A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 )

ACTION PLAN 2020 - 2025

JUNE 30, 2019 PEMBINA VALLEY LOCAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIP

A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

The Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) is a collaborative community initiative dedicated to improving immigrant integration. PVLIP is regional in scope and includes 13 municipalities in the Pembina Valley region of southern , including the communities of Winker, Morden, Altona, and Carman. Action plan 2020-2025 identifies and aligns the goals and objectives with the three priority areas identified by the PVLIP Local Partnership Council (LPC). This action plan is informed by the needs of newcomers as reported through research, the Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT), PVLIP consultations, and partner networks.

VISION

Connecting Cultures and Communities

MISSION

Enhancing collaboration, coordination and strategic planning at the community level that will foster more welcoming and inclusive communities while improving 2 INTRODUCTION settlement and integration outcomes for 3 - 4 BACKGROUND newcomers in the Pembina Valley. 5 - 6 CONTEXT MANDATE 7 - 14 ACTION PLAN PRIORITY 1 (8 - 9) The Local Immigration Partnership PRIORITY 2 (10 - 11) connects the voices of the Pembina PRIORITY 3 (12 - 13) Valley to identify and reduce barriers facing newcomers and to create 15 - 17 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY communities where everyone can feel 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS welcomed and belong. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 2

INTRODUCTION

Municipalities play a central role in delivering many services that impact the integration outcomes of newcomers. Communities across Canada are recognizing the importance of immigration by making it a main component of their plans for the future.

The Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) was established in July, 2017. The Local Partnership Council (LPC) was formed in April 2018 with members drawn from all levels of government, immigrant serving agencies, public institutions, health care, school division, law enforcement, employment services, human resources, and other key community stakeholders.

LPC members share a commitment to the core values of diversity, equity, and respect. The LPC recognizes the potential of all Canadians and encourages the integration of new immigrants through involvement in social, cultural, economic and political affairs. The LPC helps reduce sector silos by facilitating cross-sector relationships and providing a platform for collaboration and ongoing communication to supporting immigrant settlement, integration, and retention. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 3

BACKGROUND

Regional Connections is a newcomer serving organization that operates in the Pembina Valley region of . With a 30 history of providing settlement and integration services to newcomers, and in response to the rapid growth of immigration to the region, the organization's scope of activities has continually evolved and increased in response to the needs of newcomers and the communities in which they live. Since 1998, the rapid growth of immigration to the region led to further expansion of programs and services within Winkler and into Morden, Altona, and other communities in the region. As a result of the presence of Regional Connections in these communities, strong networks and partnerships with various community stakeholders were developed. As more immigrants and refugees arrived to the region, communication and collaboration within and between communities became increasingly important, but required a more formalized structure where high level stakeholders, partners, and community members could meet to discuss key issues and priorities for both newcomers and their host communities.

In 2015, Regional Connections answered a national Call for Proposals issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), for the establishment of a Local Immigration Partnership. Hosting a Local Immigration Partnership made sense as a natural progression of the need to collaborate with community stakeholders that had historically been a function of Regional Connections. The Local Immigration Partnership would bridge the gap by providing an opportunity to raise the level of communication and collaboration between stakeholders, partners and municipalities in the region. Regional Connections was successful in the bid for funding, and the Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) was born. The initial launch date of the PVLIP was slated for April 1, 2016, however, the national Syrian re- settlement response took priority, delaying the PVLIP start to the summer of 2017. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 4

The PVLIP is one of four Local Immigration Partnerships in Manitoba and part of a network of more than 79 Local Immigration Partnerships in communities across Canada. PVLIP provides a mechanism for cross-sector conversations about the impact of immigration to our region and provides a platform for communication and collaboration within and between communities, not only regionally, but also provincially and nationally. PVLIP represents both the needs of newcomers and the communities at large in strategic planning for the successful settlement of newcomers to the region, to collaborate on the development of a coordinated plan for growth, and to raise awareness of the components of a welcoming community. PVLIP was established to complement existing activities, identify gaps, build on current successes, and to encourage collaboration among federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

S U B M I T T E D B Y L A U R I E S A W A T Z K Y , R E G I O N A L C O N N E C T I O N S E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R , 2 0 0 4 - 2 0 1 8 A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 5

CONTEXT

The Pembina Valley is the south central region of the province of Manitoba. It is comprised of several rural communities including Altona, Carman, Emerson, Gretna, Manitou, Morden, Morris, Pilot Mound, , Rosenort, Somerset, Winkler and Rural Municipalities including Dufferin, Grey, Morris, Rhineland, Roland and Stanley. This region has a combined land area of 9,791 square KM (3,780 sq miles) and in 2011 reported a total population of 60, 656.

