The Quebec City way...a community philosophy applied to Anglophone and Allophone newcomers...
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Transcript of The Quebec City way...a community philosophy applied to Anglophone and Allophone newcomers...
The Quebec City way...a community philosophy applied to Anglophone and
Allophone newcomers’ integration and retention
in the Greater Quebec City region.
Presented by
Jean-Sébastien Gignac,
Executive Director, VEQ
January 25, 2010
The local English-speaking community and the Quebec
City Way approach
The English-speaking community of the Greater Quebec City region … Some key statistics
• Population of 12 375
• 1.8% of the total population
• 1 hospital, 1 health and social services centre, 1 cegep, 3 high schools, 7 elementary schools
• More than 60 groups and organizations serving the community
•Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
The Quebec City Way • A small and dynamic integrated
but not assimilated community
• Thinking outside the BOX
• Partnership between English organizations and also with the French majority
• Strong institutions = Strong community
• A strong culture of community involvement
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
The VEQ Newcomers’ Integration and Retention
Program
• A vibrant, non-profit community organization with 28 years experience helping individuals participate in community life in both French and English
• Directed by a volunteer board of 19 men and women who live and work in the region
• A strong membership of 1,100
Presentation to the Metropolis Project, " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar
January 25, 2010
VEQ is …
• Supports English-speaking residents, and their organizations and institutions
• Researches needs
• Supports community development
• Promotes community interests
• Informs citizens
• Assists newcomers as they adapt to life in the Capital region
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
VEQ actively …
• Every 5 years 25% of our region’s population is renewed by Newcomers.
• The Voice of English-speaking Québec is committed to supporting new arrivals to the area as they adapt to the life style, culture and environment here.
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
Newcomers are IMPORTANTto our region!
• Personalized information sessions with staff
• Newcomers packages
• Community Directory
• Finding Your Niche Information and networking sessions
• Job Bank
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
VEQ Newcomers’ Program
Highlights of the VEQ Newcomers’ Study 2008-2009
Some interesting facts…• More than 65% of the respondents were migrants originally from
another Canadian province• 55% were under 35 years old and more than 60% were
between 25 and 44 years old• More than 60% came with a least one family member• More than 80% had a post-secondary diploma and 60% had a
university degree• Conclusion: English-speaking newcomers are mostly migrants,
young, educated and came with their family
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar January 25, 2010
The VEQ Newcomers’ Study 2008-2009
The major identified challenges…
• Linguistic Barrier
• Social isolation
• Employability
• Significant lack of information on available services
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar
January 25, 2010
The VEQ Newcomers’ Study 2008-2009
The Newcomers Integration Program 2010-2012 …
A joint project by the English-speaking community and
the City of Quebec
The partners…
• CEGEP Champlain St. Lawrence
• Central Quebec School Board
• City of Quebec
• Jeffery Hale Community Services
• Morrin Centre
• Valcartier Family Centre
• Voice of English-speaking Québec
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar
January 25, 2010
The Newcomers Integration Program
The objectives…
• Facilitate newcomers’ adaptation and integration into the English-speaking community and larger francophone majority
• Develop new services that directly respond to the needs of newcomers before and after their arrival
• Develop new services that respond to the needs of employers who recruit newcomers
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar
January 25, 2010
The Newcomers Integration Program
The initiatives…
• Community newcomers’ notebook
• Develop information sessions for new English-speaking employees and their family, and implement within companies
• Twinning project for newcomers and integrated English-speakers
• Monthly e-bulletin for newcomers
Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming?“ Seminar
January 25, 2010
The Newcomers Integration Program