Swedish delegation studies Canadian model of immigration
Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2019 06:25:59 +0000
A Swedish delegation of politicians and government officials working on immigrant integration in Sweden came to B.C. this week to study the Canadian model of immigrant integration.
Kicking off their tour at ISSofBC’s Welcome Centre on January 14, they listened to presentations by ISSofBC’s staff on Canada’s approach to settlement and integration.
“The aim is to learn as much as possible in a week about the ‘Canadian model’ of migration and integration,” said Benny Carlson, a professor in economic history from Sweden’s University of Lund who co-ordinated the visit.
The following day, the delegation visited DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (DCRS) in Surrey, B.C. A key focus of the visit was DIVERSEcity’s self-employment program, which is delivered in partnership with TD Community Bank.
Other topics of discussion included ways to support immigration in the areas of literacy and language supports, settlement programming and employment services that engage both newcomers and local employers to reduce barriers faced by immigrants.
Carlson commented that in Sweden, organizations are siloed, and immigrants with multiple barriers might get lost in the system. He said, “That’s why we’re here to look at this kind of organization where you have all the services in one place and have the public sector supporting and involved.”
The Swedish officials also met with B.C. government officials and other immigrant-serving agencies.