YORK REGION Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities LEADING CHANGE FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY
LET S TALK INCLUSION WORKBOOK We want to hear from you about how to make York Region more welcoming and inclusive of the diversity that immigration brings so that all residents can achieve their full economic, cultural and social potential. Get involved by participating in York Region s Let s Talk Inclusion sessions or by hosting your own discussion. Join the Let s Talk Inclusion sessions in May 2015. Visit us online at YorkWelcome.ca/letstalkinclusion Join the online conversation Twitter: @YorkRegionGovt #InclusiveYR Instagram: instagram.com/yorkregiongovt Facebook: facebook.com/yorkregiongovt Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request. Contact: yrimmigrationpartnership@york.ca CONTENTS SECTION A: INTRODUCTION.............................1 SECTION B: HOSTING A LET S TALK INCLUSION SESSION........... 4 SECTION C: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.......................9 APPENDIX: IMMIGRATION AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN YORK REGION.. 11 ii York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION THANK YOU FOR JOINING YORK REGION S LET S TALK INCLUSION SESSIONS! Thank you for joining York Region s Let s Talk Inclusion initiative. You are an important part of this conversation about diversity and inclusion. This workbook is for individuals and organizations who want to lead a Let s Talk Inclusion session or provide their input into the discussion. This workbook has four sections: Introduction Hosting a Let s Talk Inclusion session Discussion Questions Appendix on immigration and cultural diversity in York Region Building strong, inclusive communities that promote and embrace diversity will help York Region continue to grow and prosper. These dialogues will allow participants to discuss ways to make York Region a more welcoming and inclusive community for all residents. Let s Talk Inclusion in York Region will be a series of dialogues that will take place over the year in each of York Region s nine municipalities beginning in May 2015. The initial phase of this initiative will be dedicated to immigration and cultural diversity. Following phases will focus on other dimensions of diversity such as gender, age, abilities, and sexual orientation. The information we get from these sessions will help inform the development of a York Region Diversity and Inclusion Charter. This workbook serves as a guide to help you host your own dialogues and discuss the questions we want you to answer. Before answering the questions, please review the appendix for background information on immigration and cultural diversity in York Region. You can also find additional information at www. YorkWelcome.ca and join online conversations on social media. Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 1
LET S TALK INCLUSION Why talk about inclusion? The path to inclusion in the community is not always clear. Part of the journey involves transforming perceptions of diversity and what inclusion means. Dialogue has the potential to bring to the surface views on diversity and inclusion that can help us transform how communities are imagined and shaped. Through dialogues, we experience a sense of sharing, connecting and growing. Hearing diverse stories helps us understand each other. By encouraging stakeholders and community leaders to talk with each other and share diversity stories, this initiative will explore how we can experience the benefits of diversity and uncover approaches to inclusion. Diversity commonly encompasses several dimensions such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, abilities, and sexual orientation. In this initial phase, we focus on the diversity that results from immigration, meaning immigrants and their children. Immigration is an important part of Canada s past and future development and economic growth. The integration of immigrants into society has made Canada the strong country it is. The continued integration of immigrants is necessary for the country to remain strong and prosperous. Like many communities, York Region is doing many things right in welcoming and supporting the integration of immigrants. But, like many communities, York Region faces challenges to the full inclusion of immigrants. York Region is hosting Let s Talk Inclusion sessions to get input from the community about how we can become a more welcoming and inclusive community. What will the Diversity and Inclusion Charter do? A Diversity and Inclusion Charter will express a vision for, and commitment to, creating a community that strives for equity and embraces, respects and values diversity. This Charter will also help identify the role that community stakeholders have in making York Region more welcoming and inclusive. What is the purpose of this Let s Talk Inclusion Workbook? This workbook is provided to help you host your own Let s Talk Inclusion sessionn with family and friends, in your community or at work. It allows you to summarize the discussions or provide your own views. This workbook poses a series of questions to help facilitate the discussion. This workbook also includes information in the appendix about immigration and cultural diversity in York Region. This information will help set the context for your discussion. 2 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
