The Quebec City way...a community philosophy applied to Anglophone and Allophone newcomers integration and retention in the Greater Quebec City region. Presented by Jean-Sébastien Gignac, Executive Director, VEQ January 25, 2010

The local English-speaking community and the Quebec City Way approach

The English-speaking community of the Greater Quebec City region … Some key statistics Population of % of the total population 1 hospital, 1 health and social services centre, 1 cegep, 3 high schools, 7 elementary schools More than 60 groups and organizations serving the community Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010

The Quebec City Way A small and dynamic integrated but not assimilated community Thinking outside the BOX Partnership between English organizations and also with the French majority Strong institutions = Strong community A strong culture of community involvement Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010

The VEQ Newcomers Integration and Retention Program

A vibrant, non-profit community organization with 28 years experience helping individuals participate in community life in both French and English Directed by a volunteer board of 19 men and women who live and work in the region A strong membership of 1,100 Presentation to the Metropolis Project, " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 VEQ is …

Supports English-speaking residents, and their organizations and institutions Researches needs Supports community development Promotes community interests Informs citizens Assists newcomers as they adapt to life in the Capital region Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 VEQ actively …

Every 5 years 25% of our regions population is renewed by Newcomers. The Voice of English-speaking Québec is committed to supporting new arrivals to the area as they adapt to the life style, culture and environment here. Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 Newcomers are IMPORTANT to our region!

Personalized information sessions with staff Newcomers packages Community Directory Finding Your Niche Information and networking sessions Job Bank Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 VEQ Newcomers Program

Highlights of the VEQ Newcomers Study

Some interesting facts… More than 65% of the respondents were migrants originally from another Canadian province 55% were under 35 years old and more than 60% were between 25 and 44 years old More than 60% came with a least one family member More than 80% had a post-secondary diploma and 60% had a university degree Conclusion: English-speaking newcomers are mostly migrants, young, educated and came with their family Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 The VEQ Newcomers Study

The major identified challenges… Linguistic Barrier Social isolation Employability Significant lack of information on available services Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 The VEQ Newcomers Study

The Newcomers Integration Program … A joint project by the English-speaking community and the City of Quebec

The partners… CEGEP Champlain St. Lawrence Central Quebec School Board City of Quebec Jeffery Hale Community Services Morrin Centre Valcartier Family Centre Voice of English-speaking Québec Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 The Newcomers Integration Program

The objectives… Facilitate newcomers adaptation and integration into the English-speaking community and larger francophone majority Develop new services that directly respond to the needs of newcomers before and after their arrival Develop new services that respond to the needs of employers who recruit newcomers Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 The Newcomers Integration Program

The initiatives… Community newcomers notebook Develop information sessions for new English-speaking employees and their family, and implement within companies Twinning project for newcomers and integrated English- speakers Monthly e-bulletin for newcomers Presentation to the Metropolis Project " How Could Canadian Communities Be More Welcoming? Seminar January 25, 2010 The Newcomers Integration Program