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Welcoming Week Celebrations Held Across Canada

Published on: September 14th, 2021

By: Lauren Boorman

This week, Canadians are celebrating immigrants across the country. Welcoming Week is a yearly occasion where Canadian communities host events and raise awareness on the importance of promoting an inclusive and welcoming space for newcomers.

What is Welcoming Week?

Canada became a member of Welcoming International in 2020. This global initiative encourages individuals and communities to spread the message of inclusion and collective prosperity. Between September 10 and 19, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is encouraging communities to host welcoming events that bring together new and long-time residents.

IRCC has also provided an option to share the message through social media, using the hashtag #WelcomingWeek2021, a customized profile picture Facebook frame, or by posting a one of their stories, facts, or infographics on Canadian immigration.

Participating communities

Among the participating communities include Huron County, Windsor, Sarnia-Lambton, Timmins, Chatham-Kent, and Grey and Bruce County.

“Grey County is privileged to see an influx of newcomers who are choosing to bring their skills, experience and insights to our communities. Welcoming Week is a great way to show newcomers that they are appreciated, and that we look forward to including and celebrating the diversity and resiliency they bring into all aspects of life in Grey,” says Grey County Warden, Selwyn Hicks.

This week will help newcomers build strong connections to the community through cultural exchange events such as trivia, live music, cooking, and storytelling.

So very honoured to have Esther Uzoh share her Newcomer story for #welcomingweek2021 and details of the support she received from @WESTofWindsor. Happy for all your success Esther!#ImmigrationMatters pic.twitter.com/yrqXsruSld

— WE LIP (@WindsorEssexLIP) September 14, 2021

In addition, Welcoming Week will help to showcase the work that is being done year-round by the various settlement organizations across Canada. Such organizations help Canadian newcomers become established in their communities – an important aspect of immigrant retention.