Who is leading the Let s Talk Inclusion initiative? The Let s Talk Inclusion initiative is led by the Municipal Multicultural Reference Group (MMRG). The MMRG includes all nine local municipalities within York Region along with York Regional Police, York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, three hospitals, Catholic Community Services of York Region and United Way. The MMRG is a working group of the Community Partnership Council (CPC), which was established by Regional Council in 2010 to support the integration of new immigrants. The CPC is co-chaired by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham, and Stephen Lam, Director, Catholic Community Services of York Region. The CPC collaborated with the Region to develop and implement The York Region Immigration Settlement Strategy. The development of the Diversity and Inclusion Charter is one part of the Strategy that will help make York Region more welcoming and inclusive. HOW TO USE THIS WORKBOOK Complete it individually You can complete this workbook on your own and submit your responses. Host a discussion with your family and friends, in your community, or at work You can host an informal discussion with your family and friends. You can also host a more formal discussion in your community, place of worship or at work. See page 8 for ways to submit the information to us. OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED You can also participate in the Let s Talk Inclusion sessions online by submitting your answers through an online survey or join the conversation on social media. Visit us online at YorkWelcome.ca/letstalkinclusion Join the online conversation Twitter: @YorkRegionGovt #InclusiveYR Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/yorkregiongovt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yorkregiongovt Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 3
SECTION B: HOSTING A LET S TALK INCLUSION SESSION BEFORE YOUR EVENT 1. Determine the type of event you want to have You can choose the type of event you want to host. It can be anything from an informal discussion with friends or family over a meal to a more formal discussion at your workplace, place of worship or community organization. You may also choose to work through the workbook on your own. There is no magic number for these discussions. But if you have a large group of more than 10, you might want to divide the participants into smaller groups. This gives everyone a chance to speak and be heard. 2. Help create interest in the Let s Talk Inclusion sessions Before your Let s Talk Inclusion session, you can share this workbook with participants to get them thinking about the issues before they come to the discussion. You can also help create interest in the nine municipal Let s Talk Inclusion sessions by joining the online conversation on York Region s social media channels. You can share information and insights about the immigration issues that you are passionate about and believe are crucial to strengthening the future of York Region. You and your guests are encouraged to use social media to share your thoughts, photos, quotes or more about diversity and inclusion in York Region using the hashtag #InclusiveYR. 4 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
AT YOUR EVENT Prepare to summarize the discussion for us Getting your input is important to us. Please have someone take notes during the discussion to ensure all comments and ideas get back to us. You can print the workbook, summarize your discussions in the space provided and mail the workbook back to us. You can also send us your input online. See page 8 for ways to submit information. Getting the discussion started Here are some tips for facilitating your own Let s Talk Inclusion session. 1. Introduce yourself. Share your name, background and why you decided to host a Let s Talk Inclusion session. 2. Invite participants to introduce themselves and talk about why they wanted to be part of this discussion. 3. Review the discussion guidelines that will ensure that all participants feel comfortable sharing the issues that are important to them and their suggestions for making York Region a more welcoming and inclusive community. 4. If it is helpful, follow the schedule below to keep your discussion on track. The length of time needed for each activity will vary depending on the size of the group. Time Topic Speaker Resources Needed Outcomes 10 minutes Introduction Facilitator Workbooks for everyone Participants understand the purpose of the discussion and agree to guidelines for a respectful conversation 20 minutes Review Immigration and Diversity information presented in the Appendix Facilitator Participants have the context for the discussion One hour and 25 minutes Questions 1-6 Everyone One person assigned to be notetaker Pen and paper/ computer Summary of key points 5 minutes Wrap-up Facilitator One person agrees to provide a summary of the discussion back to us Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 5
