| Promoting welcoming communities where immigrants can fully participate and are included in their community
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This newsletter connects newcomers and service providers to community resources, events and initiatives that support their inclusion and participation in the Tri-Cities.
Please share with your teams and networks.
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| Diverse Leaders Tri-Cities – Community Consultation for Leadership Candidates Do you know of individuals who would like to advance their leadership skills?
We are looking for diverse individuals to learn more about what supports they need to grow their skills and capacity to become leaders, whether in their careers or in the community.
On December 4 from 11:00am – 12:30pm, Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership
(TCLIP) will connect with leadership candidates in a community consultation to gather input from them, so the Diverse Leaders Tri-Cities Project – for Leadership Candidates reflects their needs and demands.
The Diverse Leaders Tri-Cities Project aims to strengthen the capacity of organizations and leadership candidates in implementing inclusive policies and in achieving their leadership goals, respectively.
Please share this unique opportunity with your networks.
Diverse Leaders Tri-Cities Project will engage under-represented voices (including but not limited to Indigenous, Black and people of colour (IBPOC), LGBTQ2S+, women, newcomers, refugees and youth) and support them with tools and connections to participate in leadership roles.
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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Webinar Series The CRA is hosting several financial literacy webinars through the month of December aimed at newcomers, Indigenous peoples, international students, and those with disabilities, regarding benefits and credits, and scam awareness.
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Photo by Mikhail NilovUnsplash
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Women's Only Swim The City of Coquitlam is restarting their Women‘s Only Swims, once a month in the mornings of statuary holidays. Boxing Day, Sunday December 26 @ 8:00am-10am (Pool and fitness Centre) and New Year‘s Day, Saturday January 1 @ 8:00am-10:00am. During this period, the facility is open for women only, with all female staff. Women are welcome to bring male children five years old and younger.
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Photo by Arisa Chattasa/Unsplash
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Past and Present: A Conversation about Race in BC (Coquitlam Public Library – City Centre Branch) A five-part speaker series to educate participants on how to better understand the struggles of everyday society. Each 90-minute session will focus on a particular cultural group. You can participate in each of these events either in person or via Zoom. When registering for these events, please specify if you will be joining in person or via Zoom.
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Human Rights, Systemic Racism & Discrimination
December 8 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm | BC‘s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner leads this informative, interactive workshop on discrimination under BC‘s Human Rights Code, the work of the Office as well as some discussion on addressing systemic racism.
| Community Conversation
January 12, 2022 @ 6:30 - 8:00pm | The last session in the speaker series will be a Community Conversation. This session will be used as a launching point for future initiatives that address race and social equity. These initiatives could be either community led and/or library led. There will be time for questions from the audience.
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| Financial Assistance for Recreation Program The City of Coquitlam has recently made some updates to the Financial Assistance for Recreation Program (FAR), formerly Get Connected, Get Active (GCGA), to better serve the needs of Coquitlam residents. Clients who applied before September 1, do not need to re-apply. The updates include a name change; email change
to communityservices@coquitlam.ca; new benefits as all eligible applicants will now receive 50 drop-ins at no cost and $225 account credit to use for registered programs, admissions and passes; and the merging of agency and regular applications, which can be completed
at www.coquitlam.ca/financialassistancerec
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Photo (L-R): Photo by Cottonbro/Pexels
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| Pediatric Vaccines and Fertility Resources for Indigenous Audiences A federal COVID-19 Indigenous Knowledge Translation Working Group has shared some resources, from the BC Centre for Disease Control, about Covid-19 and children aged 5-11. 5 to 11 vaccination child-friendly resources, include:1. A story about Jesse the bear who is a bit nervous about their vaccine and becomes a COVID-19 vaccine superhero. Read the
story here.2. A First Nations Health Authority video featuring Danièle Behn Smith. Danièle is Metis and French Canadian and is the Deputy Provincial Health Officer of Indigenous Health. In
this video Danièle answers the question of “Should I get my child vaccinated?” Watch the
video
here. 3. FAQs from ImmunizeBC; and 4. information from the
BCCDC websiteAdditional resources on COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy or fertility include:A First Nations Health Authority video featuring Dr. Terri Aldred (Tl‘Azt‘En) who answers the question of “Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect pregnancy or fertility?” Watch the video
here.
