Communities
FAQ - Community
What is the Local Immigration Partnership?
Across Ontario, there are more than 30 Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) organizations. LIP’s, as they are often referred to, are a coordinating body that works with various partners to create more welcoming communities for newcomers. Much of the work that LIP does is focussed on facilitating community planning, helping educate communities about the benefits of immigration, and conducting research which advances the overarching goal of attracting newcomers. The program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and administered by Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus in the Lanark-Renfrew County regions.
Why is an immigration attraction strategy important for Lanark and Renfrew Counties?
Rural areas of Ontario, including Lanark and Renfrew Counties, are aging. Declining birth rates, youth out migration and an aging population are applying significant pressure on the region’s labour market as many employers are struggling to attract both unskilled and skilled workers. Creating welcoming communities that attract immigrants to smaller communities can help address these labour market shortages. It also spurs entrepreneurial activity as many newcomers start up new businesses or purchase businesses that would otherwise be lost to a community. Communities that have more diversity are more attractive to immigrants as they choose where they will begin a new life in Canada.
Why is community collaboration so important to the success of Local Immigration Partnerships?
Welcoming communities are created through partnerships and collaboration with community champions and allies. These allies help the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) spread the word about the benefits of immigration and help bring other champions on board. They also help LIP’s address issues that surface in communities that can be detrimental to attracting newcomers, such as recent incidents of racism. The LIP works diligently to create roundtables where facilitated discussions can take place to develop strategies that continue to promote the many benefits newcomers bring to a community.
Does the Local Immigration Partnership offer training to employers and organizations?
The Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) program provides informational workshops and presentations to various community groups, organizations and employers that focus on how to create welcoming communities or inclusive workplaces. While the LIP does not offer formal training, it can provide information on where training such as “understanding your unconscious bias” can be accessed.
How can I become a community champion for the work the Local Immigration Partnership is doing?
We are always looking for new champions and allies to build on the work we are doing to create more welcoming communities. We like to feature these champions on our website by sharing their story of what inspired them to get involved in helping make their community more welcoming. We are also sometimes in need of additional advisory committee members who help guide our work. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about Local Immigration Partnerships.
FAQ - Newcomers
What is the Local Immigration Partnership?
Across Ontario, there are more than 30 Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) organizations. LIP’s, as they are often referred to, are a coordinating body that works with various partners to create more welcoming communities for newcomers. Much of the work that LIP does is focused on facilitating community planning, helping educate communities about the benefits of immigration, and conducting research which advances the overarching goal of attracting newcomers. The program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and administered by Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus in the Lanark-Renfrew County regions.
Does the Local Immigration Partnership team help newcomers fill out paperwork such as application for Permanent Residency?
We are not authorized to fill out any paperwork on your behalf. However, please get in touch to get connected to the right community resources. The Government of Canada website has a great deal of important information that can support newcomers.
How do I apply to become a Canadian Citizen?
What are the requirements/steps? Who do I talk to when I am stuck with paperwork? Is the paperwork available in my language? Is my English/French good enough? Where can I go for the actual assessment?
We can’t advise you on your citizenship journey. We can connect you with community members who have been through it, as well as the government office responsible for answering these kinds of questions. Please contact us source of information.
Do the Local Immigration Partnership staff speak any other languages, for example French or Arabic?
At this time our staff can serve you in English and French only, but please contact us about the possibility of translation services. We may also know a community volunteer who speaks your language.
I would like some help learning English. Who do I ask?
There are lots of English as a Second Language (ESL) opportunities in the area. A great place to start is your local library or school board. Talking to local volunteers, co-workers, family members and friends in English on a regular basis can also really improve your English skills. Please feel free to contact us for tips to access ESL resources.
Can Local Immigration Partnership help me find a job?
Our Local Immigration Partnership is connected to many regional employers. We can’t apply for a work Visa on your behalf, but we can help connect you with employment opportunities and support your journey to employment. The Local Immigration Partnership program in Renfrew and Lanark Counties is administered by Algonquin College and the College delivers employment services for the province of Ontario in both Pembroke and Perth. These offices can help you with preparing a resume and cover letter while also working with you to find job postings that match your skills. Please contact us so we can refer you to a local employment services agency.
There is no public transportation here. How do I get to work, school or shopping?
This is something our communities are working on! Until a public transportation option is available, please contact us to connect with local volunteers who may be able to give you rides and support your journey to getting a Canadian driver’s license.
How do I access healthcare here? What do I need to do?
The Local Immigration Partnership has identified this informational gap for newcomers in our communities. We are developing a report to provide you with this information. Stay tuned.
What is the weather like in Lanark and Renfrew County?
Lanark and Renfrew County has a semi-continental climate, with a warm, humid summer and a very cold winter. Winters in these areas are severe. Snow depths of greater than 1 cm are seen on about 120 days each year. Much greater depths of snow are also found in these areas than Toronto. Lanark and Renfew County, like other areas in Ontario, enjoys a sunny climate. Summers usually have a generous number of warm or hot sunny days. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from -15 °C to 27 °C and is rarely below -25 °C or above 31 °C.
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