Newcomer Retention Strategy

The$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professionals$(IEHP)$Atlan*c$Connec*on$is$a$collabora*on$of$the$Atlan*c$Canadian$Departments$responsible$for$Health,$Health$Human$Resources$divisions,$and$other$government$and$nonCgovernment$stakeholders.$The$mandate$of$Atlan*c$Connec*on$is$to$aFract,$integrate,$and$retain$interna*onally$educated$health$professionals$to$the$health$care$systems$of$Atlan*c$Canada.$Produc*on$of$this$report$has$been$made$possible$through$a$financial$contribu*on$from$Health$Canada.$The $views$expressed$herein$do$not$necessarily$represent$the$views$of$Health$Canada$or$the$provinces.

All$rights$reserved$for$the$en*re$guide.$Reproduc*on$or$transla*on$of$any$part$of$this$work$by$any$means$

without$permission$of$PEI$ANC$is$unlawful.$

ECbook$cover$and$layout$designed$by$Manley$Mann$Media.$hFp://manleymannmedia.com

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Call$For$Ac*on

Projec*ons$from$Sta*s*cs$Canada$indicate$that$shortages$of$healthCcare$providers$na*onwide$will$reach$cri*cal$levels$if$immediate$ac*on$is$not$taken.$Meanwhile,$a$con*nued$popula*on$decline,$loss$of$skilled$workers,$and$loss$of$businesses$in$communi*es$across$Prince$Edward$Island$(PEI)$has$created$a$pressing$need$to$

aFract,$integrate,$and$retain$new$residents.$An$organized$and$concerted$effort$to$welcome$and$integrate$both$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professionals$(IEHPs)$and$other$new$residents$into$PEI$communi*es$is$an$essen*al$strategy$to$keep$them$in$PEI$longer.$This$strategy$will$aid$in$reversing$some$workforce$shortages$and$popula*on$decline.$

Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professionals$(IEHPs),$immigrants,$and$new$residents$alike$seek$communi*es$where$they$are$warmly$welcomed,$valued,$and$appreciated.$Newcomers$require$assistance$to$build$social$networks$in$the$community,$workplace,$or$school.$Community$leadership$is$needed$to$promote$an$

environment$that$welcomes$newcomers$and$creates$access$to$communityCbased$integra*on$and$reten*on$services.$This$ac*onCbased$guide$outlines$key$community$programs,$workplace$ini*a*ves,$and$schoolCbased$projects$that$will$increase$the$integra*on$and$reten*on$of$IEHPs$specifically$but$is$applicable$for$other$newcomers$and$new$residents.

$This$document,$and$most$of$the$work$iden*fied$herein,$has$been$made$possible$through$funding$from$Health$Canada,$guidance$from$IEHP$Atlan*c$Connec*on,$and$by$the$work$completed$in$PEI$by$the$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada$(PEI$ANC)$(IEHP$Program),$and$the$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness$Health$

Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat.

A$Model$for$Newcomer$Integra*on$and$Reten*on

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I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do. —$Leonardo$Da$Vinci$$

$49$Water$Street$CharloFetown,$PE$C1A$1A3$(902)$628C6009

A$Collec*on$of$Recommenda*ons$from$the$IEHP$Ini*a*ve$in$PEI

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Table$of$Contents

Preface' 6

Introduc/on' 8

Promo/ng'Integra/on'in'the'Community' 10

Increasing$IEHP$Integra*on/Reten*on$ 12

IEHP Community Development Officer (Navigator)! 12

Municipality Support and Leadership Potential! 13

Office Space! 14

Retention and Integration Committee for Health (RICH)! 15

Focus Groups, Information Sessions, and Project Launches! 16

Welcome Packages for IEHPs! 17

Physician Site Visit! 18

Community Events! 21

Newcomers’ Corner! 24

Community Mentorship for IEHPs! 24

Other$Recommended$Community$Ini*a*ves$ 27

Promo/ng'Integra/on'in'the'Workplace' 30

IEHP$Workplace$Orienta*on$ 30

Workplace$Diversity$Training$ 32

PEI ANC Multicultural Education Program (MEP)! 32

PEI Health Sector Council Responsive Leadership for a Diverse Workplace! 32

Public Service Commission Diversity Awareness Training Series! 32

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IEHP$Spousal$Employment$ 33

Other$Recommended$Workplace$Ini*a*ves $ 34

Promo/ng'Integra/on'In'Schools' 36

School$Peer$Mentorship,$Programs,$and$Ac*vi*es$ 37

PEI$ANC$Mul*cultural$Educa*on$Program$ 39

Other$Recommended$School$Ini*a*ves$ 40

Promo/ng'Integra/on'via'Language'Services' 42

Adult$Language$Training$ 43

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC )! 43

English Tutoring! 43

English Academic Preparation (EAP)! 43

Other$Recommended$Language$Ini*a*ves$ 45

Summary' 46

Appendix$A:$IEHP$Community$Development$Worker$(Navigator)$Job$Descrip*on$ 54

Appendix$B:$LeFer$from$the$Mayor$ 56

Appendix$D:$No*ce$of$Agreement,$Work$Mentorship$Program$ 58

Appendix$E:$Popula*on$and$Components$of$Growth$in$PEI$ 59

Appendix$F:$IEHP$Stats$(Prince$Edward$Island)$ 60

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Preface$Due$to$ongoing$skilled$labor$shortages,$the$recruitment$and$reten*on$of$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professionals$(IEHPs)$is$essen*al$to$the$health$of$Prince$Edward$Islanders.$While$recruitment$of$health$professionals$to$Prince$Edward$

Island$(PEI)$has$met$with$success$each$year,$there$are$ongoing$challenges$in$seFling,$integra*ng,$and$retaining$IEHPs$and$their$families$in$PEI$communi*es.$

The$Atlan*c$Popula*on$Table$tackled$the$challenge$of$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$in$partnership$with$the$Atlan*c$Connec*on,$building$on$work$completed$under$the$

Health$Canada$IEHP$Ini*a*ve$(IEHPI),$through$the$Atlan*c$Connec*on,$which$had$increased$support$to$IEHPs$across$the$Atlan*c$region$through$various$funding$ini*a*ves.$The$Atlan*c$Popula*on$Table,$a$fourCyear$joint$MOU$partnership$among$the$federal$government,$the$four$Atlan*c$Canadian$provinces,$ACOA,$HRSC,$and$Ci*zenship$and$Immigra*on$Canada,$sought$to$iden*fy$ways$to$increase$IEHP$

integra*on$and$reten*on$for$those$IEHPs$who$were$employable$in$the$region.$The$work$of$communityCbased$IEHP$reten*on$was$piloted$in$three$Atlan*c$communi*es,$and$the$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada$(PEI$ANC)$was$chosen$to$lead$the$Summerside$PEI$project.

While$the$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Project$began$as$a$small$pilot$project$in$PEI$during$2010,$the$success$of$this$work$led$to$an$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$program$in$PEI.$In$April$

2011,$the$PEI$ANC$began$a$fiveCyear$project$with$Atlan*c$Connec*on$to$establish$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$services$in$each$of$the$five$health$regions$in$PEI.$

Through$ongoing$support$from$Atlan*c$Connec*on$with$Health$Canada$funding$and$work$completed$by$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program$and$the$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat,$work$has$been$accomplished$across$PEI$health$networks$in$the$area$of$direct$client$support$to$IEHPs$and$their$families$and$guidance$to$PEI$communi*es$in$the$area$of$welcoming,$integra*ng,$and$

retaining$interna*onally$educated$health$professionals.$

It takes a friendly community to welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood, workplace, and school. It takes a proactive approach on everyone's part to keep them. —$Atlan*c$Connec*on

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[This work] is so needed to attract and retain newcomers from all walks of life. —Phil$Jost,$VP,$CanAm$Physician$Recrui*ng$Inc.

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Introduc*onHealthcare$professionals$are$a$vital$part$of$every$community$across$PEI,$and$each$of$us$plays$a$cri*cal$role$in$welcoming,$integra*ng,$and$keeping$those$who$have$newly$arrived.$

This$document$is$an$ac*onCbased$guide$that$can$be$adopted$and$used$by$any$community$leader$seeking$to$increase$newcomer$integra*on$and$reten*on.$This$document$serves$as$a$guide$to$improve$the$integra*on$and$reten*on$of$this$valuable$cohort.

How'to'Use'This'Guide

It$is$essen*al$that$a$concerted$effort$be$made$by$many$individuals$and$organiza*ons$

to$welcome,$integrate,$and$retain$IEHPs.$With$this$in$mind,$this$guide$is$divided$into$four$main$sec*ons:$community$and$municipal $integra*on,$workplace$integra*on,$school$

integra*on,$and$language$opportuni*es.$Each$sec*on$provides$an$overview$of$various$ini*a*ves$implemented$

throughout$the$IEHP$project$and$ini*a*ves$now$in$place$within$PEI$that$align$to$the$priori*es$of$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on.$Addi*onally,$recommenda*ons$for$further$ini*a*ves$to$enhance$IEHP$integra*on$in$PEI$are$

included.$

At$the$end$of$this$document,$references$and$resources$are$listed$for$further$reading.$Examples$of$specific$community$documents$are$also$included$(Appendices).$

Community$leaders$who$want$to$encourage$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$(or,$more$broadly,$all$newcomer$integra*on$and$reten*on)$can$use$this$document$for$guidance.$Community$leaders$are$encouraged$to$consult$with$established$residents,$and$assess$specific$needs$within$their$own$region$before$establishing$communityCbased$integra*on$and$reten*on$services.$This!guide$is$a$star*ng$point.$Each$of$the$

Successful inclusion of newcomers is affected not only by the quality of settlement services but also the engagement of the community. The province has succeeded in attracting newcomers, now it must provide the infrastructure that facilitates the success of these newcomers and encourage them to stay and prosper in their new home.

$ —$Atlan*c$Connec*on$for$Interna*onally$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Educated$Health$Professionals$(2010)

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four$sec*ons$can$be$used$independently$or$together$to$create$your$own$community$integra*on$and$reten*on$strategy$for$IEHPs$or$newcomers$to$the$region.

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Promo/ng'Integra/on'in'the'Community'Imagine$that$you$have$moved$to$a$new$country.$$The$climate$is$hoFer$than$you$are$used$to,$so$your$skin$burns$easily$and$your$body$has$a$hard$*me$acclima*ng$to$the$temperature.$You$can’t$seem$to$find$any$relief$from$the$sun$bea*ng$down$on$you.$

Cultural$customs$are$unfamiliar$to$you.$You$try$to$make$eye$contact$and$smile$at$the$people$you$meet$on$the$street,$but$your$gaze$is$not$returned.$You$hear$people$talking$and$laughing,$but$you$don’t$understand$what$they’re$saying.$It$feels$like$they$may$be$talking$about$you$but$you$don’t$know$enough$of$the$language$to$be$sure.

