In the end, we all lose.
Waterloo Region has a proud history of welcoming newcomers
to our community. Yet, our Region is also not realizing the
potential brought by immigrants. Past research in our region
has pointed out the need for local action (see: Voices for
Change and A
Community Plan for Action). It is time to bring together
leaders from our community to find ways to make better use of
immigrant skills as a means of strengthening our community.
"Canada's economic future is dependent on attracting
highly educated and skilled people from other countries. We
must create an environment that enables immigrants to be able
to optimize their talents and skill sets."
- John Tibbits, President, Conestoga
College
"There is a growing realization that the skills of many
new immigrants are being lost to Canada through their
inability to work in the fields for which they have been
highly trained. This Summit is an opportunity to address how
we all collectively might make quicker and better use of
these skilled people who have chosen Canada to be their
home."
- Ken Seiling, Regional
Chair
"The Immigrant Skills Summit builds on work that we have
been doing since 1987. We all benefit when we make good use
of the enormous resources already available here at no cost.
Skilled people, willing and able to work - imagine the
possibilities!"
- Myrta Rivera, Executive Director,
Multicultural Centre and Working for Work
"The McGuinty government is committed to working to
integrate New Canadians into our economy and our communities.
Local organizations are a key element in achieving this
goal."
- John Milloy, MPP, Kitchener
Centre
"Immigrants are drawn to our area and we benefit
tremendously from the education and skills they bring. It is
important that new Canadians have opportunities to put their
talents to work in our community."
- Carl Zehr, Mayor,
Kitchener
"Everyone should be as lucky as the staff at the New
Canadian Program. Each day we hear accolades about this
community from new immigrants, business friends and people
from outside this Region. We should all be very proud of
where we are today and where we are going in the future. This
community is indeed a role model for the country."
- Marlene Kramer, Executive Director,
New Canadian Program
"In our city, we know our diverse backgrounds make us
stronger. The last census has shown us that immigration is
not only a clear asset, a catalyst for our own population,
but it is also a matter of survival. Statistics Canada tells
us that immigration could account for virtually all
labour-force growth in Canada by 2011."
- Karen Redman, MP Kitchener
Centre
"Immigration will be a particularly vital component in
labour force growth in Canada 's Technology Triangle in the
coming years. The Immigrant Skills Summit provides a forum to
begin to devise strategies that will help us to attract and
welcome talented people whose skills and education meet the
Waterloo Region's future work force requirements. The
community needs to ensure that immigrant skills are more
optimally used to the benefit of immigrants and their
families, the economy and the community."
- John Tennant, CEO, Canada 's
Technology Triangle, Inc.
"From a social planning perspective and through our work
with the Cambridge YMCA Immigrant Services, we have seen an
urgent need for trained immigrant professionals to be able to
connect with employers who recognize their skills. I'm hoping
to see that out of this summit there will be momentum towards
creating an environment that will help immigrants to succeed
in their new home."
- Linda Terry, Executive
Director, Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North
Dumfries
"Employing people and allowing people to exercise skills
to the maximum extent possible not only improves their life
but also enhances the life of our community. Brain waste is
debilitating to us all."
- Andrew Telegdi, MP
Kitchener-Waterloo
