canadian Experience class Business class : Investors, entrepreneurs Person who has been selected to become PR Refugees: GAR, Refugee claimants, Joint Sponsored Refugee Naturalized Canadian Citizen Non eligible Temporary workers International Students Visitors Bob then presented recommendations for Service Providers: To make the community aware of the services available by: Joint effort among service providers to promote the services Exchange and post information about each service provider at their location Attending community events: Fairs, interagency meetings, etc Knowledge of what each service provider offers Collaboration between service providers in community outreach Suggestions for client action: Use services available in the community Attend workshops as much as they can Attend English classes and practice it at home Get a mentor Be proactive Attend networking event to increase contacts Participate in community activities WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

14 14 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Settlement and Integration Issues Minna Kim, SWIS Worker - Settlement Issues Minna has been working with School District #42 Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows as a SWIS Worker since Her schooling background is in Social Work; a graduate of the Community Social Service Worker Program at Douglas College in 2005, and she enjoys her work with the new immigrant families within the community. Prior to working with SD #42, she worked in the Early Childhood Development sector with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. working with children aged 0-6 years of age and their caregivers. She then worked as a SWIS Worker with SD#43 Coquitlam from In her spare time, she coaches Muay Thai kickboxing, manages a Mixed Martial Arts /Muay Thai gym and is a retired competitor. She is also a single parent of a 14 year old boy whom she also coaches for competition in local tournaments. The primary focus of the school-based settlement service is to assist parents and their children with first year settlement needs. The emphasis is on facilitation of settlement and integration of newcomer families through referrals and cross-cultural education. More specifically, the program is intended to provide: Initial support and outreach to all newcomer families in the district Orientation and information workshops on school, community and settlement topics Needs assessment and action planning through settlement counselling Referral to appropriate school programs, community services and government resources Minna explained that approximately 59% of her clients are Temporary residents with work permits, with hopes of obtaining permanent residency. The top three countries of origin of her clients are: South Korea (working in restaurant industry) Philippines (woking as care-givers) England (working in medical profession) Minna described some emerging trends as being a great deal more live-in caregivers are arriving. She noted that many live-in caregivers have often worked in other countries prior to coming to Canada and have spent quite a bit of time away from their children. She stated once their children arrive, there is a significant challenge in getting to know each other again. Another noted trend is that many of the parents from the Philippines have been hired at Tim Horton s restaurants. Also, she noted that most parents who have arrived from England are medical professional. Minna stated that Temporary Foreign Workers can obtain SWIS services but must be non-fee paying to SD#42. Minna went on to inform the participants that her contract as the SWIS worker for SD#42 will end in 2014, under the new CIC mandate. She also strongly recommends to have a one stop centre (similar to Richmond and Surrey) for all types of immigrants, where access to language and a support system exists. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

15 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 15 DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDER PRESENTATIONS Henry Lu, Direct Service Provider for Newcomers Henry is a Settlement Worker at Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), working in Coquitlam and Maple Ridge since Henry assists new comers to settle down in Canada by providing one-on-one services and group orientation, as well as direct services such as form filling, translation, interpretation, case managing and referral. He speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. Henry is a Certified Translator of the Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC (STIBC) as well as an IRB (Immigration and Refugee Board) and ICBC accredited translator. Henry began his presentation with a slide show detailing the services of ISSofBC: Incorporated in 1972 as the first immigrant-serving agency in the province. Mission Statement Helping immigrants build a future in Canada Vision By 2015 Immigrant Services Society of BC will be known for its leadership in building a welcoming and inclusive Canada that recognizes the strength of our nation s diversity. Currently ISSofBC provides a variety of services to Lower Mainland immigrant and refugee communities, with established offices in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey and Tri-cities Recent expansion of ISS services in Maple Ridge, Langley and Squamish. ISSofBC Locations WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