At$the$market,$the$food$you’re$used$to$cooking$is$not$available.$Foods$on$the$shelves $

that$you$recognize$as$staples$in$your$home$are$not$being$stored$properly$and$they$are$past$their$prime.$Protein$sources$include$things$like$python,$alligator,$goat,$and$pigeon.$

Businesses$close$for$extended$breaks$during$the$day$and$you$

can’t$get$used$to$their$schedule.$It$seems$that$most$shops$don’t$

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even$open$un*l$noon.$In$this$country,$people$go$to$work$late$in$the$day$and$work$un*l$10$or$11$at$night.$The$evening$meal$is$eaten$at$11$p.m.$Children$go$to$school$6$days$a$week$for$10$months$of$the$year$with$the$school$day$beginning$at$11$a.m$and$ending$at$6$p.m.$$During$the$

harvest$season,$no$one$goes$to$school$because$children$are$expected$to$help$with$the$workload.$Cultural$customs,$fes*vals,$and$beliefs$are$unfamiliar$to$you.$You$have$no$family$close$by$for$support.$Everything$is$dras*cally$different$from$what$you$are$used$to$and$as$each$day$passes,$you$feel$more$isolated$and$more$alone.

You$moved$to$this$new$place$to$begin$a$new$life.$Maybe$someone$asked$you$to$come$because$your$skills$are$needed$but$nothing$seems$to$be$going$well.$Then,$just$as$you$are$feeling$as$though$you$have$no$one$to$talk$to$

and$you$begin$doub*ng$your$decision$to$move,$someone$smiles$and$asks$you$if$you$need$help.$Someone$drops$by$your$home$with$something$they$just$baked$to$welcome$you$to$the$community$and,$aker$talking$to$you,$they$offer$to$show$you$around.$At$work,$someone$stops$to$talk$to$you,$and,$later,$someone$invites$you$to$lunch.$You$begin$to$feel$beFer$about$moving$to$this$country;$you$begin$to$feel$

accepted$and$hopeful$in$your$new$home.$

It$is$small$gestures$like$these$that$change$lives.$$All$of$us$have$a$responsibility$to$welcome$IEHPs$or$newcomers$in$general,$

helping$make$them$feel$at$home.$IEHPs$meet$many$community$members,$organiza*ons,$and$service$providers.$It$is$

the$$general$acceptance$and$support$they$receive$that$forms$their$percep*on$of$PEI.$$

For$this$reason,$the$involvement$of$many$people$in$the$community,$workplace,$and$school$is$extremely$important$because$we$all$have$some$impact$on$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on.$The$work$of$integra*on$and$reten*on$cannot$be$accomplished$in$isola*on.$Instead,$the$work$of$integra*on$and$reten*on$is$dependent$on$collabora*on,$partnerships,$and$a$commitment$to$crea*ng$excep*onal$seFlement$experiences.$It$has$been$our$observa*on$that$an$IEHP’s$

percep*on$of$their$new$home$is$established$in$the$first$six$months$of$arrival,$so$support$for$IEHPs$and$their$families$must$begin$immediately.

Increased$reten*on$and$integra*on$of$newcomers$is$possible,$as$shown$in$data$collected$by$the$PEI$ANC,$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Project$

and$through$increased$IEHP$reten*on$rates$reflected$in$data$from$the$PEI$

Everyone made us feel so welcome, it feels like home already! —$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professional$

All this helped us a great deal to integrate and forget about our troubled past.

$$$$–$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professional

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Department$of$Health$and$Wellness$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat.$$Not$only$is$increased$reten*on$possible,$it$is$essen*al.$With$declining$popula*on$and$skill$shortages,$it$is$IEHPs$and$newcomers$who$step$in$to$support$growth$in$our$

community$and$help$ease$skill$shortages$in$the$workforce.

Research$has$shown$that$most$newcomers$leave$PEI$and$Atlan*c$Canada$due$to$a$combina*on$of$social,$professional,$and$family$challenges.$Crea*ng$posi*ve$social$change$in$the$area$of$welcoming$and$integra*ng$new$residents$will$affect$the$seFlement,$integra*on,$and$reten*on$of$newcomers$in$PEI$and$throughout$Atlan*c$

Canada.$

Increasing$IEHP$Integra*on/Reten*on$

A$number$of$ini*a*ves$currently$exist$in$PEI$to$help$improve$community$*es$for$new$IEHPs.$These$tools,$discussed$below$

in$order$of$importance,$include$such$work$as$the$following:$an$IEHP$Navigator,$the$RICH$Reten*on$CommiFee,$community$brochures$and$welcome$packages$for$IEHPs,$the$new$physician$

orienta*ons$and$recep*ons,$community$events,$newcomers’$corners,$ESL$tutors$and$community$volunteers,$and$the$Responsive$Leadership$for$Diverse$Communi*es$Program.$

IEHP'Community'Development'Officer'(Navigator)'The$Community$Development$Officer$(previously$called$the$Navigator)$is$responsible$for$reaching$out$to$local$stakeholders,$increasing$awareness,$helping$to$build$welcoming$communi*es,$and$for$iden*fying$those$who$are$new$to$the$area.$Aker$

this$groundwork$has$been$laid,$the$Community$Development$Officer$begins$to$support$IEHPs$and$their$families$through$direct$client$services,$while$helping$them$navigate$within$their$new$community$to$ensure$all$of$the$family’s$needs$are$being$met.$The$Community$Development$Officer$should$be$a$community$member$who$is$well$immersed$in$the$community$and$be$able$

to$lead$a$variety$of$communityCbased$services$that$support$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on.$In$each$PEI$experience,$the$partC*me$IEHP$Community$Development$Officer$was$supported$by$a$second$funder$beyond$this$project.$This$has$

It takes a friendly community to welcome newcomers to the neighbourhood, workplace, and school. It takes a proactive approach on everyone's part to keep them.

—$Atlan*c$Connec*on

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allowed$them$to$expand$their$client$base$from$IEHPs$to$all$newcomers$(see$Appendix$A$for$the$official$job$descrip*on$for$this$posi*on).$

The$Community$Development$Officer$liaises$with$community$groups,$health$sector$employers,$and$educa*onal$ins*tu*ons$to$ensure$the$best$possible$outcome$for$IEHPs$and$their$families.$The$Community$Development$Officer$also$supports$

community$ini*a*ves$that$lead$to$longCterm$integra*on$and$a$sense$of$belonging$for$new$families.$These$ini*a*ves$include$opening$doors$for$cultural$training$in$the$community$

and$workplaces,$helping$libraries$establish$Newcomers’$Corners$(see$p.24),$and$bringing$diversity$to$local$events.$Since$this$individual$plays$an$integral$role$in$the$IEHP’s$integra*on$into$their$community$and$his$or$her$decision$to$stay$in$PEI,$it$is$of$cri*cal$importance$that$there$be$Community$Development$Officers$across$the$province$to$support$IEHPs.$The$Community$Development$Officer$is$able$to$provide$

relevant$and$upCtoCdate$advice,$client$support,$and$referrals$and$also$possesses$an$increased$ability$to$help$the$newcomer$integrate$into$the$community.

Municipality'Support'and'Leadership'Poten/al'It$is$important$that$leaders$of$municipali*es$in$PEI$support$the$development$and$implementa*on$of$communityCbased$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$tools.$$If$municipali*es$and$PEI’s$leaders$declared$integra*on$of$newcomers$a$strategic$priority$and$then$oversaw$

reten*on$projects,$it$could$make$a$world$of$difference$in$how$IEHPs$are$welcomed$by$their$new$neighbours.1$Strong$municipal$leadership$is$essen*al$in$sustaining$the$work$of$integra*ng$and$retaining$IEHP$residents.$The$seFlement$associa*on$has$provided$an$example$to$follow,$but$success$hinges$on$leadership$from$within$each$community.$$

The$municipal$leader$needn’t$do$all$of$the$work$him$or$herself.$Local$reten*on$commiFees$can$help$to$organize$IEHP$support$amongst$many$community$leaders.$Ideally,$the$Community$Development$Officer’s$posi*on$

It all starts with municipal leadership. With regards to growing the number of people in Island communities for future viability, municipal leaders are needed to lead the work of integrating and retaining IEHPs, newcomers in general, and new residents.

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1 The$importance$of$municipal$leadership,$welcoming$communi*es,$and$priori*zing$newcomer$reten*on$can$be$seen$in$Manitoba,$where$the$province’s$popula*on$nearly$doubled$through$newcomers$alone.$See$hFp://www.pembinatoday.ca/2012/02/08/cityCpopula*onCtopsC10000,$hFp://thegeorgetownconference.ca/whyCgeorgetown/founda*ons/mediaCreleases/octoberC13C2013/$and$hFp://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/immigra*on/pdf/manitoba_$immigra*on_$facts_report_2012.pdf

would$con*nue,$with$part$of$the$role$focused$on$being$the$IEHP’s$lead$service$provider$and$advocate$at$the$community$level.$

Some$Island$communi*es$are$priori*zing$newcomers.$Summerside$released$a$municipal$document$that$recognized$the$importance$of$newcomers$to$the$area.2$

Municipal$leaders$need$to$take$ownership$of$this$cri*cal$work,$enlis*ng$support$of$

residents,$gaining$buyCin,$and$forming$strategic$partnerships.$Municipal$leaders$can$draw$from$the$work$that$was$started$by$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program$as$well$as$from$exis*ng$exper*se$within$their$community.

Office'SpaceThe$physical$loca*on$of$integra*on$and$reten*on$services$is$an$important$factor$to$consider.$The$PEI$ANC$has$found$that$the$success$of$the$Community$Development$Officer’s$work$

depends$directly$on$having$an$office$space$within$a$community$hub.$Since$2010,$several$project$partners$and$stakeholders$have$generously$provided$inCkind$office$space$in$

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2 hFp://bigpossibili*es.ca/aboutCsummersideCC2/demographics$

important$community$buildings.$In$each$situa*on,$the$“office”$was$eventually$relocated$to$a$Town$Hall$or$City$Hall.$

Community$Development$Officers$have$been$successful$housed$in$Summerside’s$City$Hall,$Souris’$Town$Hall,$and$Montague’s$Town$Hall.$These$are$all$visible$places$where$residents$go$to$ask$ques*ons,$pay$bills,$or$seek$assistance$when$new$to$the$area.$Community$Development$Officers$in$these$spaces$are$able$to$provide$IEHPs$and$newcomers$with$a$central$place$to$aFain$support$or$services.

