The following summary of the Open Conversations held on April 25th was captured by the conversation leader. We want to continue the dialogue, so please use the form below to provide us with your big, blue sky ideas!
Session Convenor: Ross Galbraith
Main Points from Discussion:
- Talk About It
- Support for Immigrants
- Information they need about services to successfully join the community:
- Who can help
- What resources and help is available
- Where to find the resources, help, etc.
- Language English/French
- Cultural/Religious, etc
- Encourage acceptance/welcoming
- Look at Integration - Mixed neighborhoods, etc. -- not segregation
- Immigrant/newcomers resource centre that would meet the needs of new immigrants. An “Iconic Facility” that would be recognized throughout the community.
- A means of identifying new immigrant to Saint John
- New immigrants from other countries can be confused, not know how to access resources, contact employers, schools.
- 90%of International students leave, how can we retain these people?
- The YMCA is playing a role but some immigrants may not think it isn’t for non-Christians (due to its name)
- Encourage events that attract people of various cultures together
- Is Saint John receptive and open to other culture?
- How do we deal with people who feel threatened? Both local residents and Immigrants may feel threatened
- Deal with misconceptions?
- Improve Communication/Dialogue between Immigrants and traditional Saint Johners?
- There are a lot of very talented affluent Immigrants, they don’t know if they want to stay. Retention is the issue.
- Saint John has an advantage because it is “small enough” that people can collaborate, interact, there are opportunities to organize activities that allow dialogue, celebrations, etc. Build on the advantages we have as a region for a regional celebration. Make sure local resident don’t feel left out—we are all immigrants.