Alberta immigrants will have help settling into their communities.
The provincial government has committed $23.8 million that will go towards ensuring newcomers can access settlement, language, training and other supports to reach their full potential.
“Alberta will be welcoming more immigrants over the next three years. These newcomers will help continue Alberta’s economic momentum, yet the province will need to help these newcomers succeed,” said Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism Rajan Sawhney in a statement.
“Budget 2023 will provide funding for settlement services and language supports that will help newcomers settle and thrive in Alberta.”
Watch the Press Conference.
The funding includes $18.9 million to support the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program for projects that address gaps in service delivery and complement existing programming. An additional $4.9 million over three years will come from the federal government through the Canada-Alberta Workforce Development Agreement.
Through the program, eligible organizations can apply for grant funding for services that give newcomers information about living and working in Alberta, as well as access to services and opportunities that support their integration into their communities.
Organizations can apply for grants through two categories:
Supports for Newcomer Integration grants, which fund settlement and language services to help newcomers integrate while they live and work in Alberta.
Settlement Integration and Language Projects, which respond to emerging settlement and integration needs such as system improvement, capacity building, labour market opportunities and other priorities identified by the government.
Each year, the Alberta Settlement and Integration Program provides services for up to 14,000 eligible newcomers.
“As an immigrant-serving agency, TIES understands the tremendous need in the community for additional supports to serve our clients. We are thrilled to hear that there is additional funding committed to this sector in Budget 2023,” said President and CEO of The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) Sally Zhao.
“With this support, we can continue to provide critical services that help newcomers settle, work and prosper in Alberta. We know that moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, and that’s why our organization is dedicated to providing the supports that newcomers need to thrive. This funding will enable us to expand our services, reach more people, and positively impact the lives of thousands of newcomers over the next three years.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is now accepting grant applications for Alberta Culture Days 2023 events.
This year’s festival, which highlights cultural programs and showcases local talent, will take place Sept. 1-30.
Up to $10,000 grants are available to help eligible community organizations offset the cost of planning and hosting events. Applications close March 17.
“It’s a great pleasure to announce that grant applications for Alberta Culture Days are officially open,” said Minister of Culture Jason Luan. “Each September, Alberta celebrates talent, community spirit and our diverse cultures. I encourage all community organizations to apply for a grant to help host their event during this month-long celebration.”
Alberta Culture Days, which is part of the national Culture Days, features events across the province celebrating all things culture, from food events, to tours through farms and historic sites. Community organizations are encouraged to host free public events.
In 2022, more than 3,000 free events were held in more than 500 communities, with 3.8 million attendees across the country.
There are three different grant categories:
Feature celebration sites, which offer at least three days of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $10,000.
Host celebration sites, which offer at least two days of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $5,000.
Pop-up celebration sites, which offer at least one day of programming in September and are eligible for grants of up to $1,000.
Grant criteria, as well as reporting information and forms needed to apply are available online.
Selected applicants will be notified in June.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Wishing a very Happy Purim to all those celebrating in Red Deer-North and across Alberta.
Today until nightfall, Jewish people will celebrate Purim. The holiday commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation by Haman, an official in the ancient Persian Empire.
Celebrations include dressing up in costume, eating a festive meal, and listening to the Book of Esther in a synagogue.
It’s a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of the Jewish people.
Happy Holi to all those celebrating across Alberta and beyond.
Have a very joyous and colourful Holi Festival. May your life be filled with vibrant colour, joy and laughter this season.
Holi is a Hindu Festival that marks the arrival of the spring season in India. Also known as the “festival of colours” it is celebrated with dancing, singing, and the throwing of powder paint and coloured water. It honours the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna.
“For newcomers, language classes are often their first community experience, and they are a vital step on the road to building a life in Alberta. This boost for Red Deer Public Library’s programs will support more Ukrainian newcomers as they improve their quality of life and their contribution to our society and economy,” said Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions.
Language education is key in helping newcomers make the most of educational and work opportunities and join their new communities. Many Ukrainians are highly educated professionals who could play an important role in addressing Alberta’s need for skilled labour.