Reten/on'and'Integra/on'CommiRee'for'Health'(RICH)A$Reten*on$and$Integra*on$CommiFee$for$Heath$(RICH)$has$been$formed$in$each$health$region$in$PEI.$Each$RICH$commiFee$is$comprised$of$ac*ve$leaders$who$provide$direc*on$and$oversight$for$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$programs$in$their$community.$RICH$was$

groundCbreaking$in$allowing$for$broad$collabora*on$across$sectors.$Previously,$these$sectors—which$include$community$and$business$leaders,$service$groups,$and$business$organiza*ons,$as$well$as$local,$provincial,$and$federal$government$

Characteristics of Welcoming and Inclusive Communities*

• $Fostering$of$social$capital

• $Affordable$and$suitable$housing

• 'Posi*ve$astudes$toward$immigrants,$cultural$diversity,$and$the$presence$of$$newcomers$in$the$community

• 'Presence$of$newcomerCserving$agencies$that$can$successfully$meet$the$needs$of$$newcomers

• 'Links$between$main$players$working$toward$welcoming$communi*es

• 'Municipal$features$and$services$sensi*ve$to$the$presence$and$needs$of$newcomers

• 'Educa*onal$opportuni*es

• 'Accessible$and$suitable$health$care

• 'Available$and$accessible$public$transit

• 'Presence$of$diverse$religious$organiza*ons

• 'Social$engagement$opportuni*es

• 'Poli*cal$par*cipa*on$opportuni*es

• 'Posi*ve$rela*onships$with$the$police$and$the$jus*ce$system

• 'Safety

• 'Opportuni*es$for$use$of$public$space$and$recrea*on$facili*es

• 'Favourable$media$coverage$and$representa*on

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$*$Characteris*cs$of$a$Welcoming$Community,$Esses$et.$al.,$2010

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representa*ves—were$not$working$together$directly.$The$first$RICH$commiFee$began$to$meet$in$October$2010,$and$since$then,$two$addi*onal$commiFees$have$been$formed$and$maintained.$RICH$allows$community$leaders$to$iden*fy$common$

goals,$share$priori*es,$develop$partnerships,$collaborate,$take$ac*on,$and$maintain$rela*onships$amongst$community$and$business$leaders.$

Focus'Groups,'Informa/on'Sessions,'and'Project'Launches

Some$of$the$most$important$work$undertaken$by$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program$to$ini*ate$communityCbased$IEHP$reten*on$services$has$been$accomplished$through$extensive$consulta*ons,$oneConCone$mee*ngs,$focus$groups,$and$informa*on$

sessions$organized$to$share$informa*on$on,$inquire$about,$seek$input$on,$gather$advice$on,$and$document$integra*on$and$reten*on$prac*ces$in$PEI.$As$well,$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program$has$facilitated$useful$gatherings$of$larger$groups$of$community$leaders$to$discuss$and$ini*ate$work$within$each$represented$municipality.$

When$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program$started$to$work$with$the$West$Prince$region$in$2013,$we$began$by$comple*ng$148$faceCtoCface$and$telephone$consulta*ons.$An$informa*on$session$

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was$held$for$56$individuals,$and$then$a$focus$group$was$facilitated$for$35$stakeholders$from$West$Prince.$$From$the$focus$group,$a$

smaller$group$of$established$residents,$who$are$dedicated$to$suppor*ng$new$residents$was$iden*fied.$Likewise,$when$the$project$began$in$Kings$County$in$2011,$over$100$consulta*ons$and$a$community$focus$group$of$20$par*cipants$was$conducted.$A$planning$session$of$16$par*cipants$and$a$project$launch$with$65$in$aFendance$was$also$held.$If$a$

similar$model$was$to$be$adopted$across$all$Island$municipali*es,$each$community$would$have$a$group$of$community$members$commiFed$to$integra*on$and$reten*on$IEHPs,$specifically,$and$all$newcomers,$in$general.

Welcome'Packages'for'IEHPsThe$welcome$package$is$designed$to$be$the$first$package$of$informa*on$that$newcomers$receive.$It$is$specific$to$their$new$community$and$contains$important$informa*on$they$will$need$in$the$first$few$months$aker$arriving$in$their$new$community.$

The$welcome$package$is$not$a$replacement$for$faceCtoCface$contact.$Instead,$it$serves$as$one$informa*on$source—$a$collec*on$of$informa*on$that$someone$new$to$the$community$will$need.$

Welcome$packages$may$include:

• $A$welcome$leFer$from$the$mayor$(see$Appendix$B$for$an$example)

• $A$brochure$with$informa*on$on$the$community,$created$by$the$RICH$commiFee$$(e.g.,$local $$$shops,$places$of$worship,$libraries,$aForneys,$real$estate)

• $Community$guides$and$maps$(see$Appendix$C$for$an$example)

• $Event$calendars

• $Coupons$for$local$businesses

• $A$pin$or$pen$with$community$name$on$it

• $Contact$informa*on/brochure$for$seFlement$associa*on$and$service$

$providers$

Careful$considera*on$should$be$given$to$the$contents$of$this$welcome$package.$It$is$important$that$the$package$does$not$overwhelm$a$newcomer,$but$is$concise,$simple,$and$includes$essen*al$services$for$a$

newcomer.$The$welcome$package$should$represent$the$community$professionally.$

I realized how difficult adjusting to a new community and culture would be. —Focus$Group$Evalua*ons$(West$Prince)

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Physician'Site'VisitIf,$aker$careful$screening,$a$physician$is$considered$to$be$a$poten*al$recruit,$he$or$she$is$invited$to$PEI$for$a$site$visit$with$his$or$her$spouse$or$significant$other.$A$site$visit$is$not$a$commitment,$but,$rather,$an$opportunity$for$the$physician$to$visit$the$province$with$his$or$her$family$to$learn$more$about$the$posted$opportunity.$As$well,$the$employer$will$interview$the$candidate$faceCtoCface,$and$both$par*es$will$have$a$

chance$to$familiarize$themselves$with$one$another.$Part$of$the$site$visit$i*nerary$is$open$for$community$tours,$allowing$residents$a$chance$to$welcome$prospec*ve$physicians$and$showcase$their$community$through$special$gatherings$or$events$held$during$the$site$visit.$This$is$the$community’s$opportunity$to$take$part$in$the$recruitment$process$and$ini*ate$their$rela*onship$with$a$poten*al$incoming$

physician.$

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

—Margaret$Mead,$Anthropologist

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Welcome'Recep/on'for'New'PhysiciansThe$New$Physician$Welcome$Recep*on$is$held$within$the$physician’s$community$or$municipality.$When$applicable,$it$is$facilitated$by$the$community$and$the$PEI$ANC$IEHP$Program,$in$partnership$with$the$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness$Recruitment$and$

Reten*on$Secretariat.$The$welcome$recep*on$is$a$*me$of$celebra*on$for$the$new$physician$and$his$or$her$family$and$a$chance$for$community$and$business$leaders$to$welcome$their$new$physician.$Many$PEI$residents$have$been$affected$by$physician$shortages,$and$the$recep*on$is$one$opportunity$for$community$members$to$be$introduced$to$their$new$physician$and$

express$apprecia*on$to$the$physician$for$choosing$their$community.$Addi*onally,$these$gatherings$are$a$chance$for$the$new$physician$to$meet$other$incoming$physicians,$professional$peers,$and$community$leaders,$while$ini*a*ng$new$rela*onships$and$beginning$to$establish$*es$to$members$of$the$community.$

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The$Physician$Welcome$Recep*on$started$in$2012$and$has$spread$into$each$of$the$

five$health$regions.$They$are$generally$held$at$the$municipality’s$City$Hall$or$Town$Hall,$but$they$have$also$been$successfully$held$in$many$other$sesngs,$including$fire$halls,$hospitals,$community$venues,$and$even$at$a$Chamber$of$Commerce’s$business$mixer.$

The$recep*on$is$aFended$by$the$mayor,$council,$community$leaders,$representa*ves$of$serviceCbased$organiza*ons,$government$leaders,$

business$owners,$other$professionals,$and$community$members.$It$can$be$open$to$all$members$of$the$community$or$by$invita*on$only,$and$we$have$seen$success$in$both$situa*ons.$However,$it$is$recommended$that$all$new$physicians$are$welcomed$together$at$one$event,$so$a$new$physician$recep*on$may$be$held$only$once$or$twice$

each$year.$

Thank you very much for having me at the reception. It's very nice to have such a warm welcome from the city and community!

$—New$physician,$Queens$County

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The$Physician$Recep*on$includes$a$welcome$message,$a$suitable$speech$for$the$evening$by$a$municipal$leader$or$a$guest$speaker$(such$as$an$established$physician),$a$gree*ng$and$gik$from$the$Mayor,$followed$by$an$extended$*me$for$networking$and$refreshments.$In$the$past,$

local$businesses$such$as$florists,$interior$designers,$specialty$foods,$or$restaurants$have$volunteered$their$*me$to$set$up$displays,$provide$services,$and$give$out$samples$at$no$cost.$There$are$many$business$and$community$leaders$who$are$willing$to$give$of$their$*me$and$services$to$welcome$physician’s$to$their$new$home$in$PEI.$$

Community'EventsCommunity$events$are$of$cri*cal$importance$in$facilita*ng$IEHP$

integra*on.$Municipal$events$coordinators$have$a$significant$role$to$play$in$this$work.$Events$provide$a$social$outlet$where$deeper$bonds$can$be$forged$between$established$residents$and$new$residents$over$*me.$For$this$reason,$it$is$important$to$hold$regular,$inclusive$events$with$the$goal$of$seeing$community$members$build$rela*onships$with$one$another.$Oken,$it$helps$to$

establish$familyCfriendly$events$around$several$neutral$ac*vi*es$related$to$sports,$ac*vi*es,$

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games,$music,$cooking,$or$other$common$interests,$as$people$will$be$less$worried$about$mee*ng$people$and$engaging$in$conversa*ons$and$more$focused$on$par*cipa*ng$in$the$ac*vity.$

Events$are$also$a$good$way$to$encourage$newcomers$to$volunteer.$By$giving$those$who$are$new$a$chance$to$take$part$and$work$alongside$other$community$members,$it$becomes$less$about$trying$to$integrate$and$more$about$feeling$a$sense$of$

belonging$and$acceptance$.$It$is$important$to$listen$to$newcomers’$viewpoints$and$allow$them$to$lead$a$por*on$of$the$event,$so$it$is$a$good$experience$for$them.$For$successful$and$wellCaFended$events,$it$is$necessary$to$visit,$call,$and$email$local$newcomers$with$a$personal$invita*on.$