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Photo by Alex Mecl/Unsplash
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 English Conversation Circle for newcomers
MOSAIC December 6 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm | Are you looking for a safe way to practice English? Do you want to improve your knowledge of Canadian society? This Conversation Circle focuses on key topics that help participants feel at home in Canada. To register contact
Mona: asmani@mosaicbc.org
|  English Practice Group
Coquitlam Public Library January 10 2022 @ 1:30pm - 3:00pm | Adults 19+ practice English in a fun and friendly place. Registration: Drop-in at 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam.
|  Conversation Circles
Fraser Valley Regional Library December 3 @ 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Practice your English in a friendly, informal environment. We read and discuss articles from the West Coast Reader online. Register by
contacting: wrnotices@fvrl.bc.ca
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Photo (L-R): Photo by Beth Macdonald; Photo by Antenna/Unsplash; Photo by Jopwell/Pexels
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Winter Driving in BC (Tagalog and English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 3 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Learn about BC‘s driving and traffic rules and gain useful tips on driving during winter. Online Workshop via Zoom with speaker, Dan Carlos, a Professional Driving Instructor. Priority is given to Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Protected Persons and Live-in Caregiver. Register by
emailing letty.young@success.bc.ca
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Understanding Car Insurance in BC (Mandarin)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 15 @ 10:00 - 11:30 am Topics include: mandatory and optional insurance
coverage, the differences between them, and options of purchasing optional coverage from different insurers. Eligible Participants: Permanent Residents, Protected Persons, Convention Refugees and Live-in Caregivers. After registration, you will be contacted to validate your information. Please have your Permanent Resident card or immigration documents available.
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Photo (L-R): Photo by Mikhail Nilov; Photo by Raamin Ka/Pexels; Photo by Donny Jiang on Unsplash
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Express Entry Info Session (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 8 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm | Hear the latest information about immigration options for work permit holders and international students. Q&A session included.
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How to start saving for RRSP and TFSA (Vietnamese)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 10 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Speaker Adrian Siy, a Banking Advisor, will cover: the benefits of creating RRSPs and TFSAs, how to choose the right account, the different kinds of RRSPs and TFSAs, updates about mortgage financing solutions. Priority is given to Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees, Protected Persons, and Live-in Caregivers.
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CELPIP English Exam Tips with Paragon Guest Speaker (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 14 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm | Are you a temporary resident with a work or study permit and have questions about the CELPIP English exam? The Canadian English Language Proficiency Language Index Program is one of the approved English tests for immigration purposes. Take away key strategies and exam tips and learn about study materials and resources to help you prepare well for the exam.
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Immigration Pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 15 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Hear the latest information about immigration options for work permit holders and international students. Topics include application requirements, Express Entry and the BC Provincial Nominee Program. Q&A session included.
In partnership with Burnaby Public Library.
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Citizenship Preparation Workshop
MOSAIC December 3, 10, 17, 24 @ 10am – 12:00pm Registration Deadline: Dec 2 |Studying to become a Canadian Citizen? Join this in-depth workshop and improve your knowledge of Canadian history, government, regions, and more. Calendar of sessions: Session 1 — Canada‘s History – Part 1, Session 2 — Canada‘s History – Part 2, Session 3 — Canada‘s Government System, and Session 4 — Canadian Symbols & Regions. To register, contact
Judy: jlee@mosaicbc.org
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Photo (L-R): Photo by Airam Dato-on; Photo by Ambreen Hasan on Unsplash
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Understanding Canada Tax System- Free Webinar for Korean Immigrants
ISSofBC December 16 @ 10:30 am - 12:30 pm | Contents: Comparison of Korean and Canadian tax systems, who has to file a tax return, tax filing for a dual resident, how to declare foreign properties. For registration please contact:
isabel.lee@issbc.org
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Virtual EAL Book Club
Coquitlam Public Library December 14 @ 1:00pm - 2:00pm | EAL Book Club is for English language learners. Meetings happen on the third Tuesday of the month (except for December when it runs on the second Tuesday) at 1:00 pm on Zoom. Are you interested in joining a book club dedicated to English language learners? Join for a monthly book club and discover the joys of meeting to talk about books! Register by emailing Ann at
ajohannes@coqlibrary.ca
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Citizenship Test Preparation workshops Series
ISSofBC. December 4, 11, and 18 @ 11am to 1pm | Come join this interactive workshop that will guide you through the steps to become a Canadian citizen. This workshop is ideal in preparation for your Canadian citizenship test and will provide you with tips to get you closer to the citizenship ceremony.