As PVLIP grows and develops, the long-term goal is to engage all communities and municipalities within the Pembina Valley region. However, as of 2019 and for the purposes of this Action Plan, 4 communities and 2 municipalities will be referred to: Winkler, Morden, Altona, Carman/Dufferin Municipality, and Rhineland Municipality.

WINNIPEG IS THE CLOSEST METROPOLITAN CENTRE.

MORDEN TO = 1.75 HOURS WINKLER TO WINNIPEG = 1.5 HOURS ALTONA/GRETNA/EMERSON TO WINNIPEG = 1.5 HOURS CARMAN TO WINNIPEG = 1 HOUR

THE TRAVEL TIME BETWEEN THE COMMUNITIES RANGE FROM 15 MINUTES TO OVER AN HOUR DRIVE AND RESIDENTS TRAVEL BETWEEN THESE COMMUNITIES TO ACCESS SERVICES AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 6

AGE AT IMMIGRATION: UNLIKE THE NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL PICTURE, THE MAJORITY OF NEWCOMERS TO THE PEMBINA VALLEY REGION ARE OF YOUNGER AGE, FOLLOWED BY ACTIVE WORKING GROUP AND THEN BY OLDER NEWCOMERS. THIS IMPLIES THAT ON AVERAGE, NEWCOMER FAMILIES DESTINED TO THE PEMBINA VALLEY REGION HAVE A LARGER NUMBER OF DEPENDENT CHILDREN COMPARED TO THE PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL AVERAGE.

125 75

100 57% 50 75

67% 50 31% 25 64% 25 26% 30% 12% 7% 0 6% 0 0 - 24 25 - 44 4455++ 0 - 24 25 - 44 45+

NEWCOMERS IN WINKLER AND MORDEN BY ADMISSION OF NEWCOMERS BY AGE AGE GROUP, 2016 CATEGORY, SOUTHERN MANITOBA, 2016

60%

40%

20%

0% ) ) ) ) ) ) ) % % % % % % % 7 3 6 8 7 9 1 3 2 2 4 5 4 2 ( ( ( ( ( ( ( a a n y y r a n b e it e le d o o d l l k a lt it r a n n n n o ip ta i a A a ic W M n S C M u M M R d n la POPULATION IN THE PEMBINA VALLEY REGION e in 2006 - 2016 h R MORE THAN HALF OF NEWCOMERS ARRIVING PERCENTAGE OF NEWCOMERS WITH MOTHER IN THE PEMBINA VALLEY SETTLE IN THE CITY OF TONGUE NOT ENGLISH OR FRENCH WINKLER (53.3%), FOLLOWED BY MORDEN (20.6%), AND BY ALTONA (8.3%).

THE PEMBINA VALLEY HAD THE FASTEST GROWING POPULATION OVER THE PAST DECADE AT 20% AND CONTRIBUTED ALMOST A QUARTER (24%) OF MANITOBA’S OVERALL POPULATION GROWTH IN THAT PERIOD.

THE RURAL REGION HAS WELL OVER HALF OF ITS RESIDENTS (61%) LIVING IN COMMUNITIES OF UNDER 1,000 PEOPLE A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 7

INTRODUCTION TO ACTION PLAN

The following Action Plan, produced by the three PVLIP Working Groups, has been informed by research, meetings, and consultations with stakeholders from across the Pembina Valley, with direction and guidance provided by the LPC and IAT throughout the process.

The Working Groups were created following the PVLIP Strategic Planning session of Oct 2018 to help produce and oversee the implementation of this Action Plan. This is a living document that will be evaluated on an annual basis by the LPC, with input from the IAT, and adjusted as necessary to meet new and/or emerging local newcomer needs.

PRIORITY 1: WELCOMING & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES When people arrive in the Pembina Valley, whether migrating from another country or moving within Canada, they benefit from a coordinated arrival strategy. Successful integration is about more than just finding a place to live and work. Collaborative efforts will help newcomers feel welcomed and attain a better sense of belonging.