Find$out$where$the$newcomers$are,$and$let$them$lead$you$to$more$newcomers.$Create$a$distribu*on$list,$and$then$involve$and/or$communicate$with$the$newcomer$popula*on.$Consider$different$event$formats,$consider$diversity$and$inclusion,$and,$in$all$you$do,$seek$to$strengthen$community$member$rela*onships.$Newcomers$need$to$know$what$events$

are$being$held$that$might$interest$them.$They$may$want$a$personal$invita*on$to$know$that$they$are$valued$and$welcome$at$the$event.$Some$newcomers$may$not$have$a$companion$to$

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aFend$the$event$with$or$they$may$feel$like$they$don’t$know$anyone$well$enough$to$aFend.$You$may$need$to$be$persistent$in$extending$invita*ons.$It$may$take$many$personal$invites$and$a$dropCin,$but$your$work$will$be$rewarded$by$having$hundreds$of$people$in$aFendance,$by$

seeing$the$crea*on$of$deeper$community$bonds,$and$by$observing$a$large,$engaged$newcomer$popula*on$connec*ng$with$established$residents.$

The$PEI$ANC$has$partnered$with$many$municipali*es$and$supported$community$events$to$increase$IEHP$community$integra*on.$Specific$events$have$included$mul*cultural$themes$

such$as$DiverseCity,$Summerside$Cultural$Fusion,$Souris$Music$in$the$Park,$and$Montague$Cultural$Extravaganza.$Celebra*ons$of$PEI$culture,$such$as$Islander$Day,$kitchen$par*es,$and$Christmas$in$Canada,$or$summer$fes*vals,$such$as$Lobster$Carnival$and$Old$Fashioned$Carnival$provide$excellent$venues$for$events.$As$well,$sports$events$and$family$ou*ngs$such$as$BBQs,$picnics,$apple$picking,$and$pumpkin$carving$are$popular.$

These$community$events$provide$opportuni*es$where$families$connect$with$other$families,$professionals$with$other$professionals,$and$children$with$other$children.

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Newcomers’'CornerSince$libraries$are$a$tradi*onal$hub$of$learning$and$oken$sought$out$by$newcomers,$

the$library$is$an$important$loca*on$to$reach$out$to$newcomers$and$create$more$welcoming$and$inclusive$communi*es.

PEI$libraries,$along$with$the$PEI$ANC,$has$created$Newcomers’$

Corners$(some*mes$referred$to$as$“Welcome$Corners”)$for$newcomers$in$public$libraries.$These$corners$display$a$diversity$poster,$welcome$

message,$and$various$cultural$ar*facts$to$pique$interest$in$cultures.$Essen*ally,$these$Newcomers’$Corners$serve$two$

purposes:$They$are$a$resourceCbased$informa*on$source$for$those$who$are$new$and$a$cultural$learning$experience$for$community$residents.$

Libraries$play$a$central$role$in$suppor*ng$literacy,$language,$and$training$programs,$as$well$as$community$ini*a*ves.$It$is$important$to$welcome$the$newcomer$at$these$loca*ons$and$reach$out$to$the$local$popula*on$to$generate$interest$in$different$cultures$and$increase$diversity$awareness.$

Community'Mentorship'for'IEHPsFamily$members$of$IEHPs$have$their$own$individual$needs$and$interests.$A$

community$mentor$can$offer$advice,$support,$and$guidance$to$the$family$in$helping$them$access$services$found$in$their$community.

The'PEI'Associa/on'for'Newcomers'to'Canada'–

Community'Connec/ons'Program

The$PEI$ANC,$Community$Connec*ons$Program$helps$newcomers$adjust$to$life$in$Canada$by$matching$community$

$The Newcomers’ Corner includes:

• Posters$recognizing$and$welcoming$different$cultures$and$languages

• Community$guides$and$literature$to$support$the$basic$needs$of$those$acclima*zing$to$a$new$community

• Reference$documents,$brochures,$and$contact$informa*on$for$accessing$support$and$seFlement$services

• Posters,$welcome$messages,$and$diverse$books$and$culturally$themed$toys

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volunteers$with$new$immigrants.$Volunteers$help$immigrants$feel$welcome$in$their$new$community$by$spending$*me$with$them$and$providing$

important$community$contacts.$This$is$an$essen*al$role$because$newcomers$can$experience$feelings$of$loneliness$and$isola*on$without$meaningful$social$contact.$

Community$volunteers$provide$newcomers$with$the$opportunity$to$prac*ce$their$English$or$French$and$help$them$beFer$understand$Canadian$customs.$They$also$offer$

newcomers$a$muchCneeded$social$or$recrea*onal$outlet$to$relieve$some$of$their$stress$and$feelings$of$isola*on,$making$the$integra*on$process$as$successful$as$possible.$In$exchange$for$their$investment$of$*me,$a$volunteer$can$learn$about$new$cultures,$develop$a$valuable$friendship,'and$feel$pride$in$having$helped$a$newcomer$to$Canada$gain$confidence$

and$independence$in$his$or$her$new$home.

We now have a more active involvement with our newcomers and together we have opened the “diversity” doors. We see a more welcoming and accepting community

–Andrew$DaggeF,$CAO,$Town$of$$$$$$$$Montague,$RICH$CommiFee

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Responsive'Leadership'for'a'Diverse'Communi/es'Program'Some*mes$it$is$not$enough$simply$to$collaborate$and/or$work$alongside$the$

community$when$leading$community$integra*on$and$reten*on.$Specialized$training$is$needed$to$fully$prepare$community$leaders$to$become$change$agents$in$increasingly$diverse$communi*es.

Early$in$2014,$the$PEI$ANC$partnered$with$the$Health$Care$Human$Resource$

Sector$Council$of$NS$and$the$PEI$Health$Sector$Council$to$pilot$a$fourCmodule$leadership$training$program$based$on$aFributes$

iden*fied$as$essen*al$characteris*cs$for$leaders$in$diverse$communi*es.$Topics$covered$in$this$program$include$aFributesCbased$leadership$training,$mul*cultural$educa*on,$Myers$Brigg$personality$assessment$and$selfCawareness$training,$the$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Program$and$

recommenda*ons,$goal$sesng,$and$par*cipantCdirected$projects.$In$addi*on$to$these$topics,$the$Responsive$Leadership$for$a$Diverse$Communi*es$Program$also$includes$stories$and$voices$from$IEHPs$collected$across$PEI.

Community Program Benefits for Newcomers:

• Moral$support$and$friendship

• Informa*on$on$Canadian$culture,$customs,$and$society

• Friendly$leisure$*me$together

• Opportunity$to$prac*ce$English$or$French

• Organiza*on$of$social$events$for$volunteers$and$clients

• Help$with$everyday$tasks$(e.g.,$shopping,$banking,$social$networks)

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Other$Recommended$Community$Ini*a*ves$

While$the$programs$described$have$already$been$integrated$to$help$with$seamless$inclusion$of$IEHPs$in$PEI,$the$following$ini*a*ves$could$be$considered$for$implementa*on$by$community$leaders$in$the$province.$

$Physician'Apprecia/on'Day.'Communi*es$across$the$province$could$designate$a$date$on$$the$calendar$as$“Physician$Apprecia*on$Day.”$This$day,$led$by$communi*es/groups,$would$

$be$set$aside$to$express$apprecia*on$for$a$local$physician.$A$Physician$Apprecia*on$Day$$could$include$a$recep*on,$flowers,$and$an$apprecia*on$basket/thankCyou$leFers.$This$day$$would$be$a$chance$to$recognize$and$thank$the$physician$for$his$or$her$service$to$the$$people$of$the$community.$Physician$Apprecia*on$Day$would$help$strengthen$the$new$$physician’s$connec*on$with$the$community.

Community'Benefit'Dinners.'Islanders$are$known$for$their$giving$natures$and$for$helping$neighbours$in$*mes$of$need.$By$invi*ng$IEHPs$and$their$families$to$fundraising$events$in$the$community,$these$newcomers$will$gain$a$beFer$understanding$of$how$community$members$take$care$of$each$other—an$important$glimpse$into$the$local$culture.$

Established'Events'Coordinator'and'Youth'Recrea/on.$Some$communi*es$have$these$posi*ons,$but$it$isn’t$consistent$across$PEI.$These$municipal$posi*ons$are$responsible$for$community$events$that$create$community$integra*on$opportuni*es.$CommunityCbased$events$encourage$greater$integra*on$and$reten*on$for$new$residents$and$youth.$

Welcome'Events.'Communi*es$could$host$quarterly,$biCannual,$or$annual$welcome$events $for$all$newcomers$to$the$area,$modelled$aker$the$physician$recep*ons$that$are$currently$being$held.$This$could$be$an$opportunity$for$newcomers$to$introduce$locals$to$their$tradi*ons$and$customs,$enriching$the$culture$of$the$community.$These$welcome$events$

could$take$on$the$theme$of$“bringing$community$back”$via$community$potlucks,$kitchen$

par*es,$neighbourhood$barbeques,$an$annual$newcomer$apprecia*on$day,$and$

houseCwarming$socials.

Encourage/Facilitate'Newcomer'Volunteer'Efforts.'Enlis*ng$newcomers$as$volunteers$will$both$provide$a$service$to$the$community$and$strengthen$community$*es$for$the$newcomer,$

allowing$them$to$meet$neighbours$and$feel$like$they$are$making$a$difference.

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$Host'A'Family.'Match$a$newcomer$family$with$a$family$who$has$lived$in$the$

$$$$$$$community$for$a$while.$Encourage$dinners,$movie$nights,$games$night,$etc.$$$$$$$$$Families$could$take$turns$preparing$food$pertaining$to$their$culture.

$Church'Involvement.'Local$churches$could$reach$out$to$newcomers,$encouraging$$$$$$$$them$to$become$members,$informing$them$of$programs$available,$and$offering$

$$$$$$$rides$if$necessary.$Churches$should$be$aware$of$all$cultures$when$reaching$out$to$$$$$$$$newcomers.$

$Social'Media.'Newcomer$families$in$Summerside$have$a$Newcomer$to$$$$$$$$Summerside$Facebook$Page,$which$serves$as$a$“place”$for$newcomers$to$meet$

$$$$$$$each$other$and$find$out$informa*on$about$the$area.$More$communi*es$or$$$$$$$$municipali*es$could$consider$sesng$up$similar$social$media$accounts.

