Welcome

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.

Aboriginal People

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.

Background

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.

What is the Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP)?

LLIP is a community-based partnership that provide a collaborative framework to raise awareness around newcomer needs, engage a wide range of local stakeholders, support community-level research and strategic planning and improve accessibility and coordination of services that facilitate immigrant settlement and integration. LLIP does not deliver services directly to newcomers but facilitates the development and implementation of sustainable solutions to create welcoming societies and improve settlement and integration outcomes. The role of LLIP is to ensure that the community of Lloydminster:  

1. Openly receives newcomers and creates an inclusive environment.
2. Strives to understand the needs of newcomers and provides access to a full range of services and programs.
3. Embraces newcomers so they can participate fully in all aspects of community life and Canadian society.
4. Recognizes the great work already happening within individual agencies and organizations and through collaborative efforts use this local experience and expertise to enhance the existing services.
5. Develops Action Plans that advances community priorities through the support of:
   • Member-led implementation of Action Plans,
   • Community-led initiatives related to newcomer retention in Lloydminster and
   • Collaboration with local partners in community dialogues focused on anti-discrimination and cultural diversity awareness.

Message from the Local Immigration Partnership Co-Chairs

Welcome to Lloydminster, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

You know you are in a unique place when the welcome message to you comes from two provinces. As Canada’s only city that straddles two provinces, Lloydminster is the place to enjoy the best of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

With a long history of being a melting pot of indigenous and other cultures from all over the world, you are bound to find a community, in Lloydminster.

Your Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) partners with many local organisations and people to make your settlement journey a great story. Everything the LLIP does is to achieve the goal of an inclusive and welcoming community, where all newcomers are connected and able to thrive in all aspects of the economic, social, political and cultural dimensions of civic life.

We know migrants and new Canadians choose Lloydminster because they have a great attitude to work, adapt quickly, and are keen to contribute their talents and expertise.

We will connect you to people and organisations to help you build networks and have opportunities to learn and share. We will welcome your ideas and energies and support our efforts materially and in other ways.

We are pleased you have chosen to become a Lloydminster and wish you and your family, great success.

LLIP Co-Chairs

Ben Aquaye and Cheryl Lynn Ross