Brantford Immigration Partnership Action Plan: 2024-2025

Completed Actions:

Newcomer Welcome Day was held on August 21, 2024. Approximately 200 individuals attended the event hosted by over 38 service providers/community organizations. BIP members were able to connect with each other while newcomers received access to important information and were able to participate in a variety of activities from community partners.

In partnership with Grand River Community Health Centre (GRCHC), the BIP first launched the “Let’s Cook Together” program, where newcomers and community members shared cultural recipes and built connections. This laid the groundwork for the “Flavours of Brantford” series, which featured traditional meals from South America, Asia, Europe and Africa. Over 240 participants attended 27 sessions, each led by cultural ambassadors who shared the history and traditions behind the dishes.

Developing Actions: The Brantford Immigration Partnership Council is engaging in strategic planning in Fall 2025 to develop next steps and priorities.

Completed Actions:

• Brantford Water Welcome Program was offered at no cost in Winter 2025 for New Canadians in Brantford to learn basic water safety, complete a swim assessment and a how-to register for swimming lessons.
• Recognition for Community Inclusion Efforts: The BIP was honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation at MERCY’s Iftar and Appreciation Dinner, recognizing its ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging for all Branford residents, including Muslim communities.

Developing Actions: The Brantford Immigration Partnership Council is engaging in strategic planning in Fall 2025 to develop next steps and priorities.

Completed Actions:

• The BIP launched the Newcomer Employment Action Table in June 2024 to create connections between newcomers and employers and to determine creative way to engage with local employers and educate them on benefits of hiring newcomers while responding to newcomer needs

Ongoing Actions:

• Providing additions and updates to the Employee Toolkit and continuing with the development of an Employer focused toolkit.

Developing Actions:

• The Brantford Immigration Partnership Council is engaging in strategic planning in Fall 2025 to develop next steps and priorities.

Completed Actions:

• Bi-monthly/monthly meetings continue with key stakeholders and government partners. Information has been shared, and projects have been developed through this group. This will continue on an ongoing basis.
• The Annual BIP Summit was held on March 5th 2025 and brought together community partners for an interactive session focused on community collaboration and innovation.