$Adopt'a'New'Resident.$This$program$would$ensure$that$each$new$resident$is$$$$$$$$matched$with$a$resident—someone$who$could$mentor$and$support$the$

$$$$$$$newcomer$and$facilitate$integra*on$into$the$community.

$Establish'ESL'Language'Circles.'Communi*es$could$offer$a$place$for$newcomers$$$$$$$$to$meet$and$prac*ce$English$language$skills.$These$do$not$have$to$be$formal$$$$$$$$environments$such$as$a$library,$but$rather$informal,$“coffee$house”$type$$$$

$$$$$$$environments$where$social$interac*on$would$be$encouraged.

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If Island communities wish to retain the services of a local physician, community members must work together to embrace the IEHP and his or her family. The community has much to gain by taking an active role in IEHP integration and retention.

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Promo/ng'Integra/on'in'the'Workplace'To$increase$the$likelihood$that$IEHPs$will$remain$to$live$and$work$in$their$new$Island$community,$it$is$impera*ve$that$they$become$acclimated$to$their$new$workplace.$For$this$reason,$workplace$orienta*on$and$mentorship$programs$have$been$

developed$for$IEHPs.

IEHP$Workplace$Orienta*onBefore$an$IEHP$starts$to$work$in$PEI,'he$or$she$visits$the$PEI$ANC$to$complete$an$intake$and$needs$assessment.$The$PEI$ANC$determines$how$to$assist$the$physician$

and$the$physician’s$family,$and$then,$they$facilitate$an$orienta*on$session$around$cultural$sensi*vi*es.$The$orienta*on$program,$handbook,$and$

video$were$developed$in$2011$by$the$Physician$Recruitment$Coordinator$with$the$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness.$

The$Physician$Recruitment$Coordinator$reviews$an$orienta*on$handbook$with$the$new$IEHP$and$a$video$is$shown$that$explores$

a$typical$pa*ent/physician$interac*on$in$PEI.$This$orienta*on$program$provides$the$

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IEHP$with$an$overview$of$the$Canadian$and$PEI$health$care$system$and$the$Canada$Health$Act,$while$also$exploring$medical$ethics$and$cultural$sensi*vi*es.$This$program$for$new$physicians$serves$as$a$mechanism$to$support$beFer$transi*ons$into$the$PEI$medical$field.$

Workplace$Mentorship$for$IEHPsIEHPs$oken$feel$isolated$and$powerless$in$a$new$work$site$and$can$benefit$from$a$workplace$mentor.$The$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness,$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat$created$a$workplace$mentorship$program,$where$an$IEHP$is$matched$with$a$mentor$to$

become$more$comfortable$and$knowledgeable$on$the$work$site.$This$program$is$not$a$supervisory$one,$and$no$formal$wriFen$reports$are$expected$of$the$mentor.$Mentors$must$work$in$the$same$work$site$and$within$the$same$scope$of$prac*se$as$the$IEHP.$Mentors$have$a $good$sense$of$judgement,$compassion,$and$understanding,$and$they$agree$to$a$mentorship$agreement$(see$Appendix$D).

Mentors$meet$with$the$new$IEHP$every$day$for$the$first$two$weeks$of$the$program;$then,$every$week$thereaker.$Mentees$receive$support$from$their$mentor,$informa*on$about$the$PEI$and$Canadian$healthcare$

systems,$assistance$and$guidance$with$workCrelated$ac*vi*es,$and$possible$friendship.$The$mentor$could$have$a$posi*ve$impact$on$workplace$integra*on$for$the$IEHP.$

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Workplace$Diversity$TrainingIEHPs$will$feel$more$comfortable$in$their$new$Island$community$and$in$their$new$workplace$if$their$coCworkers$are$comfortable$with$diversity$and$are$sensi*ve$to$cultural$differences.$For$this$reason,$various$workplace$diversity$training$ini*a*ves$

have$been$put$into$place$across$PEI.

PEI'ANC'Mul/cultural'Educa/on'Program'(MEP)'The$PEI$ANC$operates$the$Mul*cultural$Educa*on$Program$(MEP)$to$provide$workshops,$presenta*ons,$and$training$materials$to$schools$and$to$the$community$at$large.$The$program$focuses$on$the$areas$of$diversity$educa*on,$cultural$awareness $training,$and$comba*ng$racism.

PEI'Health'Sector'Council'

Responsive'Leadership'for'a'

Diverse'WorkplaceThe$PEI$Health$Sector$Council$offers$a $four$module$collabora*ve,$aFributeC

based$Responsive$Leadership$for$a$Diverse$Workplace$Program.$The$program$provides$frontline$managers$within$the$private$and$public$health$sector$with$the$opportunity$to$share$their$

experiences$and$to$challenge$themselves$and$others$to$improve$their$individual$leadership$capacity$for$leading$a$diverse$workplace.$Each$module$is$a$full$day$with$one$module$being$delivered$every$four$weeks.3

Public'Service'Commission'Diversity'Awareness'Training'Series

The$PEI$Public$Service$Commission$developed$a$diversity$awareness$training$series$to$meet$the$needs$of$an$increasingly$diverse$workforce$and$Island$

popula*on.$This$training$is$intended$to$increase$the$understanding$of$diversity$by$iden*fying$and$clarifying$defini*ons$of$diversity$and$related$terms.$This$training$is$

They [PEI ANC, IEHP program] have been helpful in so many aspects, such as tips and guidance in regard to developing as a professional or looking into doing a new degree, or looking for a job related to your background. –Interna*onally$Educated$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Health$Professional

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$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$3$$The$development$and$delivery$of$the$program$has$been$made$possible$through$funding$from$Health$$$$$$$$$$Canada,$in$partnership$with$IEHP$Atlan*c$Connec*on.$For$addi*onal$informa*on,$please$contact$the$

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$PEI$Health$Sector$Council.

available$to$all$PEI$government$employees.4$

IEHP$Spousal$Employment$Spousal$employment$is$oken$an$essen*al$factor$in$an$IEHP’s$decision$to$con*nue$living$and$working$in$PEI.$The$employed$IEHP$wants$to$see$his$or$her$spouse$and$family$members$

seFled,$and$oken$it$is$the$spouse’s$employment$that$becomes$the$most$difficult$need$to$meet$and$the$most$cri*cal$factor$in$the$family’s$seFlement$process.$Even$if$an$IEHP$feels$welcomed$into$his$or$her$community$and$workplace,$there’s$a$good$chance$the$family$will$not$stay$in$PEI$if$the$spouse$doesn’t$feel$seFled.

The$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness,$along$with$the$PEI$ANC,$meets$with$the$physician’s$significant$other$to$review$past$work$experience$and$his$or$her$current$CV,$consult$about$

poten*al$opportuni*es,$and$provide$employer$contacts.$No$employment$guarantee$is$provided$to$the$spouse,$but$con*nued$followCup$and$support$is$provided.$While$many$partnerships$have$been$formed$and$IEHP$spouses$can$access$employment$assistance,$more$work$in$this$area$is$needed$to$see$

increased$spousal$employment$success.$Areas$of$improvement$include$increased$partnerships$to$overcome$licensing$barriers,$access$to$volunteer$and$employment$opportuni*es,$and$access$to$alternate$careers$through$transferable$skills.$Our$greatest$challenge$to$date$involves$professionals$with$careers$in$regulated$fields.

Oken,$clients$meet$the$criteria$for$the$PEI$ANC$Employment$Assistance$Program,$and$they$are $referred$to$this$department$for$professional$employment$assistance$services.$There$are$career$counsellors$on$hand$to$support$newcomers$and$their$families$with$the$process$of$preparing$for$employment$and$gaining$employment$in$PEI$.

Once in a while, one gets to meet someone like you who is genuinely caring [PEI ANC, IEHP Program]…. I am fortunate to have this privilege of knowing and meeting you.

– Spouse of IEHP, Queens County

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4$For$more$informa*on,$contact$the$Diversity$Consultant,$PEI$Public$Service$Commission,$Staffing,$&$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Planning.

Other$Recommended$Workplace$Ini*a*ves$

While$the$programs$described$have$already$been$integrated$to$help$with$seamless$inclusion$of$IEHPs$in$PEI,$the$following$ini*a*ves$could$be$considered$for$implementa*on$by$various$workplace$leaders.

Partner'with'municipali/es.'Local$businesses$could$work$with$municipali*es$to$

$$$$$$$$increase$successful$integra*on$of$IEHPs$by$suppor*ng$those$who$are$new$in$the$$$$$$$$$workplace$and$the$community.$A$partnership$of$community$groups$and$local$$$$$$$$$businesses$will$facilitate$newcomer$integra*on$in$both$loca*ons$and$create$$$$$$$$$beFer$integra*on$and$reten*on.$Examples$of$partnership$ini*a*ves$include$

$$$$$$$$business$sponsorships$at$community$newcomer$events,$welcome$events$being$$$$$$$$$hosted$on$the$site$of$a$local$business,$and$local$businesses$par*cipa*ng$in$$$$$$$$$community$events$by$encouraging$employees$to$take$part.

$Establish'a'formal'workplace'mentorship'program.$Many$workplaces$could$

$$$$$$$establish$a$mentorship$program$where$established$employees$are$matched$with$$$$$$$$newcomer$employees.$The$mentor$could$offer$support$and$guidance$to$the$$$$$$$$newcomer$and$facilitate$integra*on$into$the$workplace.

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You and your team [PEI ANC, IEHP program] do so many amazing things to ease transition and to assure a warm welcome and we appreciate you all very much! –Interna*onally$Educated$Health$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Professional,$Prince$County

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Promo/ng'Integra/on'In'SchoolsSchools$play$a$crucial$role$in$the$reten*on$of$IEHPs$and$their$families.$It$is$essen*al$that$the$children$of$newcomers$feel$supported$by$the$school$community.$Transi*oning$to$a$new$school$is$difficult$for$any$student,$but$there$are$addi*onal$challenges$faced$by$immigrant$students,$so$a$welcoming$school$environment$is$of$utmost$importance.