GUIDELINES These are suggested guidelines that the group should agree to, to help ensure the discussion is respectful and inclusive of all points of view. Participants can also add to this list. No guilt, no blame. We all have a different point of view on these issues depending on our background and experience. Everyone should be able to participate in this discussion without feeling guilty or blaming others, as long as they remain respectful. Everyone s perspective is equally valuable. Remember a dialogue is not a debate. We are not here to convince others or change another person s perspective. Everyone s viewpoint is to be respected and valued. Join the discussion. Everyone s perspective is equally valuable. Please share your opinions by joining the discussion. Have fun! These are serious issues, but that doesn t mean you can t have fun. We hope you enjoy the discussions. Keep the conversation going. This is a great opportunity to meet others who care about immigration and cultural diversity and hear their perspectives. We hope you use the opportunity to make important connections and continue the conversation. 6 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
DISCUSSION TIPS These are some tips to help the facilitator lead the Let s Talk Inclusion session. DO Encourage everyone to participate. Focus on generating solutions. It is very easy for everyone to focus on problems. Encourage people to discuss what can be done to address the problems they have identified. Share your great ideas and photos (as long as you have permission from the people in the photograph) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Use the #InclusiveYR hashtag on all your social media posts. DON T Manage the conversation too closely. While you may need to move the discussion along, as much as possible, let it flow freely. Be judgmental or dismissive of any person s comments or ideas. The group does not have to agree. Remember that everyone s opinions are equally valid. Promote argument or unproductive debate. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone. Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 7
AFTER YOUR EVENT Once the discussion and ideas have been summarized, you can fill in this workbook and send it to us. You can also submit the information online. Please summarize the discussions and send them back to us by May 30, 2015. There are a few ways to provide your feedback: Online YorkWelcome.ca/letstalkinclusion By email yrimmigrationpartnership@york.ca By mail Regional Municipality of York Region Community and Health Services 2nd Floor, 17250 Yonge Street Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W5 Attention: Local Immigration Partnership By fax 905-895-6616 Attention: Local Immigration Partnership WHAT WE WILL DO WITH THE INFORMATION Once the nine municipal sessions have been held and we receive information from individuals and organizations who have held their own sessions, York Region will: Summarize the information and identify themes from these discussions Report back to the community on the ideas discussed Use the input to help inform the development of a York Region Diversity and Inclusion Charter. 8 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
SECTION C: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS York Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada. Since 2006, approximately 10,000 to 13,000 immigrants settled in York Region each year. While the Region has done a good job of welcoming immigrants and creating inclusive communities, there is an opportunity to do better. We would like your input on how we can create more welcoming and inclusive communities by providing your thoughts on the questions below. As you respond to these questions, please feel free to refer to the data and information we have included in the appendix, your own personal experiences, and specific examples. If you think we have missed something or if you would like to add additional comments, please provide this information as well. Here are the discussion questions we would like your input on: What are we doing right? 1. How does York Region currently create a welcoming and inclusive community for immigrants? 2. In what ways has your community benefited from immigration? (Think of social, economic, and cultural examples.) Where can we improve? 3. What are some of the challenges that new immigrants face when they come to York Region? Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 9
Vision for an Inclusive York Region All institutions have a role to play in creating a welcoming and inclusive community. This could be through how they make policies, deliver services to diverse communities, hire newcomers and purchase goods and services promoting diversity and equality. 4. What do you think the various sectors in York Region can do to be more welcoming and inclusive of newcomers and cultural diversity? What can the local governments do? What can other public sector organizations, such as school boards and hospitals, do? What can businesses do? What can community organizations do? Each of us, whether we live or work in York Region, also have a personal role to play in creating a more welcoming and inclusive community for new immigrants. 5. As a result of having participated in this session, will you do anything differently? What is one thing you can do (or do differently) in your community or workplace to be more inclusive of immigrants? Other Comments 6. Do you have other comments and thoughts that you would like to add? Please let us know who participated in this discussion: An individual Group, please describe, e.g. family and friends, name of the host organization or community group, business, etc.: Number in the group: 10 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
