How Are We Going To Do It?
Making Red Deer the most vibrant community in Canada, that is a journey, one that we are willing to travel. Along the way there will be major milestones and pieces of work that will be undertaken. At the same time, it is important to recognize that the combination of many small acts will greatly contribute to the vibrancy of this community.
Below provides a framework for the next few years that will help guide the work of the committees and councils within the Local Immigration Partnership.
Evaluation
At every step of the process evaluation takes place. Are the right questions being asked, are we missing any key information, do the priorities reflect the voice of newcomers, can individuals and organizations see themselves in the plan, do we have the resources to take action? Continual evaluation loops ensure an accurate, inclusive, and responsive process that values the voice of all Red Deerians.
Consultation and Research
The Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership is currently undertaking two research projects – Labour Market Trends for Marginalized Populations, and Supporting Lives in Central Alberta; a quantitative assessment of 150 immigrant men’s experience living in Central Alberta.
A comprehensive needs assessment will also be undertaken in this timeframe in order to gain a clear picture of the community’s strengths and weaknesses.
This process will involve key informant interviews, community consultation, and focus groups to gather information on a wide array of topics.
For details of these research briefs visit: https://richiem22.sg-host.com/how/information-hub
Implementation
Taking the words from the paper and bringing them to life; this is the implementation phase. The Red Deer LIP will form working groups to deliver actions on identified priorities. These working groups will consist of individuals and organizations that have the will and capacity to deliver results.
A strategic plan is only as good as the outcomes achieved by the collective. The outcomes will generate tangible benefits in the cultural fabric, the social well-being, a healthy local economy, and a richer civic engagement of newcomers to Canada and the community as a whole.
Strategic Action Plan
A Local Immigration Strategy will be developed that sets the community’s direction for the next three years that is evidence based and informed by key findings, the voice of immigrants, and data gathered through the consultation and research phase.
This strategy will identify areas of strength that can be built on and further enhanced. It will identify areas of concern that will require support. It will set priorities for the community that can be actioned by the collective efforts of the community, which will see the community moving towards the vision of Red Deer being the most vibrant community in Canada.
LIP Structure
Decision Making
Red Deer Central Planning Council
Cross-sectoral council representing stakeholder organizations, advisory groups, and immigrants living in Red Deer. Responsible for setting strategic direction, major financial decisions, coordination and information sharing with member organizations. Representation will consist of, but not limited to, agencies and individuals from:
- Settlement Serving Agencies
- Employment/
Employers - Economic Development
- Education *
- Funders/Govt
- Health
- Municipality
- Sports & Rec org’s
- Arts & Culture
- Immigrants **
- Human Services
* Elementary, Secondary, and Post Secondary
** Refugees, Temporary Foreign Workers, Permanent Residents, Naturalized Citizens
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Red Deer LIP Coordinator
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Sub-Committees
Guidance and Implementation
Thematic Sub-Committees
Drives the implementation of strategies and initiatives
Economic well-being and participation
Social well-being and inclusion
Cultural participation and recognition
Political inclusion and participation
Immigrant Advisory Council
Purpose of the Immigrant Advisory Council (IAC):
To promote the on-going participation, connection and consultation of the immigrant community to the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership central planning council, sub-committees, and broader community.
Council members bring lived experience and understanding of newcomer issues to the RDLIP central planning council. The Immigrant Advisory Council will consist of newcomers to Canada residing in Red Deer and representing a diversity of cultures, languages, ages, and stages of settlement and integration.
Administration
Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
LIP Funder. Oversees and administers national Local Immigration Partnership program.
CARE For Newcomers
IRCC contract holder. Oversees reporting to IRCC and day-to-day financial decisions
Red Deer LIP Coordinator
Organizes and supports all LIP groups and activities, including consultation, research, communications, event management, meeting organization, and coordination between groups and stakeholders.
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