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Career Generator Employment Program
Douglas College, January 4, 2022 – March 25, 2022. Delivered online & in-person . Those who are eligible include: those who are unemployed or precariously employed (part-time, casual, seasonal); survivors of domestic violence, workplace harassment, or personal trauma; BC residents & Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents or Protected Persons eligible to work. Attendees will experience a number of benefits from participating in this program, including group and individual counseling, computer training, and job search assistance. Interested individuals email:
donofriot@douglascollege.ca
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Photo by Amy Hirschi/Unsplash
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Career Paths For Skilled Immigrants Info Session
Douglas College. December 16 @ 5:00 - 6:00pm | Are you an internationally educated healthcare professional who is interested in gaining care aide registration? Care Aide registration is a great way for Internationally Educated Health Professionals (IEHPs) to gain exposure to the Canadian Healthcare system, immerse themselves in Canadian work culture, and better understand the scope of practice for their profession in Canada. The content of this session includes the pathways to gain care aide registration in BC and supports that IEHPs can receive from the Career Paths program if they are eligible.
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Culinary Essentials Training One of the two free classes from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Starting January 10, 2022, and going on for eight weeks. | 
Baking and Pastry Essentials The second free class from Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Starting on February 7, 2022, and going on for eight weeks.
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These programs are free and include the uniforms and all the equipment they will need in class, as well as employment assistance. Both courses have a limit of 14 students and have evening classes. If you have any questions, please call Steve Whiteside at 604-734-4488 or email
careers@picachef.com. If your client wants to personally call, please ask them to say, “I would like to talk to an Admissions Advisor about the free Essentials courses”.
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Photo (L-R) Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas/Pexels; Photo by Geraud Pfeiffer/Pexels
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Interview Skills: Getting Ready and Answering the Commonly Asked Questions (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 9, 2021 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm. Learn how to prepare for interviews in Canadian workplaces. Topics that will be covered include what preparations to do before the interview, common interview questions, and how to answer them best.
In Partnership with Richmond Public Library.
| Canadian Workplace Communication Skills (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 7, 2021 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Learn about Canadian culture and cross-cultural communication skills in the workplace. Topics include: Non-verbal communication tools, verbal communication strategies in building solid relationships with your colleagues and managers, how to deal with conflict resolution, and professional phone and email etiquette.
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Photo (L-R) Cliff Booth; Photo by RODNAE Productions/Pexels
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BCSIS Virtual Info Session: Employer-Paid Sick Leave and Ministry of Labour Update
AMSSA December 6 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
In this Information Session, Ministry of Labour representatives will provide a comprehensive overview of B.C.‘s new employer-paid sick leave. This session will include detailed information on the public engagement process that took place prior to this legislation coming into effect and a clear explanation of how it will be implemented. Speakers from the Ministry of Labour will share updates on other topics that are relevant to settlement service providers, such as recent developments with respect to the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act and the Minister of Labour‘s mandate letter commitment regarding minimum wage.
| The ABC‘s of the Employment Standards Act (English, Mandarin)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Learn the basics of employment standards and the Employment Standards Act: basic definitions, regular wages and deductions, hours of work, and statutory holiday pay and annual vacation. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions related to their particular work experiences. Eligible Participants: Permanent Residents, Protected Persons, Convention Refugees and Live-in Caregivers. After registration, you will be contacted to validate your information. Please have your Permanent Resident card or immigration documents available.
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Formatting a Canadian Resume + Creating a LinkedIn Account (English)
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. December 13 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Learn some tips on how to format a Canadian resume, cover letter and get useful strategies for setting up your LinkedIn account. Eligibility: work/study permits, PNP Nominees, refugee claimants, and naturalized citizens.
In Partnership with Vancouver Public Library.
| Interview Skills - Career For Youth Series
Coquitlam Public Library January 20, 2022 @ 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Come and learn how to prepare for an interview, including virtual interviews. Review common interview questions and how to follow up after an interview. Gain the skills to stand out and ace the interview.
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 | Recording: AMSSATalk “Strengthening the Francophone Referral Process”– AMSSA This AMSSATalk recording aims to provide any settlement and integration staff with more information about ways of strengthening referrals to francophone organizations. The AMSSATalk featured speakers with a range of personal and professional experiences supporting different sectors, from settlement services to education in French, and employment services.