APPENDIX: IMMIGRATION AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN YORK REGION York Region by the Numbers Ethnic origins in York Region were Chinese, Italian, Canadian, English and Scottish 3 Visible minority groups in York Region were Chinese, South Asian (e.g. East Indian), West Asian (e.g. Iranian), Black and Filipino 3 Languages spoken most often at home in York Region were English, Chinese (including Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Persian (Farsi) and Italian 4 1.1 million The number of residents in York Region 1 4,560 The Aboriginal population in York Region 3 10,700 The average number of new immigrants that land in York Region each year 6 There are more than 200 distinct ethnic groups in York Region 3 122 The number of distinct mother tongues spoken by York Region residents 3 43% 62% 45% 55% of the York Region population identified themselves as visible minorities 3 2031 The proportion of York Region s population projected to be visible minorities in 2031 5 The year in which immigration is projected to account for more than 80% of Canada s population growth, compared to 67% in 2011 8 of the York Region population is comprised of immigrants 3 The proportion of York Region s population projected to be comprised of immigrants in 2031 5 BY 2016 Immigration is estimated to account for 100% of net labour force growth in Canada 7 1 The Regional Municipality of York, Corporate Services, Long Range Planning Branch, Population Estimates by December 31st, 2014. 2 Statistics Canada, 2006 and 2011 Censuses. 3 Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey. 4 Statistics Canada, 2011 Census. 5 The Regional Municipality of York, Corporate Services, Long Range Planning Branch, 2031 Cultural Forecast Projection, 2012. 6 Citizenship and Immigration Canada, RDM, Permanent Residents Facts and Figures 2012 Data Extract. (average calculated from 2003 to 2012) 7 Kustec, Stan.The role of migrant labour supply in the Canadian labour market.citizenship and Immigration Canada, June 2012. 8 Statistics Canada. Census in Brief: Population growth in Canada: From 1851 to 2061, Ministry of Industry, 2012. Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 11
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION DIVERSITY Immigration brings a great deal of diversity to York Region WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION? To organizations Greater creativity and innovation Better decision making Increased employee satisfaction Reduced turnover and absenteeism Improved service delivery to a diverse client population Improved reputation To communities Stimulates economic growth Creates culturally vibrant communities Enriches the lives of all residents Prepares young people to thrive in a multicultural world and global economy 12 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
INTERSTING FACTS ABOUT IMMIGRATION Did you know that immigrants contribute to a vibrant economy? The Canadian economy is facing a demographic challenge. Canada s birthrate has been steadily declining over the years. 9 In addition, the size of the workforce is decreasing as a result of aging and retiring of the baby boom generation. To maintain a strong and vibrant society and economy, Canada needs immigrants to grow the population. Immigration is an essential component of a creative economy both in quantity and diversity. Immigration benefits all as it generates innovation through the international education and experience of skilled immigrants and brings in new global assets to a city. (Allies Canada, Maytree, Do immigrants take jobs away from Canadians?, 2015) Did you know that immigrants are important to York Region s economic vitality? Most immigrants who come to York Region are highly educated and come to work. Approximately 75 per cent of York Region s immigrants aged 25 to 64 who landed between 2001 and 2011 had post-secondary education. 10 Overall, research shows that immigrants boost and expand the Canadian economy and strengthen the country s global competitiveness. They also revitalize many communities across the country. Currently Canada is ranked 14th (out of a possible of 144) on The Global Competitiveness Index, 2014-2015. 11 Did you know that Canada is a nation of immigrants who integrate and become Canadian citizens? Immigration has long been an integral part of the growth and fabric of this country. Immigrants settle in communities throughout York Region, buy homes, become Canadian citizens, learn English and successfully integrate. New immigrants to Canada arrive with the intention to become Canadian citizens and to become part of the social fabric of this country. In 2011, over 85 per cent of the foreign-born population reported they had acquired Canadian citizenship. 