Marlene & Jamaica / Cynthia & Nigeria / Aaron & Trinidad-Tobago

Flags from over 40 countries around the world fly in front of the Ronald A. Irwin Civic Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Each of them represents and contributes an important part to the community’s local fabric. And every individual has a story.

On this episode we meet LIP Coordinator, Syed Islam from the capital Doha, Qatar; Marlene Henry-Smith originally from Kingston, Jamaica and living in the Sault since 2014; Cynthia Ima Osagie of Nigeria, Africa and now a resident in the city; Aaron Smith who found his way to Sault College from Trinidad-Tobago and then made the city his home.

Visit: ssmlip.ca

The Local Immigration Partnership Council serves as the primary mechanism through which the LIP engages stakeholders in systematizing and guiding settlement and integration, building on local initiatives, augmenting community engagement, and planning for the future. Through the Council, multiple stakeholders from across the sectors can come together to develop a guiding vision and strategy that reflects and responds to current and emerging local needs.

The Council enables collective planning and action by establishing and developing enhanced connections within and across sectors, by assisting non-settlement agencies increase their awareness and understanding of newcomers’ needs, and by facilitating information-sharing as well as intentional collaboration between organizations on key issues.

The Council serves as a unified voice and planning body that works towards promoting the benefits of immigration and diversity within a local context, champions the work of Partnership members, and helps create supportive environments where dialogue and collaboration can flourish.

The Council is also a mechanism to ensure strategic leadership and good governance of the Local Immigration Partnership in Sault Ste. Marie.