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Photo by CX Insight/Unsplash.com
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 | Webinar: See the Humans Behind the Trauma: Indigenous and Asylum Seeker Experience – Multi-Agency Partnership (MAP) BC Register for the webinar on December 2, 2021 @ 7:00pm with speakers Linda Epp (Native Education College) and Malena Mokhovikova (former refugee claimant), moderated by Mariana Martinez Vieyra (VAST).
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Photo by Taryn Elliott/Pexels
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 | Inclusion - The Journey to Community
Port Moody Station Museum. Opening celebration on December 3 from 11:00am to 11:45am | The exhibition features pieces of the history of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their long path from institutions to living in the community. Learn about history through a series of newspaper clippings, interactive elements, and borrowed pieces of the From the Inside/Out! Exhibition. Exhibition will be open until June 2022.
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Photo by Arlington Research/Unsplash
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Holiday Festival
Port Moody Station Museum. December 1 - 24, 2021, Noon - 9 pm Daily (to 6 pm Dec. 24). A magical outdoor Festival with gifts under the Big Tent, mulled wine, craft beer, food & more! Admission By Donation to Port Moody Station Museum. Across from Brewers Row, steps from Rocky Point Park & Moody Centre Skytrain. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed. Vaccine Passport is required for entry. 2734 Murray Street, Port Moody.
| Women's Health Survey
Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice. As a woman, have you ever had difficulty or challenges in accessing care related to your health care needs in New Westminster and the Tri-Cities region? If so, Fraser Northwest would love to hear from you! Please fill out the survey to share details about your experiences in accessing women's health services. Responses gathered will help to inform the gaps in the system and determine ways in which we work with our local health care providers in improving care for this patient population.
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Holiday Events & Volunteering
SHARE Family and Community Services. Volunteering can be a great way to give back to the community, meet new friends, and gain valuable skills. SHARE hosts and supports a wide variety of events over the holiday season. This year, these include: Toy Bank and Toy Sorting at Coquitlam Centre, and many other fun Holiday events. If you‘re looking to get involved, check out where you can lend a hand during the holiday season. To volunteer for: 3rd party fundraising initiatives and community volunteering opportunities, please contact
hayley.knapp@sharesociety.ca; assisting the Food Bank with food truck loading/unloading or volunteer driving, please contact
krissie.sondles@sharesociety.ca; and to support at SHARE Food Bank‘s reception desk, please contact
krissie.sondles@sharesociety.ca
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| Newcomers Holiday Party
Youth Leadership Millennium. December 13 6:00-7:00pm | Do you know anyone who has recently come to Canada? They are invited to join the Youth Leadership Millennium‘s first Newcomer‘s Holiday Party! Hosted by youth participants in the program, this virtual event will include interactive activities and four chances to win prizes! Participate in some games and maybe meet some new friends! All ages are welcome and families are encouraged to attend. Programming will be conducted entirely in English and access to a stable internet connection and Zoom are required.
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Multiculturalism @ 50 and the Promise of a Just Society – Association for Canadian Studies This special edition of Canadian Issues, explores the roots, characteristics and structural fault lines of Canadian multiculturalism and outlines the reframing required if the policy hopes to live up to its initial promise of delivering a just society.
| Substance Use and Addiction in Newcomer Communities – AMSSA
AMSSA has created a two-page info sheet to provide useful information and resources on substance use and addiction for newcomer communities in British Columbia, including related statistics and data as well as resources for seeking help. The info sheet is now available on AMSSA's website.
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| Differences in Work Disability Duration for Immigrants and Canadian-Born Workers in British Columbia, Canada – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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Expanding Refugee Pathways to Canada: Strategies for Welcoming Afghan and Other Refugees - Ryerson University CERC in Migration and Integration
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| Impact of COVID-19 on Language and Literacy in Canada – Royal Society of Canada (RSC)
| Labour market outcomes of journey persons designated as visible minorities
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| Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the skilled trades: Canada Emergency Response Benefit
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Immigration Policy in Times of Indigenous Reconciliation
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| From neighbourhood to arrival infrastructure? Hospitality areas in hostile times
| Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees: Final Report
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| Caring for Refugees: Questioning the Public-Private Dichotomy in Canadian Resettlement
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Helping refugees resettle in Canada is a winning proposition for all
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For additional immigrant and settlement related resources, visit our website
www.tricitieslip.ca
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Share your event or initiative with us! News items featured in the e-newsletter are sourced, provided to us by our partners or accessed through open data sources. To include your news and events in our next update, please email
the TCLIP Team.
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