Community Connections Welcomes Newcomers to Cornwall
October 15, 2018Cornwall Ontario – A popular event that brings together new residents, local agencies and employers is returning for a third year.
Community Connections will be held on Thursday October 25 from 9:00 am to Noon at the TR Leger building at 600 McConnell Avenue.
“It can be very challenging when newcomers try to navigate the web looking for employment resources or to find special program information,” says Sheila McDonald, who is organizing the event with some other volunteers on behalf of the Local Immigration Partnership Council. “We wanted to present a one-stop forum to introduce newcomers to the local contacts that can help them find the information and support they need to be successful and feel welcomed.”
The event will feature short presentations from several local agencies and industry leaders and an opportunity for participants to mingle and network with presenters. There is no charge for the event and all are welcome.
“We expect over 100 newcomers to attend, along with local residents,” says Ms McDonald. “Industry Leaders will be on hand to provide insights into employment experiences, such as what potential candidates can expect in terms of hours, shifts, wages, experience, and opportunity within a particular industry.”
The influx of newcomers to Cornwall has been a trend that the Local Immigration Partnership Council has been tracking for some time. This has included young families and professionals moving to the area for work but also international students such as high school students participating in exchange programs; those coming to Cornwall to complete post-secondary education; and some coming to participate in special training opportunities. For example, St. Lawrence College has welcomed over 300 foreign students this year alone.
A couple of years ago, the City’s Economic Development Department launched a new website aimed at providing information to new immigrants. The site can be found at ImmigrationCornwall.ca
A list of the participating agencies in Community Connections event will be added to this post over the next several days.
There will be short presentations from 9 am to 10 am during a light continental breakfast followed by networking and speed interview opportunities from 10 am until Noon.
“We are looking forward to helping newcomers succeed in Cornwall,” says Ms. McDonald.
“All are welcome!”