This article is also available is the French version. Cet article est également disponible en version française.

Following the meeting on December 10th, 2019 between the Francophone Local Immigration Committee of the Niagara region and the English-speaking partners, we interviewed some participants...

Interview with Lucie Huot, CERF Niagara, member of the Francophone Local Immigration Comité of the Niagara region.

• RIFCSO : Niagara Francophone Local Immigration Committee (FLIC) has decided to invite English-speaking partners. Why such a meeting ?

• Lucie Huot : The meeting is to familiarize ourselves with all the services available by each service provider.  Even if we know some of the services offered, the sharing could reveal more information pertinent to many of the other partners.

• RIFCSO : What was for you the most relevant part of the discussion? In others words, what do you retain of this morning?

• Lucie Huot : I learned that there is a willingness to cooperate and that in order to make that happen, communication has to develop with the right person in the partner agency.

• RIFCSO : What is the next step in your collaboration with the English-speaking stakeholders?

• Lucie Huot : We’ve already begun the referral process. An hour after the meeting we received a phone call for support and an email with a referral. This is already a great step.

Interview with Lori Webster, Program Coordinator, Niagara Foreign Credential Recognition at the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre

• RIFCSO : Could you please present yourself and give us a short resume of your organization mains goals?
• Lori Webster : The Welland Heritage Council & Multicultural Centre provides services for newcomers to Canada to assist with all their settlement needs including an emergency shelter, settlement counselling, youth programming, English as a Second Language Classes, Foreign Credential Recognition Program, as well as employment services for anyone in the community through our two Employment Solutions locations in Welland.
• RIFCSO : On December, Tuesday 10^th, you were invited at the FLIC-English speaking partner’s events. Why was it essential for you to be part of this meeting?
• Lori Webster : We already enjoy great partnerships with local francophone organizations and refer clients to each other’s services, so wanted to provide support for this event.
• RIFCSO : What was for you the most relevant part of the discussion? In other words, what do you retain of this morning ?
• Lori Webster : We learned some specific information that can further help our clients and provide support for our programs.
• RIFCSO : What is the next step in your collaboration with the francophone non-profit organization?
• Lori Webster : We are glad to continue meeting with community partners and collaborating so that our clients receive all the support and assistance they need to succeed.

Interview with Rose Karborani, Settlement Service Coordinator of the Niagara Folks Arts Multicultural Centre

• RIFCSO : Could you please present yourself and give us a short resume of your organization mains goals?
• Rose Karborani : My name is Rose Karborani. I am the Settlement Service Coordinator of the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre provides vital settlement services to newcomers as they strive to create a rewarding new life in Canada.
• RIFCSO : On December, Tuesday 10^th, you were invited at the FLIC-English speaking partner’s events. Why was it essential for you to be part of this meeting?
• Rose Karborani : We serve francophone clients, therefore the meeting allowed me to get to be connected to other francophone organization so we better refer clients and give them the best services. Plus we have a history of partnership with des Centres Communautaires and we are looking forward to partner with other francophone organizations as well
• RIFCSO : What was for you the most relevant part of the discussion? In other words, what do you retain of this morning?
• Rose Karborani : The information that was shared by CERF Niagara, Adult learning Centre, the francophone schools Boards representative. I enjoyed all discussions.
• RIFCSO : What is the next step in your collaboration with the francophone non-profit organization?
• Rose Karborani : As a member of our Centre’s partnership Committee, I would share this with my director Emily Kovacs as well as the chair of the Partnership  Committee, Zainab Awad, as we are hoping to have  a memo of understanding with all our current and future partners.

Interview with Josie Faccini, Manager- Immigrant Mentorship Program for Niagara Workforce Planning Board

•  RIFCSO : Could you please present yourself and give us a short resume of your organization mains goals?
• Josie Faccini : My name is Josie Faccini, Manager-Immigrant Mentorship Program for Niagara Workforce Planning Board. Alongside our research services, NWPB facilitates workforce development solutions for community organizations dedicated to advancing Niagara's workforce and economic success. We orchestrate the Niagara Immigrant Employment Council and offer an Immigrant Mentorship Program as part of our initiative to create a more diverse and inclusive Niagara.
• RIFCSO : On December, Tuesday 10^th, you were invited at the FLIC-English speaking partner’s events. Why was it essential for you to be part of this meeting?
• Josie Faccini : Our role is to help newcomers to Niagara integrate into the labour market through our mentorship program.
• RIFCSO : What was for you the most relevant part of the discussion? In other words, what do you retain of this morning?
• Josie Faccini : Most relevant is bringing together all the stakeholders involved with newcomers, enabling us to help our clients better through referrals.