16 16 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Direct Services Services offered through ISSofBC in Maple Ridge Building Together Settlement & Integration Program English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) program Building Together program offers: Settlement Services Employment Services Volunteer Connections The Building Together Settlement & Integration program team can provide the following: Orientation Provide clients with an overview of BC Society and/or introduction to BC Service Systems Counselling Provide personalized information and support to address family and personal adjustment issues; help with navigating service systems including schools, health care, housing and recreations; Assisted Access to Services Provide referral services to various community and government services and programs; help with completing government forms and applications; language and/ or cultural interpretation; help with career exploration, job search and credential recognition Life Skills and Education Topical Workshops and Short Terms Courses/Programs to help clients better deal with the challenges and demands of adaptation and integration Community Connection Assist clients to connect with longer-term BC residents through settlement mentoring, community events, field trips, and job fairs Service Bridging Provide information to other service providers on the needs of immigrant clients Food Bank SD 42 Continuing Education Center Child Development Center Work BC Family Education and Support Center Service BC BC Housing Ministry of Social Development Legal Service Society Access Pro Bono West Coast Domestic Workers Association and many others Settlement Services provided in the following languages: Cantonese Mandarin Korean Russian Farsi *Please note: Settlement services can be provided in any other language through translation support* Maple Ridge Building Together Staff For Settlement, Employment & Volunteer Connections please call Henry Lu Settlement Worker (Mandarin/Cantonese) ext Irina Loginova Settlement Worker (Russian) ext Isabel Lee Settlement Worker (Korean) ext Mojgan Heydarpour Settlement Worker (Farsi) ext Kim Abram Career Facilitator ext Yumiko King Volunteer Connections Facilitator (Japanese) ext WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

17 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 17 Direct Services Minna Kim, SWIS Worker Schools are one of the first points of contact for a newcomer family, therefore the Province of B.C throughout the Ministry of Advanced Education & Labour Market Development - Immigration Branch and the Ministry of Education joined efforts to create and implement SWIS program in schools. The majority of funding for settlement and adaptation services is provided by the Federal Government - Citizen & Immigration Canada. The SWIS program helps newcomer or existing immigrants students & their families with settlement needs to integrate in their new surroundings in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and in their new country, Canada by: Facilitating communication between families & school staff. Connecting families with appropriate school, community programs & resources through referrals depending on families settlement needs. Minna explained that most families have a great deal of needs at first. She takes baby steps with each family member but ultimately by the third year of working with the families, self autonomy becomes present. After this, Minna routinely checks in with the families and ensures that the lines of communication remain open and refers them to get further assistance when needed. Settlement services include a range of services provided to assist immigrants, refugees and other eligible clients meet their immediate settlement or on-going integration needs after arrival in Canada e.g. housing, employment, English courses, finances, healthcare, school, childcare, social insurance number, immigration issues, legal issues, counselling, driver s license, etc. The emphasis of the SWIS program is to facilitate settlement and integration of newcomer families through referrals/linkages to appropriate services and cross-cultural education. What can a SWIS Worker do? Serve newly arrived and existing immigrants students in the K-12 system and their immediate families Provide information and support to deal with settlement needs e.g. school registration, how to get around, types of housing, legal rights, how to get childcare, immigration issues, etc Provide support for adjusting to a new society e.g. understanding school culture, classroom expectations Enhance cross-cultural understanding between school staff and immigrant families Facilitate culturally-sensitive communication between school and families on non-academic issues Refer students/families to school, government and community services relevant to their needs WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

18 18 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Objectives For children Newcomer students are more engaged in the school system Newcomer students receive valuable information about school programs, after-school activities, future education, summer employment and other community resources Newcomer students are accessing school and after school activities Newcomer students are supported in conflict resolution For parents Newcomer parents are more familiar with Canadian culture and the school system Newcomer parents are more involved in school activities and their children s education Newcomer parents are supported in conflict resolution Newcomer parents are more aware of community and government resources Newcomer parents are accessing services/programs/networks within school and community For School Increase cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity of teachers and school staff Increase knowledge about community resources and needs of newcomers Minna s work goes well and beyond the basics of providing this above services for newcomer families. She is able to work with the entire family, including extended family and could have 7-8 needs assessments per family. After the initial needs assessment(s), Minna then finds ways to meet these needs. As Minna is able to do outreach at the home of families, she is sensitive to the circumstances of her clients. Minna often becomes a trusted source of support and assistance to the entire families of her clients enrolled in SD#42. For example, Minna described an occasion where a family had just arrived to Canada from Africa during wintertime. None of them were prepared for the cold weather. Minna sourced out and provided winter clothing to them all. Her description of their gratitude was incredibly moving and inspirational. Not only did she support this family with the necessities to endure a Canadian winter, Minna also continued to go above and beyond by helping to supply them with explaining the Canadian traditions, bicycles, and lunches for school. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

