The ongoing COVID-19 situation remains fluid. Currently, restrictions are easing, but we recognize that some folks remain hesitant and as such, we will be providing two options to attend this workshop - either online or in-person thanks to HyFlex technology. If you wish to attend in person, this workshop will be held in TE1202 (Sunflower Room) at Lethbridge College. (Please note: Due to the current Government of Alberta regulations, Community Members who wish to attend in-person will be asked to present either proof of full vaccination or a valid negative PCR or rapid test. Thank you for your understanding.)

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In October 2020, the Federal Government announced its 2021-2022 Immigration Level Plan. The government is hoping to bring a targeted 1.2 million immigrants into the country to help the Canadian economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic and drive future growth.

Canada is often referred to as a land of immigrants because of the millions of newcomers who have settled there since the first colonies were built by the English and the French on Indigenous territories. However, despite this history of immigration, many immigrants encounter discrimination and social exclusion upon their arrival.

Much of the discrimination and difficulty encountered originate in common myths and beliefs held by those already living in Canada. In this presentation we will visit the new Immigration Level Plan introduced by the Federal government to shed light on the different immigration categories and discuss the reasons for this increase to immigration targets. Along the way we will try to bust common myths about newcomers to Canada.

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From our beginnings as the Lethbridge Nursing Mission in 1910, Lethbridge Family Services today is the largest, non-profit social service and health care organization in the city. Lethbridge Family Services acknowledges the responsibility to bring professional quality services and best-practes to those people who we serve. We compassionately assist individuals and families to improve their well-being and offer support to facilitate human potential, choice and independance.

About the presenter: Najib Mangal is manager of Community Connections and Employment programs at Immigrant Services of Lethbridge Family Services. He is an accredited settlement practitioner with 15 years of experience in settlement and integration of newcomers into Lethbridge. He graduated with a diploma in Information Technology in 2006 from the LC and recently completed his Immigration Consultancy program through the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultancy.

If you have any questions about these events, please contact edi@lethbridgecollege.ca. We look forward to listening and learning with you soon!