PRIORITY 2: COMMUNICATION When people arrive in the Pembina Valley they need to be aware of and be able to access the options for support in their community. By providing newcomers with information on resources, supports, and activities in our communities, they will be able to select and access those that are of value to them.

PRIORITY 3: MENTAL HEALTH When people have equal access to care and organizational support they feel connected to their community. By promoting mental well-being, our communities can be proactive in supporting newcomers through the challenge of transition. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 8

PRIORITY 1: WELCOMING & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES

GOAL 1: The Pembina Valley will have A Cohesive Plan, Set of Processes, and Framework for being Welcoming and Inclusive

1.1 Develop a framework for being welcoming and inclusive that all LIP Staff, Researcher, Policy Y1 communities can implement. analyst, Facilitator Y2 Conduct Environmental Scan Develop plan to suit Pembina Valley

1.2 Develop processes for evaluating welcoming communities and ensure LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, MANSO, Y2 indigenous and francophone communities are included. Bi-Lingual Service Centre Y3 Explore Existing processes Discover Indigenous and Francophone champions Develop Evaluation process

1.3 Develop community connections throughout the region for initial point of LIP Staff, SPO, IAT, WG, Y1 contact supports and resources. Chambers of Commerce, Municipal Offices

GOAL 2: Easy Access to Community Resources

2.1 Support the development of a centralized information sharing network LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, WG’s Y3 Educate Stakeholders and newcomers on the value of using an inclusive and collaborative sharing network

2.2 Raise awareness for improved access and transportation to resources WG, LIP staff Y1 Educate on GoManitoba ride sharing Y2 Explore handivan models Create ride sharing campaign

GOAL 3: Celebrate Cultural Diversity

3.1 Promote cultures to raise awareness of the diversity and the strength that LIP Staff, Working Group, Y1 each bring to the region through education , festivals, and media SPO Y2 Promote indigenous cultures and awareness of historical significance in Y3 the settlement story Y4 Promote metis/francophone culture through awareness of historical Bi-Lingual Service Center Y5 significance in the settlement story Create Mobile Newcomer Story collection MANSO, Chambers of 'Shift Judgement to Curiosity' Newcomer panel to dispel myths on Commerce discrimination

3.2 Connect Cultures to each other for support and to foster better LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, MANSO, Y2 understanding of ethnic differences and strengths, which will promote a sense Bi-Lingual Service Center Y3 of well-being. Y4 Develop Ethno-cultural Council

3.3 Promote inter-cultural communication and diversity training LIP Staff, SPO, IAT, WG Y1 Promote inter-cultural and diversity training to foster understanding of Y2 respectful communication Y3 Y4 Y5 A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 9 A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 0

PRIORITY 2: COMMUNICATION

GOAL 4: Develop an inclusive and collaborative communication plan for the Pembina Valley

4.1 Explore best practices on delivering inclusive and easily accessible LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, SPO, Y1 community information and resources. Working Group Y2 Explore best practices on how to share community information/resources throughout a rural region Develop communication plan for the Pembina Valley Working Group, SPO, LIP Staff, Contracted Partner

4.2 Streamline and promote best methods for communicating information on Y1 events, activities, resources, and services for each community. Y2 Explore existing methods Y3 Educate benefit of using shared platforms WG, LIP Staff, IAT, LPC Y4 Promote plan regionally Y5 Evaluate plan

GOAL 5: Barrier Free Services

5.1 Explore the development of an ‘Interpretation Bank’ to be accessible LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, SPO, Y3 throughout the Pembina Valley. Working Group Y4 Conduct Community Scan on needs Engage Stakeholders/community support for development of Working Group, SPO, LIP Interpretation Bank Staff, Contracted Partner Determine Costs Recruit interested immigrant interpreters

5.2 Educate community leaders, service providers, stakeholders, and businesses WG, LIP staff, IAT, LPC, Y1 on the value of adding translation options to their websites. Chambers of Commerce Y2 Educate communities about We Speak Translate Y3 Evaluate success Y4 Y5

