In recent years the government has seen an increased immigrant population. Over 100 cultural groups are represented in Yellowknife, but only three of these visible minorities have registered cultural organizations in the city.
Mr. Speaker, although the people from different ethnic communities may organize themselves
informally, they have common needs and areas of concern. The Centre for Northern Families has offered the services of a welcome centre for immigrants for two years, in an effort to help immigrants transition to a new country and community, and to ensure immigrants have access to services and the opportunity to achieve and maintain social and economic independence.
Mr. Speaker, in the short life of this program the centre has helped 157 individuals from 29 countries. The services available in the welcome centre focus on providing information, immigrant consultation, workplace orientation and job coaching, English language classes, computer classes and social networking programs to help new Canadians become part of their new community and the Northwest Territories.
The centre’s activity help people adjust to life in the North. The director herself is an immigrant, giving the program a distinct advantage of being supported by someone with firsthand experience of the needs and challenges experienced by new Canadians.
The centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to accommodate varied work and family schedules and strives to be as accessible as possible. The centre is open to all immigrants, with specific programs for youth and adults, both men and women.
The Centre for Northern Families is interested in providing outreach to regional hubs of Hay River and Inuvik to help those regions support immigrants there. Mr. Speaker, the Centre for Northern Families wants to work with the GNWT to build effective programs and services to welcome newcomers, and help them transition into life in the NWT and Canada and expand upon the services they currently provide. Unfortunately, the lease of the existing multicultural facility ends this month. If it’s not renewed, the centre will be forced to close its doors. They need government support. If they shut down, it will be a loss to our community, to the Northwest Territories and to the immigrants themselves.
Mr. Speaker, at the appropriate time, I will have some questions for the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. Thank you.