12 This naturalization rate in Canada was higher than in any other major immigrant-receiving countries. For example, in Australia, 74 per cent of the country s foreign-born population was naturalized in 2011. In the United States, the naturalization rate among the foreign-born population was 44 per cent in 2010. 12 In 2011, about 87 per cent of the total immigrant population in York Region had knowledge of English, in addition to about 4 per cent who had knowledge of English and French. 13 Many newcomers to York Region take advantage of the English language learning services available and the demand for English language classes often results in waiting lists. 9 Statistics Canada, Canadian Vital Statistics 2011, Births Database, 1981 to 2011, Survey 3231 and Demography Division, demographic estimates 10 Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey, Custom Tabulations 11 World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2013-2014, 2013 12 Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey, NHS in Brief, Obtaining Canadian Citizenship, 2013 13 Statistics Canada, 2011 National Household Survey, Selected demographic, educational, labour force and income characteristics, mother tongue, immigrant status and period of immigration, age groups and sex for the population, Immigration and ethnocultural diversity topic-based tabulations Let s Talk Inclusion: Your Insights on York Region s Diverse Communities 13
Did you know that by 2031, 80 per cent of Canada s net population growth will come from immigration? Canada s birth rate is declining while our senior population is growing. The total fertility rate (number of children per woman) in Canada has steadily declined from 1.65 in 1981 to 1.61 in 2011. 14 In addition, from 2011 to 2031, the senior population of York Region is predicted to grow by 148 per cent, almost four times the growth rate of the total population. 15 The result is that skilled immigrants are needed to help fill vacant positions created as the economy expands. Even with Canada s strong educational and training system, there will still not be enough skilled Canadian-born workers to meet the needs of the labour market. Did you know that immigrants help boost the local economy? Many immigrants start their own businesses and create jobs for Canadian workers. In 2009, 19 per cent of immigrants were self-employed, versus 15 per cent of their Canadian-born counterparts. 16 The businesses started by immigrants cater to the diverse needs of our population and add to the economic and cultural vibrancy of our communities. In addition, many newcomers become homeowners in York Region. From 2001 to 2006, the rate of home ownership for recent immigrants in York Region was almost 77 per cent. This is a higher percentage than that for recent immigrants in the rest of the GTA (34 per cent). 17 The entrepreneurial and innovative talents of immigrants are a key driver of Canada s productivity and prosperity it is essential for Canadians to tap into this growing market. (Angela White, Segment Manager, Small Business Growth Strategies, RBC, 2014) 14 Statistics Canada, Canadian Vital Statistics 2011, Births Database, 1981 to 2011, Survey 3231 and Demography Division, demographic estimates 15 The Regional Municipality of York (2014), A Profile of Baby Boomers and Seniors in York Region, Newmarket, Ontario 16 Roy, M., Sidhu, N., and Wilson, B., The Economy and Resilience of Newcomers, 2014 17 The Regional Municipality of York, Changing Landscapes: Recent Immigrants living in York Region, 2011 14 York Region Creating Strong, Caring, Safe Communities
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Let s Talk Inclusion is an initiative of the Community Partnership Council and the Municipal Multicultural Reference Group. Community Partnership Council member organizations Catholic Community Services of York Region Central LHIN Centre for Immigrant and Community Services Ontario (CICS) Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) City of Markham Conseil scolaire Viamonde COSTI Immigrant Services Job Skills Mackenzie Health Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities - Employment and Training Division Seneca College Social Enterprise for Canada The Regional Municipality of York Town of Newmarket Town Of Richmond Hill TRIEC United Way of York Region Workforce Planning Board York Catholic District School Board York Region District School Board York Regional Police Municipal Multicultural Reference Group member organizations City of Markham City of Vaughan Mackenzie Health Markham-Stouffville Hospital Southlake Regional Health Centre The Regional Municipality of York Town of Aurora Town of East Gwillimbury Town of Georgina Town of Newmarket Town of Richmond Hill Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Township of King United Way of York Region York Catholic District School Board York Region District School Board York Regional Police LEADING CHANGE FOR A STRONGER COMMUNITY 6750_04_2015