GOAL 6: Increase awareness of settlement services

6.1 Enhance coordination and promote connections amongst SPO's, immigrants, LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, SPO, Y2 employers, and businesses and industry organizations. Working Group Conduct knowledge sharing fair to bring together all sectors, newcomers, and SPO's to gain information and network with each other. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 1 A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 2

PRIORITY 3: MENTAL HEALTH

GOAL 7: Education

7.1 Promote awareness on mental well-being to newcomers to reduce stigma of LIP Staff Y1 accessing mental health supports Y2 Engage CMHA to conduct presentations to newcomer youth, young Y3 moms, families Y4 Access promotional MH materials for distribution at SPO and through LIP Staff, WG, IAT, SPO Y5 social media, website, and local agencies Work with SPO to direct newcomers to programs and events in place to address awareness on mental well-being Creation of a MH service provider “cheat sheet” for first responders, MH Service Providers, LIP service providers, employers, etc. Staff, WG, SPO

7.2 Host forum on cultural differences and mental well-being of newcomers to LIP Staff, IAT, LPC, WG Y2 MH Service providers Increase awareness of immigrant mental health and counselling needs to support healthcare practitioners and service agencies to recognize and appropriately address these needs

GOAL 8: Barrier Free & Culturally appropriate Mental Health Supports for All Newcomers

8.1 Increase local capacity to address mental well-being in culturally LIP Staff, SPO, Working Y1 appropriate ways Group Y2 Conduct environmental scan on current services and methods for providing MH support to newcomers Organize newcomer focus groups for input to MH service providers to Working Group, SPO, LIP understand newcomer needs in relation to MH Staff, Contracted Partner

8.2 Identify affordable & clearer pathways to guide newcomers to mental health SPO, LIP, WG Y1 service providers, regardless of status. Identify barriers for newcomers accessing the system, including focus on youth Collaborate to provide resource on how to navigate MH system in Mental Health Service Pembina Valley. Providers

GOAL 9: Research

9.1 Develop and support partnerships to research a Newcomer Specific LIP Staff, Working Group Y1 Community Mental Health Assessment Y2 Develop partnerships with researchers on mental health/newcomer Y3 health studies Y4 Collaborate with new partners to engage a newcomer specific Community Working Group Y5 Health Assessment Determine funding support to engage in research Support research by engaging in NC surveys, youth opinions, focus SPO, WG, LIP staff groups, forums, etc. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 3 A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 4

ABBREVIATIONS

CMHA Canadian Mental Health Association MH Mental Health CFP Call for Proposals NC Newcomers IAT Immigrant Advisory Table PVLIP Pembina Valley Local Immigration IRCC Immigration, Refugee, & Citizenship Partnership Canada RHA Regional Health Authority LIP Local Immigration Partnership SPO Settlement Provider Organization LPC Local Partnership Council WIC Welcoming & Inclusive Community MANSO Manitoba Association of Newcomer WG Working Group Serving Organizations WG’s Working Groups A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes the action plan of the Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP), established April 2017. PVLIP conducted various methods of information-gathering including an environmental scan, a survey focused on welcoming communities, and in-person consultations including focus groups and presentations with both newcomers and community stakeholders across the region, thereby updating and filling in gaps of current research data. In addition, research on the impact of immigration in the region initiated by the local service provider organization (SPO), plus formal research projects conducted by Immigration Research West and the Rural Development Institute in previous years, contributed to the strategic plan of the PVLIP.

Together with this research, combined with key input from the Immigrant Advisory Table, the Local Partnership Council (LPC) developed three priority areas: (1) Welcoming and inclusive Communities; (2) Communication; and (3) Mental Health. At the strategic planning meeting, 44 cross-sector stakeholders worked on identifying goals and objectives for each priority area, and working groups were established to develop action plans for each priority area.

The PVLIP action plan has been developed for a 5-year period to align with the next Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funding cycle. Each of the priority areas listed above have been further defined into goals and objectives that guide the activity of the action plan.

Priority 1 – Welcoming and Inclusive Communities When people arrive in the Pembina Valley, whether migrating from another country or moving within Canada, they benefit from a coordinated arrival strategy. Successful integration is about more than just finding a place to live and work. Collaborative efforts will help newcomers feel welcomed and attain a better sense of belonging.

