The City of Moncton is getting ready for the arrival of hundreds of Syrian refugees.
They are working hand in hand with the Multicultural Association of Greater Moncton to support resettlement activities.
MAGMA usually resettles 70 refugees a year, so up to 400in the next 2 or 3 months is a big change.
City of Moncton Director of Economic Development Kevin Silliker says immigrants bring value to our communities, and the Hub City has invested in this approach in the past to boost economic and population growth.
In order to inform residents about the perceived definition of culture, cross-culture communications, and the value of diversity to society a free public Cultural Competency training session will be held on January 11th from 6-9 in the evening at the Peace Centre.
The City of Moncton has already offered Cultural Competency training to 150 front-line employees.
The City’s plan, in support of MAGMA’s mandate to resettle these newcomers, focuses on five key areas:
- Facilitation and coordination;
- Cultural competency training;
- Public transportation;
- Welcoming communities; and
- Communications
In addition, the City is helping to facilitate dialogue between the numerous partners and stakeholders, and has formed working groups to help coordinate and meet the needs of the community’s newest residents.
Initially, the focus remains on the basics, such as health, housing and transportation.
In the medium term, education (including language classes for adults) and integration activities become increasingly important.
Finally, a successful transition to employment or establishing new businesses with meaningful economic opportunities is the most important indicator for successful immigrant retention.
