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 12 375

• 1.8% 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 region’s 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 IMPORTANTto 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 2008-2009

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 2008-2009

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 2008-2009

The Newcomers Integration Program 2010-2012 …

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