The following three goals for Welcoming and Inclusive Communities were identified: (1) The Pembina Valley will have a cohesive plan, set of processes, and framework for being welcoming and inclusive; (2) Easy access to community resources, and; A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 6

(3) Celebrate Cultural Diversity. To achieve these goals, years 1 and 2 will largely consist of development, promotion, research, education and community outreach, setting the stage for implementation, ongoing development, and evaluation in Years 3 – 5.

Projected results of these goals are to identify community champions in each community, research targeted topics such as transportation, develop a Welcoming and Inclusive policy, create a centralized information sharing network, develop an ethno- cultural council, celebrate diversity with annual community events, and provide inter- cultural training opportunities.

Priority 2 – Communication When people arrive in the Pembina Valley they need to be aware of and be able to access the options for support in their community. By providing newcomers with information on resources, supports, and activities in our communities, they will be able to select and access those that are of value to them.

Communication is key to building a collaborative network in the region. The following three goals were identified: (1) Develop an inclusive and collaboration communication plan for the Pembina Valley; (2) Barrier free services, and; (3) Increase awareness of settlement services. To achieve these goals, the objectives in years 1 and 2 will review existing communication systems and identify areas for development such as promotion, education and community outreach, and others as identified. During Years 3 – 5, the process will be implemented, and will include ongoing engagement of community networks to build capacity to continue to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and to promote stakeholder and community collaboration. Ongoing research will be implemented and the communication process evaluated.

The result of the action plan will be a comprehensive and streamlined Communication plan to be promoted within stakeholders within communities and between communities in the Pembina Valley region. Other goals are to research interpretation A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 7

options for the region and to recruit interpreters. A focal point for this priority will be hosting a Knowledge Sharing Fair in January, 2022 to bring together all sectors, newcomers, and SPO’s as an educational opportunity and to increase network capacities.

Priority 3 – Mental Health When people have equal access to care and organizational support they feel connected to their community. By promoting mental well-being, our communities can be proactive in supporting newcomers through the challenge of transition.

Working together with the local SPO and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the LPC intends to achieve the following three goals: (1) Education; (2) Barrier free and culturally appropriate mental health supports for all newcomers, and; (3) Research.

To achieve these goals, years 1 and 2 will consist of developing processes to engage CHMA, the local SPO, and other local agencies, and will include an environmental scan on current support services for newcomers. Throughout Years 1 – 5, newcomer focus groups or round table discussions will be facilitated to identify barriers for newcomer access to mental health supports, while at the same time, working toward developing ongoing promotional, educational and other resources targeted at promoting mental well-being. In Years 3 – 5, research goals will include the development of research partnerships, and determining funding to support research to develop a newcomer-specific community mental health assessment. A highlight of this priority is a Mental Health Forum for the region, which will take place in January, 2022, followed by a evaluation or report from the region.

The establishment of the PVLIP as a platform for community-based planning provides stakeholders the opportunity to increase collaboration and the capacity to further address gaps and barriers affecting newcomers to further create welcoming communities. The priorities, goals and objectives of the PVLIP will be carried out through Action Plan 2020-2025. A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 8

Successful integration is defined as "the ability to contribute, free of barriers, to every dimension of Canadian life - economic, social, cultural and political."

"Integration is a two-way process, which involves commitment on the part of immigrants and refugees to adapt to life in Canada and on the part of Canadians to welcome and adapt to new people and cultures"

- Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada A C T I O N P L A N ( 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 5 ) P A G E 1 9

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks are due to the many groups and individuals whose work to ensure the Pembina Valley is a welcoming area includes and extends beyond the development and implementation of this action plan. Without the commitment of individuals from every sector, this plan would not be possible. In particular, the authors would like to acknowledge:

The volunteer members of the PVLIP Grandeur Housing Immigrant Advisory Group Industry Training & Employment The volunteer members of each Services working group LJS Consulting Altona Immigration Committee Municipality of Rhineland Centre de services bilingues|Bilingual Regional Connections Immigrant Service Centre Services City of Winkler Shopper’s Drug Mart Eden Health Care Services Western School Division Friesen’s Corporation Winkler Police Service

THE PEMBINA VALLEY LOCAL IMMIGRATION PARTNERSHIP IS MADE POSSIBLE BY: H: 295 Perry St, Winkler MB R6W0K9 P: 204.325.4059 E: [email protected] W: www.pvlip.ca