“These additional funds will allow us to add seven more classes of 12 to 17 people and to replenish resources used by learners who work one-on-one with their volunteer tutors. More language skills will allow these individuals to settle comfortably, find good employment, help their children with homework, pursue further education or get their credentials recertified,” said Red Deer Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program Manager Alla Mysko-Henke.
The library received $145,176 in funding through the Community Adult Learning Program in 2022-23. About $18 million is provided in grants to more than 80 organizations through the program, supporting learning opportunities such as adult literacy, language classes, numeracy, and digital or life skills.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the contact page.
Ukrainian refugees will have more support from the Alberta government if Budget 2023 passes.
A total of $27.3 million would be provided, including $7 million in new funding for language and settlement services, and $20.3 million for housing and financial supports for Ukrainian evacuees.
“The Alberta government is steadfast in supporting Ukrainians coming to Canada to avoid Russia’s war machine. Our Alberta government will continue to find ways to support Ukrainians coming to Alberta as long as this war continues,” said Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, parliamentary secretary for Ukrainian Refugee Settlement in a statement.
About 21,600 Ukrainians have come to Alberta since Russian forces began their invasion of Ukraine one year ago. More are expected to arrive in coming months.
Settlement and language supports
Budget 2023 aims to provide $7 million total over three years for ongoing settlement and language supports.
This means settlement agencies and immigrant-serving organizations will be able to meet increased demand and provide supports necessary for Ukrainian refugees to successfully transition into Alberta communities.
“Ukraine is grateful for the Government of Alberta’s constant and effective support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in our struggle against unjustified and unprovoked Russian aggression,” said Oleksandr Danyleiko, consul general of Ukraine in Edmonton.
“We are also grateful for the support of Ukrainians who come to the province to escape the horrors of the Russian war, mostly women with children. Many of them have no relatives or friends here and are also very limited in means of living. Such support is important, and we hope to continue fruitful cooperation with the Government of Alberta in this direction.”
Affordable housing and income support
Ukrainian evacuees are also now eligible to apply for the same social housing and rent supplement programs as other Albertans as of Feb. 24, 2023.
Evacuees were not able to apply for Alberta’s Rent Supplement Program previously, due to citizenship, refugee or immigration status requirements.
An additional $9.9 million is earmarked for the program in Budget 2023, bringing the total additional support to $16.7 million.
Budget 2023 also proposes $3.6 million to extend and continue financial benefits through the Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support and Benefits program. This would be extended until Jan. 2024, with the six-month maximum duration of benefits removed to ensure benefits are given out based on need.
“With thousands of Ukrainian individuals and families fleeing to Alberta, our government is ensuring support is available for them,” said Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
“It is important for those leaving Ukraine to know that our government stands with them in solidarity against the tragic war in their home country, and we will show that by supporting those who find refuge in Alberta.”
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the constituency office via the contact page.
Celebrated annually, Black History Month is a time to learn about the lives and legacies of Black Albertans who helped break barriers and build our province. It is also a time to recommit ourselves to building a more fair and equitable society for all.
Use the #BlackHistoryMonth to join in conversation on social media.
Jan. 29th is the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.
It marks six years since the horrific attack at the Islamic Culture Centre of Quebec City. Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane and Aboubaker Thabti were killed after evening prayers when a gunman opened fire. The attack left 17 children fatherless.
Today, and everyday, we must stand strong against Islamophobia and discrimination.
Red Deer-North constituents can send their questions, comments, concerns or ideas to their MLA by using the contact form on this website.
Sláinte Mhath! Happy Robbie Burns Day to all those recognizing the work of the great poet and author Robert Burns.
Robert Burns was an 18th century literary figure who composed Auld Lang Syne, Tam O’Shanter and many other Scots poems. Celebrated on or near his Jan. 25 birthday, the occasion has been observed annually since 1801 by people of Scottish heritage.
Residents of Red Deer-North can join in community festivities with the Red Deer and District Pipe Band’s Robbie Burns Night dinner on Jan. 28, 2023 at the Elks Lodge at 6315 Horn St. The event will include traditional Scottish music, dancing and haggis.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact Arnie MacAskill at (403)505-6946 or reddeerdistrictpipeband@gmail.com.
