About 40 percent of newcomers in the region are not able to access services from the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA).
MAGMA executive director Myriam Mekni says the organization’s current funding agreements severely limit the help they can provide to non-permanent residents (NPRs).
“Right now we are not able to serve these clients. They are coming ready, willing and able to contribute to the economic and demographic growth of the region. But in return, they are not receiving the same services as the rest of the immigrants,” she noted.
Mekni believes supporting NPRs presents an opportunity since many often take jobs here after graduating from their studies or they come ready to be hired by employers in the region.
MAGMA recently asked Moncton City Council for funding support to create a new full-time position at the organization which would be devoted to helping non-permanent residents.
By not serving this group, Mekni adds the community risks alienating a valuable demographic in Greater Moncton’s Immigration strategy.
