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
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