Lloydminster Immigration and Settlement Needs Assessment
Abstract
Over the past years, more newcomers have moved to Lloydminster, particularly when the economy was strong and there were numerous opportunities for employment. The Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) was tasked with determining the experiences of newcomers in Lloydminster and their settlement needs. A survey, community engagement sessions and interviews were conducted to determine what was working well and what areas need to be enhanced to better assist newcomers in resettlement. Additionally, recommendations were created from this information to provide avenues for LLIP to move forwards and enhance the newcomer experience in Lloydminster.
Notes
Community organizations: Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP)
Future research / gaps identified: not stated
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: newcomers resettling in Lloydminster
Key recommendations:
1) Introduce diversity training to create more inclusive workplaces.
2) Create cultural community events, workshops and awareness campaigns to promote positive relationships between Canadian-born residents and newcomers.
3) Enhance LINC and other language skills programs in Lloydminster.
4) Develop more sustainable and efficient transit and transportation options in Lloydminster.
5) Facilitate collaborations between newcomer serving agencies in Lloydminster.
Location: Lloydminster, AB
Open access: Yes
Key findings:
1) Key areas of concern in Lloydminster to prioritize to improve the newcomer experience include: employment discrimination, language instruction, education, transportation, access to services, specific services for marginalized groups within the newcomer population, attitudes towards immigrants, social cohesion of newcomers and Canadian-born residents, and understanding of the immigration process.
2) Areas that need further attention to improve the newcomer experience, but aren’t an immediate priority, include: unemployment rate, wages. housing affordability, discrimination in housing access, houselessness, secondary and post-secondary completion rates, access to healthcare, discrimination, crime, social supports and participation, ethnocultural community, effectiveness of services and fostering Canadian-born residents’ support for immigration and diversity.