Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force
What is the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force
Leaders and decision-makers from across Sarnia-Lambton have come together to address the need for immigration in the community. The goal is to grow, diversify and strengthen Sarnia-Lambton through a strategic approach to immigration that focuses on supporting international students on their journey to permanent residency and attracting skilled worker immigrants and their families who can help drive economic growth and sustainability. This is essential for addressing skills shortages in smaller and more rural areas such as Sarnia-Lambton.
Sarnia-Lambton’s Need for Immigration
Sarnia-Lambton is an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family, and the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force is working to keep it that way. As with communities across Ontario and Canada, the growth and sustainability of Sarnia-Lambton’s economy, workforce and population relies on immigration – the addition of skilled newcomers and their families, and talented international graduates gaining permanent residency.
What Our Community Needs to Grow
Our Need for Immigration
Sarnia-Lambton is an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family, and the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force is working to keep it that way. As with communities across Ontario and Canada, the growth and sustainability of Sarnia-Lambton’s economy, workforce, and population relies on immigration – the addition of skilled newcomers and their families, and talented international graduates gaining permanent residency.
Our Plan for Growth
The Task Force began planning for growth by first engaging a consultant from the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness.
The consultant conducted a series of focus groups and census analysis to identify barriers to immigration as well as the mitigation strategies needed to ensure Sarnia-Lambton can grow at a pace that will ensure a tax base that can support an aging population while also providing ample resources for youth. This work has resulted in the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Framework, a five-year plan for sustainably growing Sarnia-Lambton.
Action Groups
The goals of the Immigration Framework are being achieved through the work of the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force’s four Action Groups and Steering Committee. The Action Groups are comprised of stakeholders from sectors integral to immigration. Each Action Group is operating based on a strategic action plan specific to their sector, with opportunities for collaboration.
College Action Group
Lambton College has a renowned International Education program and some of the highest admission standards in the Ontario college system. Many of Lambton College’s international students arrive with impressive education credentials and work experience, and they build on both in their time at the College. This Action Group is working with the business community to create awareness of the outstanding international student and graduate employees available, and to assist with the newcomer hiring process.
Employment & Economic Development Action Group
This Action Group is supporting the workforce and economy by matching employers with international graduates and skilled workers and supporting these employment relationships. This includes identifying workforce gaps that could be filled by the Lambton College co-operative education program. This group is also developing programs that support employers in creating inclusive workplaces and assisting in the development of entrepreneurial opportunities.
Community Action Group
This Action Group is focused on the overall success of the community. They are working to create a community that is welcoming and encourages participation from newcomers while also increasing community participation in cultural events. Just as importantly, this Group is setting up newcomers to succeed in the workforce and community through mentorship, networking and volunteering opportunities. To increase newcomer retention, this group is developing strategies to support the families of international students and skilled workers, focusing on employment opportunities for spouses and creating community connections.
Systems Action Group
This Action Group is responsible for advocacy work in support of international students and skilled workers, including work with upper levels of government. This group is also working with the Human Resources departments and Employee Associations of local organizations for the development of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies that will support employers in providing welcoming and inclusive work environments for all. Importantly, this group is looking beyond Lambton College for sources of skilled workers that can help fill the pressing worker shortages in Sarnia-Lambton.
Steering Committee Members
The Steering Committee is responsible for providing oversight of the work being done on immigration by the four Action Groups. This includes identifying opportunities for collaboration between the Action Groups and their accompanying sectors.
The Steering Committee is also responsible for actively participating in overarching strategies for housing, transportation and marketing – all essential components of a strong and sustainably growing community.
- Judith Morris, Chair
- Lambton College (retired)
- Rob Kardas
- Lambton College
- Alex Palimaka
- Bluewater Power
- Amruta Power
- Lambton College
- Andrew Meyer
- County of Lambton
- Cari Meloche
- Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
- Carrie McEachran
- Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce
- Christina Longo
- Scotia Wealth Management
- Harshit Rawal
- RBC
- Harshit Rawal
- RBC
- Leo Stathakis
- John's Restaurant and Coffee Lodge Group
- Mike Bradley
- Mayor, City of Sarnia
- Paula Reaume-Zimmer
- Bluewater Health
- Prabhjot Kaur
- Lambton College
- Rob Thompson
- NOVA Chemicals
- Stephanie Thiffeault
- County of Lambton
- Stephanie Ferrera
- County of Lambton
- Tanya Tamilio
- Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia-Lambton
