Working Group 1: Access to Information & Services
Goal
Immigrants and community stakeholders all have access to current and relevant information and resources to facilitate settlement and integration.
Background
Importance of adequate programs & services
- In general, people who used settlement services are more likely to perceive a better-than-expected settlement experience.
- 61.8% of immigrant survey respondents used settlement programs or services to help with their new life in Canada.
- Only 50% of community service providers believe that newcomers have access to adequate settlement and language services.
- 40% of employers are concerned that immigrant applicants will not have the language skills and soft skills (e.g. communication skills) to do the job. Employers suggested “providing more post-employment coaching and support for immigrants on soft skills.
Dissemination of information about services
- Only 36.4% of community service providers believe “newcomers have a good understanding of the community services available on the North Shore.”
- Just over one third (36.1%) of immigrants surveyed did not know there were services to help.
- 62.7% of respondents learned about settlement services from friends or family versus 34.4% through internet searching, 34.4% through the CANN package received at airport, and 24.5% of through the WelcomeBC site.
- Non-official language speaking immigrant participants are most likely to suggest having more information about key services in different languages and better interpretation services.
Regional disparities in service access
- Immigrants in the District of North Vancouver and District of West Vancouver report facing greater difficulties in accessing employment services.
Objectives
Objective 1: Increase the capacity of North Shore institutions and community service providers to address the needs of North Shore immigrants
Actions:
- Broadly promote and disseminate all NSIIP communication materials, research reports and consultation summaries.
- Identify, promote and disseminate information about training, events, promising practices and tools related to immigration, cultural diversity and inclusion across the community of stakeholders.
- Conduct annual survey of settlement related services to identify emerging trends and service delivery opportunities and challenges (waitlists, service gaps, capacity vs. demand).
- Research, identify and share information about sources of funding and other supports to address service delivery gaps and challenges.
Objective 2: Improve dissemination of information to immigrants, service providers and the community at large in print, in person and on-line
Actions:
- Compile and distribute an inventory of North Shore immigrant focused programs and services.
- Provide information and tools to community agencies to review and revise their service information and communications materials to align with best practices for English language learners.
- Research and share promising practices related to improving and increasing communication, outreach and engagement of immigrants.
- Work with local media to increase publication of success stories and articles related to immigrant integration on the North Shore.
Our Achievements
2020/21
- Liaised with North Shore library partners to access and distribute technology (tablets and cell phones) to vulnerable NSMS clients through the Telus “Take It Home” technology grant
- Developed a Multilingual resource sheet including important resources and information on health, mental health, and other topics related to COVID-19
- Organized a virtual 2-part Forum in May & July 2020) focused on experiences of and supports for Multicultural Seniors in age-friendly North Shore communities. Event was designed & hosted in partnership with Lionsview Seniors Planning Society, Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre, and City of North Vancouver
- Hosted a virutal 2-part NSIIP Service Provider’s Forum in Feb 2021. Agenda included presentations on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on immigration trends in Canada and the lives of North Shore im/migrants
- Collaborated on the dissemination of NSMS client survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 on service usage & community attachment
- Developed a Legal Services on the North Shore resource sheet including important information on available multilingual services
2019/20
- Hosted the NSIIP Service Provider’s Forum in Nov 2019: Working Together for Improved Immigrant Inclusion. Agenda included presentations about updates demographic information and workshops about service planning for unique populations (early years, seniors, temporary permit holders)
- Created and distributed a language and literacy survey in collaboration with Capilano University
- Delivered Community presentations on immigrant demographics and implications for data-informed services planning
- Updated NSIIP online inventory of local diversity trainers
- Conducted community research on North Shore immigrant service utilization & community attachment/belonging
2018/19
- Organized and co-hosted a half-day forum in Jan 2019- “Brave Conversations: Shifting Systems towards Inclusivity”, with the Centre for Diversity & Innovation (CDI)
- Delivered community workshop on Clear Language and Design (CLAD) principles for North Shore service providers
- Printed and disseminated multilingual business cards for emergency first responders on the North Shore
- Presented demographic findings and immigration trends to municipal representatives
2017/18
- Developed North Shore Quick Look: Demographic Info Sheet (PDF)
- Delivered community presentations on immigrant demographics
- Continued piloting literacy audits at North Shore organizations
- Concluded social media pilots at North Shore organizations (report, recommendations)
- Organized We Speak Translate: Introduction and Policy Discussion session through partnership with Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
2016/17
- Updated information on North Shore services for www.NewtoBC.ca (City of North Van, District of North Van, District of West Van)
- Launched pilot literacy audits at North Shore organizations
- Researched new ways of communicating with newcomers via social media, with specific attention to WeChat, Telegram, and Kakaotalk to improve outreach to Chinese, Iranian, and Korean clients
- Organized two NSIIP forums in March 2017 and November 2017. Agenda included presentations and training, and sharing of updated demographic information and the newly released 2016 census data
Resources
- North Shore Immigration Quick Look (2018) [PDF]
- Diverse North Shore – Demographic Map (2018) [PDF] [Interactive]
- North Shore English Language Learner Students (ELL) – Demographic Map (2018) [PDF] [Interactive]
- North Shore Immigrant Seniors & Children Demographics (2018) [PDF] [Interactive]
- Report from social media pilot at the North Shore Multicultural Society (2017) [PDF]
- Recommendations on reaching newcomers through alternate social media platforms (2016) [PDF]
- Diversity Trainers List (2016) [Online]
Members
- Alison Campbell, North Vancouver District Library
- Alyssa Hamer, Capilano University
- Christine Leipscher, District of West Vancouver Fire & Rescue
- Danisha Popatia, Office of MP Terry Beech
- Ellen Clague, Parkgate Community Services Society
- Emily Palmer, North Shore Multicultural Society
- Jill Lawlor, District of West Vancouver
- Kevin Bracewell, North Vancouver RCMP
- Lynne Block, West Vancouver School District
- Lynn Brockington, West Vancouver Memorial Library
- Nick Bell, West Vancouver Police Department
- Michelle Lebeau, Capilano University
- Peri Mainwaring, North Vancouver RCMP
- Perviz Madon, North Shore Family Services
- Shideh Taleban, North Vancouver City Library
- Wendy McCulloch, North Shore Multicultural Society
NSIIP is grateful to hold its activities on the traditional, ancestral, unceded, and occupied territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səlilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples.
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