Fostering$a$posi*ve$astude$around$diversity$has$benefits$beyond$the$support$that$an$IEHP’s$children$would$feel.$With$a$more$diverse$student$popula*on,$Island$school$children$will$be$exposed$to$new$cultures$and$ideas$that$genera*ons$of$students$before$were$not$exposed$to,$other$than$through$books$or$social$studies$class.$The$lives$of$students,$their$

teachers,$and$school$staff$are$enriched$each$day$by$the$inclusion$of$children$from$other$countries.$

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PEI$ANC$Immigrant$Student$Services(ISS)$ProgramThe$PEI$ANC$ISS$Program$works$in$collabora*on$with$schools,$service$providers,$and$communi*es$to$help$children$thrive$in$their$new$PEI$school.$

Through$the$Immigrant$Student$Services$(ISS)$program,$a$

dedicated$team$at$the$PEI$ANC$works$directly$with$newcomer$youth$to$help$them$successfully$integrate$into$the$PEI$school$system.$The$team$works$

together$with$staff,$students,$parents,$and$the$community.$This$program$helps$newcomer$students$adapt$to$their$new$environment,$facilitates$greater$involvement$of$families$who$are$unfamiliar$with$the$school$system$and$who$wish$to$par*cipate$in$their$child’s$educa*on.$It$

assists$school$staff$to$meet$the$special$needs$of$immigrant$students$within$the$school$system,$and$refers$immigrant$students$and$their$families$to$appropriate$community$services.$Specific$services$provided$include$needs$assessment$and$community$outreach;$orienta*on$to$the$PEI$school$experience;$advocacy$for$immigrant$students,$staff,$and$parents;$crossCcultural$interpre*ng;$recrea*on$facilita*on;$and$social$ac*vi*es,$events,$and$camps$for$newcomer$

students.

School$Peer$Mentorship,$Programs,$and$Ac*vi*esIn$some$schools$across$PEI,$peer$mentorship$programs$are$facilitated$to$help$newcomers$to$Canada$feel$welcomed.$Student$helpers,$student$leaders,$student$buddies,$and$student$

ambassadors$all$work$together$to$create$an$inclusive$and$respecxul$school$community.$Examples$of$some$of$these$ini*a*ves$include$the$following:

• Reading'buddies.$Older$students$serve$as$reading$buddies$to$grade$1$and$grade$2$students.

• Teacheraled'prac/ces.$A$teacher$may$partner$a$new$student$with$a$helpful$classmate$to$encourage$friendship$and$provide$assistance$to$the$newcomer$(e.g.,$classroom$or$recess$buddy,$peer$mediator,$tutoring).

As migration and economic change alter the shape of our increasingly diverse local communities, it is more important than ever that all schools play a full part in promoting community cohesion. Every school should be a thriving, cohesive community, but it also has a vital part to play in building a more cohesive society. —UK$Department$for$Children,$Schools,$&$Families$(2007)

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•Tour'of'School.$A$student$is$assigned$to$give$a$tour$of$the$school$to$the$newly$$$$arrived$student.

•$Newcomers’'Corners.'Based$on$the$success$of$Newcomers’$Corners$in$$$$community$libraries,$some$Kings$County$schools$adopted$the$prac*ce$within$$$$their$schools.$These$corners$give$students$a$chance$to$create$their$own$cultural$

$$$space$within$school$libraries.$It$is$a$chance$to$exhibit$diversity,$promote$cultural$$$$educa*on,$and$generate$interest,$while$welcoming$new$students$and$exhibi*ng$$$$their$cultures.$

•$Flags.'One$school$in$West$Prince$chose$to$hang$a$flag$for$each$country$represented$

$$$$in$the$school$across$the$gymnasium.$This$simple$act$promotes$cultural$$$$$awareness$and$creates$a$welcoming$environment$for$newcomers.

•$Sports.$Children$of$IEHPs$are$encouraged$to$join$a$school$club$or$intramural$$$$sports$program$to$facilitate$connec*ons.

•$Oneaonaone'/me'with'teacher.$Academically,$most$schools$offer$addi*onal$*me$$$$with$the$teacher$as$needed$for$students$who$may$be$experiencing$difficulty$with$$$$schoolwork.$This$offer$can$be$especially$valuable$for$students$who$may$have$$$$language$challenges.

Outside$of$the$school$itself,$various$parent$councils$and$home$and$school$associa*ons5$across$PEI$help$facilitate$interac*on$between$students$born$in$PEI$and$newcomers.$Local$parent$school$councils$and$home$and$school$associa*ons$are$encouraged$to$incorporate$different$ways$to$engage$newcomer$parents$in$their$

children’s$school$experience.$

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5 hFp://www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf$

PEI$ANC$Mul*cultural$Educa*on$ProgramAs$described$in$the$Workplace$Integra*on$sec*on,$the$PEI$ANC$created$the$Mul*cultural$Educa*on$Program$(MEP)$to$provide$workshops,$presenta*ons,$and$training$materials$to$schools$and$the$community$at$large.$The$program$focuses$on$diversity$educa*on,$cultural$

sensi*vity$training,$and$awareness$in$comba*ng$racism.

Within$the$school$environment,$the$purpose$of$the$program$is$to$assist$the$school$in$understanding$the$needs$of$newcomers$to$PEI$by$working$with$students$and$teachers$to$ease$cultural$transi*on$for$newcomers$by$fostering$a$welcoming$and$understanding$environment.

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Other$Recommended$School$Ini*a*ves

While$the$programs$described$have$already$been$integrated$to$help$with$seamless$inclusion$of$newcomers$in$the$PEI$school$system,$the$following$ini*a*ves$could$be$considered$for$implementa*on$by$various$educa*on$leaders.

Establish'a'zero'tolerance'policy'for'racial'discrimina/on.'A$zero$tolerance$

$$$$$$$policy$for$racial$discriminatory$language$will$help$newcomers$feel$safer$in$$$$$$$$schools.$A$repor*ng$system$must$be$in$place$for$students$to$no*fy$an$authority$$$$$$$$figure$if$they$witness$racial$discrimina*on,$and$a$documented$process$for$$$$$$$$handling$situa*ons$involving$discrimina*on$is$needed.

$Encourage'crea/ve'integra/on'programs.'Students$should$feel$empowered$and$$$$$$$$encouraged$to$take$on$leadership$roles$within$their$school,$helping$to$integrate$$$$$$$$new$students.$Examples$of$some$of$these$studentCled$ini*a*ves$include$the$$$$$$$$following:$studentCled$school$tours,$student$mentors$for$new$students,$$$$$$$$access$support$to$scholarship$or$awards$for$student$leaders$who$promote$$$$

$$$$$$$integra*on$of$new$students,$and$suppor*ve$rela*onships$in$the$student$body.

$Power'for'Change'Program'(West'Prince).'This$awardCwinning$program$was$$$$$$$$created$by$West$Isle$High$School$in$western$PEI$and$could$be$adopted$by$other$$$$$$$$schools$throughout$the$province.$Aimed$to$break$barriers$and$divides$within$

$$$$$$$the$school$popula*on,$this$program$created$a$more$cohesive$student$body$and$$$$$$$$decreased$visits$to$the$school$counselor.$Students$are$invited$to$aFend$oneCday$$$$$$$$workshops,$but$aFendance$is$not$mandatory.$Part$of$the$workshop$involves$an$$$$$$$$exercise$called$“Crossing$the$Line,”$where$students$physically$cross$a$line$based$$$$$$$$$$on$their$comfort$level$of$a$specific$issue/situa*on.$This$exercise$is$conducted$in$

$$$$$$$silence$which$boosts$its$impact$level.$West$Isle$has$had$powerful$results$and$$$$$$$$tremendous$success$with$this$program,$with$par*cipants$calling$it$a$“life$$$$$$$$$$changing”$program.$It$allows$them$to$see$and$recognize$peers$as$equals$$$$$$$$who$are$all$dealing$with$significant$life$challenges.

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You can't imagine what your kindness means to me.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$–Interna*onally$Educated$Health$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Professional,$Prince$County

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Promo/ng'Integra/on'via'Language'ServicesNew$immigrants$to$Canada$oken$have$difficulty$understanding$and$communica*ng$

due$to$varying$levels$of$competency$in$English,$accents$and$idioms,$and$other$nuances$of$our$language$and$culture.$Language$barriers$can$leave$IEHPs$feeling$selfCconscious,$unable$to$express$themselves,$and$further$isolated$due$to$communica*on$barriers.$

Language$training$gives$newcomers$to$Canada$the$communica*on$skills$they$need$to$beFer$integrate$into$their$new$community,$whether$it$is$beginner$

English,$advanced$English,$work$with$a$community$tutor,$or$work$on$accent$reduc*on.$All$of$these$ini*a*ves$are$important$to$help$newcomers$with$their$verbal$communica*on.

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Adult$Language$TrainingLanguage$instruc*ve$for$newcomers$is$government$funded.$The$PEI$ANC$organizes$the$English$language$assessments$process$and$referral$to$language$school$process.$Based$on$English$assessment$results,$IEHPs$are$referred$to$language$instruc*on.$

Language'Instruc/on'for'Newcomers'to'Canada'(LINC')

The$main$purpose$of$the$Language$Instruc*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada$(LINC)$Program$is$to$develop$communica*on$through$reading,$speaking,$listening,$and$wri*ng$so$that$each$student$is$able$to$integrate$into$Canadian$society$with$ease$and$is$able$to$become$a$selfCsufficient$member$of$his$or$her$community.$

The$learner$acquires$English$language$skills$in$small$groups$and/or$individualized$learning$

when$necessary.$Various$teaching$styles$are$used,$including$communica*ve,$thema*c,$and$func*onal$approaches.$This$program$is$offered$through$both$Holland$College$and$Study$Abroad$Canada.$

English'TutoringThe$PEI$ANC$and$the$Confedera*on$Centre$Public$Library$have$partnered$to$provide$an$EAL$Tutoring$Program$through$the$support$of$volunteers.$Volunteers$assist$adult$newcomers$with$their$English$language$acquisi*on,$par*cularly$in$the$area$of$English$conversa*on.$

Volunteer$tutors$all$aFend$a$PEI$ANC$informa*on$session$and$a$tutor$training$course$made$up$of$14–16$hours$of$instruc*on.$

The$PEI$ANC$provides$support$for$the$tutors$in$the$form$of$available$consulta*ons$with$staff,$a$tutorCtraining$manual,$a$collec*on$of$teaching$materials,$an$annual$tutor$conference,$regular$

EAL$newsleFers,$volunteer$recogni*on,$and$social$events.

Through$the$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Program,$English$tutor$programs$have$been$established$in$Prince$County$and$Kings$County$(tutoring$programs$had$already$been$

established$in$Queens$County$prior$to$the$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Program).$English$tutoring$is$essen*al$in$allowing$IEHPs$to$prac*ce$and$improve$their$English.

