Campbell River and Area Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association (CRMISA) Rachel Blaney Executive Coordinator

Snapshot of the Community Campbell River CRMISA Population of people Traditionally resource based economy Facing financial strain Senior population growing Young family population decreasing Tourism industry growing Need for sufficient employment to support a family Established in 1992 Serves 300+ immigrants yearly Serves community organizations, members yearly Provides stream 1 Settlement services, multicultural groups serving seniors, women and families, translation and interpreting services, diversity training, youth programming, resource library, etc.

Attraction and Retention Strategy for Immigrants to Campbell River First Step – Completed Community Accord on Attracting and Retaining Immigrants to Campbell River Stakeholders of Community Accord: City of Campbell River, Rivercorp (Economic Development),North Island College, School District 72, North Island Employment Foundation Society, Chamber of Commerce, Stratchona Community Futures, Youth 4 Diversity, and CRMISA.

Campbell River Inclusive Community Strategy Second Step – In Progress The Campbell River Inclusive Community Strategy Composed of 3 separate but collaborative components Attraction and Retention Strategy for Immigrants to Campbell River First Nation Inclusion Strategy Youth Participation

Campbell River Strategies Create Terms of Reference Survey Recent Newcomers Engage Businesses Perception of Community Educating Stakeholders Researching Best Practices Rural/Urban Linking

Urban/Rural Linking HOW To create a connection between Campbell River and an Urban Centre to facilitate urban to rural migration opportunities?

1. Welcoming Campbell River Coordinating through Stakeholder links. Set goals about attractions we want to have Mentoring Programs Clear information around business succession and employment opportunities Recognizing and Promoting What We Already Have Physical location Settlement services Education – both college and school aged Employment and Training

2. Ask the Questions Who will Campbell River partner with in an Urban link? How will important information be delivered effectively and quickly for opportunities such as employment and business succession planning? How do we package the information effectively? Identifying various audiences.

Answers Engaging in Best Practices Meeting with stakeholders individually to discuss roles Highlighting attraction and retention assets Developing relationships Creating packages for Urban contacts

Thanks to: Our funder: Welcoming and Inclusive Communities and Workplaces: Demonstration Project funding Community Stakeholders of the Community Accord.