19 IMMIGRATION IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS 19 Gil Aguilar Agricultural Workers Alliance Agricultural workers have long been some of Canada s most exploited and vulnerable. Because of factors including poor legislation or the increasing consolidation of large agribusiness, farm workers have largely been excluded from having a voice in their employment conditions. Farm work continues to be one of the most dangerous in Canada. One study estimates that 120 deaths and 1200 injuries requiring hospitalization occur on Canadian farms each year. Since the 1990s, UFCW Canada has led the effort to improve conditions for agricultural workers, both Canadian and migrant workers. With 240,000 members across Canada, UFCW Canada is one of the largest private sector unions in Canada, with members in every aspect of the food industry; from the harvest, to food processing to grocery stores and restaurants. UFCW Canada has been an ally, advocate and champion for agriculture workers in Canada since 1980 successfully leading the campaign for justice, enhanced rights, safety, and a voice in the workplace for some of Canada s most exploited workers. Today, UFCW Canada is also the union for both domestic and migrant agriculture workers with collective agreements in place at locations in British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec. They are strong contracts that protect the right of both temporary and domestic workers to return to work the next year based on years of service. In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance, UFCW Canada also operates Canada s largest association for agriculture workers, with a network of 10 help centres across Canada where the rights of all farm workers come first no matter where they come from.since opening the first centre in 1992, UFCW Canada and the AWA have assisted literally tens of thousands of farm workers regarding abusive employers, unsafe workplace and housing conditions, medical treatment and Workers Compensation claims, parental leave benefits, health and safety training, as well as supporting the rights of agriculture workers to form a union. Gil explained that most TFW s in this region are from Mexico. Language is the first barrier encountered by most TFW s. AWA provides basic assistance to help individuals adjust however, deeper issues surface. Issues such as abuse, discrimination, exploitation and inhumane living conditions are only some of the challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Gil described a huge disconnect with Worksafe BC, Service Canada and the AWA. He spoke of institutional barriers and the need for direct links to bridge understanding. Gil also discussed how TFW s have little or no access to services provided to other classes of immigrants in the community. Service providers like workssafe bc,service Canada expect to have ideal clients, who have a clear understanding of the language, their rights and aware of their policies, rules and regulations. Gil stated that it is not the temporary worker who is at fault. It is not that they did not try, but that there are so many barriers for them to extend a permit, or pay the yearly taxes, and so on. Gil also brought up another important point that needs to be understood. Every temporary foreign worker contributes to the community and to Canada. They want to be a part of the community, they want to feel welcomed and included. They also want to be treated with dignity and equity. As we all do. Some of the recommendations to the community is to engage the community in small projects such as a bicycle sharing program, which is a program that teaches agricultural workers to take care of their safety and regulations. If changes cannot be done at the different levels of government, it is better to start at a small community level with leaders and local organizations The second recommendation is to create a civil commission to make the public aware of who are the Temporary agricultural workers in the communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and also be aware of their situation. The civil commission is like a watchdog organization who will ensure the community knows about who Temporary Foreign Workers are, where they are and advocate for transparency between employers and workers. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KATZIE

20 20 IMMIGRATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIALOGUE Overview Two major concerns were clearly identified during this dialogue 1) The lack of support and services provided to TFW s including English language training, medical attention, transportation, communication, information on rights and responsibilities, community participation. 2)The potential changes in service provision once CIC takes over Immigration and Settlement Services Bob Gabriel and Minna Kim expressed that next spring, funding for newcomers and temporary foreing workers will be switching to the Federal Government. This creates a problem for service providers as clients will be discontinue receiving services essential to their settlement. OTHER COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC A local lawyer mentioned that she did not know that temporary foreing workers had access to settlement services through the SWISS program. This raises the need to publicize more the programs that are available in the community. There was as recommendation from Sprott Shaw partner to record the successful outcomes of present programs to continue receiving funding. Government. Government need to know that their funding creates positive outcomes for individuals. Vicky Kipps from Maple Ridge and Community Centre also recommended a program existing in the community where counselors are available in the evenings and weekends and the challenge would be the translation. Henry Liu mentioned that the volunteer program at ISS of BC could provide with volunteer translators, however he also recognized that translators for medical translators would need to be official translators as the information translated is highly delicate and need to be accurate for the client to understand his medical conditions.. GP for Me is also an initiative in BC for community members in finding a family doctor. Eysa Alvarez asked to Maruska Jankova if she feels welcome in the community. She expressed a very enthusiastic YES. She mentioned that at her school (ISS of BC) she has a place to connect with others and she has been able to find employment despite being in a lower English level class. She was quite pleased about immigrating to Canada. WELCOMING COMMUNITIES PROGRAM MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS KAITZE

21 This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This project would not be possible with out cooperative collaborations between numerous stakeholders in the community. We are grateful for the participation, expertise and guiding support of every individual and organizaton. COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Kaitze Community Network Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation District of Maple Ridge and Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Parks and Leisure Services. Sprott Shaw College School District # 42 Family Education and Support Services Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge, BC V2X 2V1 Phone: (604) Ext. 109 & 110 Fax: (604) iss@familyed.bc.ca Website: Welcoming Communities Program Coordinators: Avexnim Cojti Tannis Sullivan Kim Angel