English'Academic'Prepara/on'(EAP)EAP$is$an$intensive$language$program$for$university$

students$who$are$required$to$upgrade$their$English$language$skills.$In$

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PEI,$EAP$is$offered$through$UPEI.6$The$goal$of$the$EAP$program$is$to$work$with$students$to$assist$them$to$start$a$degree$program$as$quickly$as$possible.$The$EAP$program$offers$fullC*me$and$partC*me$courses$that$focus$on$academic$wri*ng,$

cri*cal$reading,$listening$comprehension,$and$oral$communica*on$skills.

The$scores$from$the$CanTEST$help$place$students$in$EAP$courses$and$determine$the$number$of$required$EAP$courses.$Students$taking$partC*me$EAP$courses$may$also$take$other$university$courses$as$credits$toward$an$undergraduate$degree.$Experience$

has$shown$that$allowing$students$to$begin$taking$courses$for$credit$as$soon$as$possible$offers$the$best$combina*on$of$mo*va*on,$challenge,$and$success.

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6 To$find$out$more$informa*on$about$EAP$or$to$arrange$an$English$language$assessment,$contact$the$$$$$$$$$$$$EI$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$CanTEST$Coordinator$at$the$Webster$Centre$for$Teaching$and$Learning.

Other$Recommended$Language$Ini*a*ves$

While$the$programs$described$have$already$been$integrated$to$help$with$the$language$needs$of$newcomers$to$PEI,$$the$following$ini*a*ves$could$be$considered$for$implementa*on$by$

various$community$leaders.

Establish'tutoring'in'communi/es'around'the'province.'While$there$are$tutoring$programs$in$several$communi*es$in$PEI,$not$every$community$has$access$to$this$essen*al$service.$Smaller$communi*es$could$work$with$the$PEI$ANC$and$their$local$library,$school,$

or$community$centre$to$organize$language$tutoring$services$for$newcomers.

Create'language'conversa/on'circles.'Groups$of$English$learners$come$together$with$a$tutor$to$prac*ce$their$language$skills$through$conversa*on.$This$format$allows$many$students$to$learn$at$the$same$*me$versus$oneConCone$English$tutor$format.$

Encourage'schools'and'libraries'to'acquire'addi/onal'language'resources.'Sokware$such$as$RoseFa$Stone$can$serve$as$an$accessible,$communal$language$resource.$Enabling$the$library$or$school$to$have$these$resources$would$not$only$facilitate$language$training$for$newcomers,$but$it$would$also$encourage$social$interac*on$among$newcomers$and$other$

community$members$(who$just$happen$to$be$at$the$same$loca*on).

Offer'evening'language'courses.'Subsidized$evening$courses$could$supplement$the$subsidized$day$class$schedule.$

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SummaryIEHPs$are$highly$sought$aker$across$Canada.$These$professionals$are$highly$

educated,$and$they$have$the$op*on$to$live$and$work$anywhere$in$the$world$they$so$choose.$PEI$is$in$compe**on$with$many$other$places$to$aFract$and$retain$these$IEHPs.$As$such,$each$and$every$community—with$the$help$of$its$members—must$be$willing$to$put$its$best$face$forward$to$show$these$individuals$what$we,$as$a$province,$have$to$offer.$But,$we$must$also$have$collabora*on$and$programs$in$place$to$facilitate$the$integra*on$of$these$new$immigrants$into$our$communi*es.$

PEI$is$a$picturesque$province$with$much$to$offer$in$terms$of$scenic$beauty,$safe$communi*es,$and$a$rela*vely$low$cost$of$living.$The$province$has$been$successful$in$aFrac*ng$IEHPs,$but$integra*ng$and$retaining$them$has$been$the$challenge.$Over$the$last$few$years,$increased$IEHP$integra*on$and$reten*on$is$evident$from$data$

collected$due$to$the$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Program$and$a$concerted$effort$by$many$community$members$to$welcome$and$support$those$who$are$new.

All$of$us$must$work$together$to$make$newcomers$to$Canada$feel$welcome$in$their$new$home.$It$is$up$to$community,$workplace,$and$school$leaders$to$collaborate,$prepare,$and$equip$themselves$and$their$residents$with$tools$and$resources$to$help$

those$who$are$new$to$our$province$feel$welcomed$and$comfortable$with$their$decision$to$live$and$work$in$PEI.

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The$PEI$ANC$and$the$PEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat$have$implemented$the$following$ini*a*ves$for$IEHPs$and$their$families 7$:

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7$2010–2014

School'Ini/a/ves'for'IEHPs

•PEI$ANC$Program$for$Students,$Immigrant$Student$Services$

•School$orienta*on—lead$by$students$in$Kings$County

•School$peer$mentorship,$programs,$and$ac*vi*es—increase$in$ac*vity$in$Prince$and$Kings$County

•Newcomers’$Corners$in$school$libraries$(Kings$County)

Workplace'Ini/a/ves'for'IEHPs

•Workplace$orienta*on$for$IEHPs

•Workplace$mentorship$for$IEHPs

•Expanded$workplace$diversity$training

•Responsive$Leadership$for$a$Diverse$Workplace$Program$

Language'Training

•Adult$language$training$(preCexis*ng)

•Training$for$ESL$tutors/programs$for$IEHPs$across$PEI

•English$tutoring$program$through$the$PEI$ANC$expanded$to$support$IEHPs$across$PEI

Community'Ini/a/ves'for'IEHPs

• 'Navigator$or$IEHP$Community$Development$$Officer

• Reten*on$and$Integra*on$CommiFee$for$Health$(RICH)

• Welcome$packages

• Welcome$leFers$from$the$mayor$

• Community$brochures$

• Welcome$Recep*on$for$new$physicians$

• Physician$orienta*ons

• Physician$site$visit

• Community$events

• Newcomers’$Corners$at$libraries

• Community$Mentorship$for$IEHPs

• Expanded$Mul*cultural$Educa*on$Program$(MEP)

• Responsive$Leadership$for$Diverse$Communi*es$Program

• Established$volunteer$network$and$community$stakeholders

Resources

Ar/cles'

Atlan*c$Connec*on$for$Interna*onally$Educated$Health$Professionals.$2010.!IEHP!Newcomer!! Reten5on!Toolkit:!A!Toolkit!of!Ideas!for!Communi5es,!Employers!and!Schools.$$ hFp://www.iehptoolkits.com/nrt/

Department$for$Children,$Schools,$and$Families$(DCSF),$UK$Crown.$2007.$Guidance!on!Duty!! to!Promote!Community!Cohesion.!hFp://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHFpHandler.ashx?$ id=25979

Esses,$V.,$Hamilton,$L.K.,$BenneFCAbuAyyash,$C.,$&$Burstein,$M.$2010.$Characteris5cs!of!a!! Welcoming!Community.$Welcoming$Communi*es$Ini*a*ve:$Self.$hFp://$ www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/characteris*cs_welcoming_community.pdf

Ontario$Council$of$Agencies$Serving$Immigrants$(OCASI).$2006.$The!Inclusive!Model!for!! Sports!and!Recrea5on!Programming!for!Immigrant!and!Refugee!Youth.$hFp://$ learnatwork.ca/course/category.php?id=5

Prince$Edward$Island$(PEI)$Department$of$Educa*on$and$Early$Childhood$Development.$$ 2011.$Our!Welcoming!Schools:!Mee5ng!the!Needs!of!NewlyKArrived!Learners!of!! English!as!an!Addi5onal!Language!K!A!Prac5cal!Guide!for!PEI!Educators.$hFp://$ www.gov.pe.ca/photos/sites/eal/file/our_welcoming_schools.pdf

Web'Resources

Atlan*c$Connec*on$for$Interna*onally$Educa*on$Health$Professionals.$hFp://$ www.atlan*ccanadahealthcare.com/$$

The$AssetCBased$Community$Development$Ins*tute$(ABCD).$hFp://www.abcdins*tute.org/$

The$Canadian$Student$Leadership$Associa*on.$hFp://www.casaaleadership.ca/about/

Classroom$Connec*ons.$hFp://www.classroomconnec*ons.ca/en/readingbuddies.php$

Community$Service$Bursary.$hFp://www.gov.pe.ca/ial/index.php3?number=75652$

Department$of$Educa*on$and$Early$Childhood$Development$(Educators).$hFp://

$ www.gov.pe.ca/eal/teachers

Department$of$Educa*on$and$Early$Childhood$Development$(New$Students).$hFp://$ www.gov.pe.ca/eal/newCstudents

Page$|$48

EAL/FAL$Recep*on$Centre.$hFp://www.gov.pe.ca/eal/$

Holland$College$Language$Training.$hFp://www.hollandcollege.com/language_training/

Interna*onal$Self$Assessment$Readiness$Tools.$hFp://www.atlan*ccanadahealthcare.com/

$ default.asp?mn=1.20.326

PEI$Allied$Youth.$hFp://www.edu.pe.ca/ay/index_files/Page2513.htm

The$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada.$hFps://www.peianc.com$$The$PEI$Home$and$School$Associa*on.$hFp://peihsf.ca/$

The$PEI$Public$Library$Service.$hFp://www.library.pe.ca/'

The$PEI$Public$Service$Commission$Diversity$Policy.$hFp://www.gov.pe.ca/diversity/index.php3?

$ number=61174'

Study$in$Canada.$hFp://www.studyincanada.ca/

University$of$Prince$Edward$Island$(Webster$Centre).$hFp://webstercentre.upei.ca/eap

$Page$|$49

Acknowledgements'The$IEHP$Integra*on$and$Reten*on$Programs$in$PEI$(2011C2016)$has$been$made$

possible$through$the$following$people$and$organiza*ons.$The$PEI$ANC$gratefully$acknowledges$all$of$their$support.

