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Welcoming diversity

“We need to look at a person and see something other than just the exterior. We need to see their potential," said Jean Augustine this Thursday at the second annual Immigration Forum hosted by Sault Ste.

 

“We need to look at a person and see something other than just the exterior. We need to see their potential," said Jean Augustine this Thursday at the second annual Immigration Forum hosted by Sault Ste. Marie Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) at the Comfort Suites and Conference Centre.
 
Jean Augustine (shown) is a former politician and current Ontario Fairness Commissioner who emigrated from St. George's, Grenada in the 1960's.
 
During her political career in 1995, Augustine introduced the motion in the House of Commons which led to the Canadian Government officially instituting a national observance of February as Black History Month.
 
"Most people are only prepared to welcome diversity and welcome immigrants to their communities. What I like about the Sault is you not only welcome diversity, you invite it," said Augustine.
 
"We need to continue to attract and integrate immigrants and retain them in our communities."
 
"You're fortunate to have a group like the Local Immigration Partnership in your community provides a needed forum for discussion," said Augustine. 
 
The primary intent of the Immigration Forum is to promote cultural diversity initiatives, create discussion as well as educate attendees on a wide range of information confirming the importance of immigration to Sault Ste. Marie as well as Ontario.
 
Onsite to speak about the importance of immigration was Nelson Palacio, Statistical Analyst from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.
 
"Immigration is important for economic growth and development in Ontario as well as Canada," said Palacio. "Net migration, most of which is immigration will account for two-thirds of Ontario’s growth by the year 2036"
 
The Local Immigration Partnership was established in 2009 to create a collaborative community effort to research and develop recommendations regarding the settlement and integration of newcomers to Sault Ste. Marie. 
 
Learn more about the Local Immigration Partnership by visiting www.discoverthesault.ca
 

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