Fresh off the press, the Richmond Immigrant Settlement Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016-2019 sets out a comprehensive framework in which diversity in Richmond is not merely tolerated but unabashedly celebrated.
“We are richer for the diversity that surrounds us in Richmond, and this report both recognizes and supports that fact,” said Lonnie Belfer, co-chair of the Community Collaboration Table (CCT) and industry and community relationship liaison for Avia Employment Services (Richmond’s WorkBC employment service centre).
In 2014, Richmond Multicultural Community Services convened the CCT to develop the settlement strategy and implementation plan for the city. The CCT is a nationwide labour market partnership initiative as defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed at complementing existing immigrant integration programs through community collaboration.
Richmondites from the health, education, labour, employment, non-profit, and business sectors contributed to the CCT in a multitude of ways, from participating on the committee to taking part in surveys and focus groups.
The Richmond Immigrant Settlement Strategy is a research-based, community-driven five-year framework for action. In 2015, the CCT focused on information gathering and planning meaningful events for the Richmond community. Looking toward the future, the team is now focused on the many goals of the strategy, which include hosting the inaugural newcomer employment fair and welcome event on Feb. 25 at Lansdowne Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Employers and CCT member organizations will be on hand to meet and greet job seekers, and guest speakers will share their own stories of living and working in Richmond. The fair will also showcase multicultural performances by members of the Richmond performance arts community.
For more information, visit iamrichmond.ca.