Health$Canada$The$Atlan*c$Connec*on$Steering$CommiFee$June$MacDonald,$PriceCMacDonald$&$AssociatesJanet$Everest,$Health$Care$Human$Resource$Sector$Council$of$Nova$Sco*a

PEI'Department'of'Health'and'Wellness,'Recruitment'and'Reten/on'SecretariatMarney$MacKinnonSheila$MacLean

PEI'Associa/on'for'Newcomers'to'Canada'Craig$MackieJennifer$JeffreyMelanie$BaileyCarrie$MacLeanAllison$SchellekensBelinda$Woods

PEI'ANC'IEHP'Program,'Partnerships'

Atlan*c$Connec*onPEI$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness,$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$Secretariat$PEI$Health$Sector$CouncilHealth$Care$Human$Resource$Sector$Council$of$NSLa$Coopéra*ve$d'intégra*on$Francophone$de$l'ÎleCduCPrinceCÉdouardRDÉE$ÎleCduCPrinceCÉdouardCity$of$CharloFetownCity$of$SummersideTown$of$MontagueTown$of$SourisTown$of$AlbertonCommunity$of$O’LearyCommunity$of$TignishRural$Ac*on$Centre/$Ac*ve$Communi*esRotary$Club$in$Summerside$and$MontagueEast$Prince$Senior’s$Ini*a*veSummerside$Chamber$of$Commerce

IEHP'Project,'Pilot'(2010)

Melanie$Bailey,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada

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Tomoko$Craig,$Pioneer$Program$Navigator$for$SummersideJanet$Everest,$Health$Care$Human$Resource$Sector$Council$of$NSJune$MacDonald,$PriceCMacDonald$&$AssociatesSheila$MacLean,$Department$of$Health$and$Wellness,$Recruitment$and$Reten*on$SecretariatJane$Mallard,$Popula*on$SecretariatIan$Lane,$Popula*on$SecretariatNancy$Quinn,$City$of$SummersideStephen$Reamen,$Business$Development$Officer,$Innova*on$PEIJane$Wokcik,$PriceCMacDonald$&$Associates

This$project$would$not$have$been$possible$without$exper*se,$support$and$dedica*on$from$the$following$members$and$associate$members$of$the$Reten*on$and$Integra*on$CommiFee$for$Health$(RICH).

Kings'County'RICH'(2012)

Melanie$Bailey,$IEHP$Program$Supervisor,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaWanda$Bailey,$Town$Councillor,$Town$of$SourisChris$Blaisdell,$Community$Development$Officer,$Eastern$KingsDianne$Burke,$Community$member,$Town$of$SourisSwarna$Chandresekera,$Librarian,$Town$of$MontagueRachel$Chapman,$Administra*ve$Supervisor,$Kings$Network,$Health$PEIAndrew$DaggeF,$Chief$Administra*ve$Officer,$Town$of$MontagueValerie$Flynn,$Client$Informa*on$Officer,$Rural$Ac*on$Centre:$SourisIan$Lane,$Reten*on$Officer,$Department$of$Innova*on$and$Advanced$LearningMandy$Li,$IEHP$Navigator,$PEI$ANC$Mar*na$MacDonald,$General$Manager/Lending$Manager,$Ac*ve$Communi*es$Inc.Kathy$MacEwen,$Librarian,$Town$of$SourisCarrie$MacLean,$IEHP$Program,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaSheila$MacLean,$Physician$Recruitment$Coordinator,$Department$of$Health$and$WellnessCrystalCLynn$O’Meara,$Director,$PEI$Health$Sector$CouncilChris$Renshaw,$UPEI$School$of$Nursing,$with$the$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaJoeanne$Roche,$Administra*on$and$Special$Events$Coordinator,$Town$of$SourisAllison$Shellekens,$IEHP$Community$Support$Worker,$PEI$ANCCathy$Sinclair,$Health$Recruiter,$Department$of$Health$and$WellnessAmie$SwallowCMacDonald,$Economic$Development$Officer,$Ac*ve$Communi*es$Inc.Marilenne$Urena,$Community$Connec*ons,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada

Prince'County'RICH'(2011):

Melanie$Bailey,$IEHP$Program,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaRebecca$Boulter,$Literacy$and$Public$Services$Librarian,$Summerside$LibraryCynthia$Bryanton,$Director,$Prince$County$Hospital,$Summerside,$PEITomoko$Craig,$Pioneer$Program$Navigator$for$Summerside$Lori$Ellis,$Manager$of$Heritage$and$Cultural$Proper*es,$City$of$Summerside$Mary$Foster,$Cultural$Awareness$Specialist,$EAL/$FAL$Recep*on$Center,$PEI$Department$of$Educa*on$$ and$Early$Childhood$Development

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Marta$Irvin,$VolunteerPaula$Kenny,$Site$Director,$Eptek$Centre,$Summerside$PEI$Ian$Lane,$Reten*on$Officer$for$the$Popula*on$Secretariat,$Department$of$Innova*on$and$$ Advanced$LearningCarrie$MacLean,$IEHP$Program,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaSheila$MacLean,$Physician$Recruitment$Coordinator,$Department$of$Health$and$WellnessCrystalCLynn$O’Meara,$Director$of$the$PEI$Health$Sector$CouncilNancy$Quinn,$Economic$Development$Officer,$City$of$SummersideStephen$Reamen,$Business$Development$Officer,$Innova*on$PEICathy$Sinclair,$Health$Recruiter,$Department$of$Health$and$WellnessMarilenne$Urena,$Community$Connec*ons,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$CanadaBelinda$Woods,$IEHP$Program,$PEI$Associa*on$for$Newcomers$to$Canada

In$turn,$we$would$like$to$thank$those$individuals$and$groups$across$community,$

municipal,$provincial,$and$federal$agencies,$who$contributed$their$sugges*ons,$feedback,$and$valida*on.$We$look$forward$to$the$onCgoing$conversa*on$that$will,$no$doubt,$con*nue$to$take$place$in$the$spirit$of$partnership$and$con*nuous$improvement.$

This$project$was$made$possible$through$Health$Canada.$

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Appendices

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Appendix$A:$IEHP$Community$Development$Worker$(Navigator)$Job$Descrip*on

Kings County, Job Opportunity

Develop community support for the integration of IEHP newcomers and their families in Kings County.

1. Community Development Work and Outreach:· Community mapping that includes visiting and documenting community leaders,

organizations, businesses, initiatives, and existing services· Determine how IEHPs/newcomers are currently supported · Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations and service

agencies · Identify and recruit potential volunteers for friendship matches and English

tutoring, in partnership with the PEI ANC Community Connections Program· Identify multicultural education opportunities in Kings County· Update the PEI ANC Multicultural Education Program

2. Support the RICH Committee:· Attend monthly committee meetings, take meeting minutes, and oversee and

support all committee projects to completion· Maintain flexibility in taking on new projects and duties as identified by PEI ANC

through the RICH committee· Plan events—partnering with existing events and leading portions community

events that relate to diverse themes

3. Support IEHPs and the Community: · Work with IEHPs directly, assessing their needs and what support is needed (For

services that are outside of expertise, provide referrals) · Ensure regular check-ins with clients, verifying how they are doing and being

willing to step in to help whenever necessary· Remain flexible in work duties, doing what is necessary to ensure good settlement

and integration outcomes for the IEHP and his or her family· Develop welcoming communities and community-based resources in support of

newcomers and IEHPs· Implement and oversee new tools and services created for newcomers (e.g.

Newcomers’ Corners, welcome packages)

4. Data Collection:· Maintain detailed documentation of all program work and submit monthly status

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reports· Establish and maintain a database of newcomers, contacts, and stakeholders in

Kings County.· Establish and maintain a database of all health sector employers in the Kings

region

Qualifications:· Community development experience and/or education· Experience in settlement work or client service delivery· Experience working with people of different cultures· Strong interpersonal skills· Excellent decision-making and negotiating abilities· Self-starter and able to work independently and proficiently with minimal

supervision · Strong organization, communication, and facilitation skills· Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel

The successful candidate should have an established network in the Kings region and be residing in that location. They should have a vision on how they can help integrate and retain newcomers and be able to overcome any challenges that present in order to make the settlement process as successful as possible.

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Appendix$B:$LeFer$from$the$Mayor

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Appendix$C:$Community$Brochure

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Appendix$D:$No*ce$of$Agreement,$Work$Mentorship$Program

NOTICE OF AGREEMENTWORKSITE MENTOR PROGRAM

I ________________________, do agree to act as a Mentor for ______________________

for the time period beginning ________________________ and ending on _____________.

I am aware of my responsibilities and agree to carry these out.

__________________________________ _______________________________________Signature of Mentor Signature of Supervisor

__________________________________ _______________________________________Date Date

WORKSITE MENTEE PROGRAM

I ________________________, the Mentee, do agree that ___________________________

shall be my Mentor for the time period beginning ________________________ and ending on

_____________.

I am aware of my responsibilities and agree to carry these out.

__________________________________ _______________________________________Signature of Mentee Witness

__________________________________ _______________________________________Date Date

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Appendix$E:$Popula*on$and$Components$of$Growth$in$PEI

Population and Components of Growth in Prince Edward Island (July 1 – June 30)

PEI StatisticsOffice of Immigration, Settlement, and Population

2010(r) 2011(r) 2012(p)

Births 1,407 1,412 1420

Annual Change (%) -4.3 0.4 0.6

Deaths 1,284 1,314 1,344

Annual Change (%) 2.5 2.3 2.3

Net Interprovincial Migration 60 -210 -1,252

Net International Migration 1,685 2,502 1,272

Non-Permanent Residents 155 228 314

Total Population 143,077 145,695 146,105

Annual Change (%) 1.16 1.54 1.82

r: revised data p: preliminary data - Population (t)=Population(t-1)+births-deaths + net interprovincial migration +net international migration + non-permanent residents + residual.

Source: 39th Annual Statistical Review 2012, prepared by PEI Statistics Bureau, Department of Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs, June 2013

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Appendix$F:$IEHP$Stats$(Prince$Edward$Island)

IEHP Program, Outreach Outcomes (March 2014)IEHP Program, Outreach Outcomes (March 2014)IEHP Program, Outreach Outcomes (March 2014)IEHP Program, Outreach Outcomes (March 2014)

Health Region Stakeholders Volunteers Total

Prince County 143 46 189

Kings County 210 53 263

West Prince 122 16 138

Queens County 107 18 125

Total 582 133 715

Individual IEHPs, IEHP ProgramIndividual IEHPs, IEHP ProgramIndividual IEHPs, IEHP ProgramIndividual IEHPs, IEHP ProgramIndividual IEHPs, IEHP Program

IEHP (Queens) IEHP (Prince) IEHP (Kings) IEHPs (All)

2009 79 N/A N/A 79

2010 90 11 N/A 101

2011 118 23 N/A 141

2012 147 33 9 189

2013 174 36 15 225

2014 182 38 18 238

IEHP and Family, IEHP ProgramIEHP and Family, IEHP ProgramIEHP and Family, IEHP ProgramIEHP and Family, IEHP ProgramIEHP and Family, IEHP Program

Queens* Prince & West Prince

Kings Total

2013 158 106 27 291

2014 182 110 42 334

* IEHP only

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Newcomers found through IEHP OutreachNewcomers found through IEHP OutreachNewcomers found through IEHP OutreachNewcomers found through IEHP Outreach

Health Region IEHP & Family Members

All Other Newcomers

All IEHPs & Newcomers

Prince County (year 4) 103 269 372

Kings County (year 4) 42 122 164

West Prince (year 1) 7 17 24

Queens County 174 N/A 174

Total 326 408 734

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