It takes courage and hope for the future to come to a new country and build a new life; Lloydminster is here to support newcomers along that journey. In order for Lloydminster to continue to grow as a vibrant and welcoming city that offers excellent quality of life to its citizens including newcomers, we need to maximize on all our communities and agencies ‘assets’. A significant initiative to support this growth is the development of a Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnerships (LLIP). The partnership is a collective impact initiative where committed and influential partners and supporters develop strategies that positively change settlement and integration outcomes for newcomers.

This is the overall term used in Canada’s 1982 Constitution Act to refer to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. The word recognizes the fact that Aboriginal peoples are the original indigenous people of Canada. There are many other words that Aboriginal people use to describe themselves and these may change over time. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask what name people prefer. We thank all Aboriginal People for their hospitality and kindness in allowing all immigrants to make Canada home.

The city of Lloydminster is about 31000 according to the 2016 Census of Canada with 10% of the population being new immigrants. In March 2017, Catholic Social Services (CSS) Lloydminster and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) entered into an agreement to take on a Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) initiative. Lloydminster’s Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) has a representation from diverse groups including cultural, business, academic, health, employment services, government, libraries, parks and recreation, faith, and others. These groups provide specialized services geared to facilitating the full and equitable participation of all newcomers in Canadian society. They focus on, but are not limited to, the early stages after arrival when the need is greater, and on the basis that people who access these services are better equipped to fully participate in Canadian society.

Integration is a two-way process, requiring adjustment on the part of both newcomers and host communities. The ultimate goal is to support newcomers to become fully engaged in the social, economic, political, and cultural life of Canada. Attraction and retention strategies can help with growth in Lloydminster. Newcomers will be more attracted to prepared communities that make them feel welcome and included. Being a welcoming and inclusive community requires recognition of the differing abilities of community members and taking action to ensure that all residents are able to actively participate in the social, cultural and economic life of our city. Diversity brings social and economic prosperity to a community like Lloydminster, if all residents are able to connect, contribute, and know they belong. Helping newcomers and immigrants become full participants in Lloydminster is not one individual or one agency’s job. It requires the efforts of immigrants themselves and non-immigrants from all walks of life.