NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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In May and June, the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) was proud to offer two community information sessions to align with the Government of Canada’s Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven.
The information sessions discussed existing community resources and supports, and joined community leaders in discussing challenges and opportunities.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country. In response, the Canadian government announced the launch of the Canadian-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel, a special temporary residence visa program for Ukrainians seeking safety in Canada. The government is also prioritizing family sponsorship applications for Ukrainian relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
On a regional level, LIP is sharing updated information as it becomes available online and bringing partners together to support Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven in Simcoe County.
“We know that when we work together, ordinary citizens benefit,” said Warden George Cornell. “I am proud of the work that the Local Immigration Partnership has done, in co-ordination with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, to provide safety and security to those fleeing war in Ukraine. Thank you to all of those who are able to lend a helping hand during these tumultuous times.”
Settlement services offered through the LIP and area partners help newcomers settle and adapt to life in our communities. These services include information, referrals to other community services, language training, and assistance finding employment that matches newcomers’ skills and education. Additional supports may be available to ensure that programming is accessible, such as transportation, child care and interpretation/translation services.
The Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership was established in 2011 and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The partnership council is comprised of numerous community leaders, including representatives from education, policing, libraries, economic development, health, housing, family counselling and supports, employment services, settlement services, government, and United Way Simcoe Muskoka. Visit immigration.simcoe.ca for more information.
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