A2: Orientation to Ontario – A Standardized Orientation Program for Newcomers to Ontario
November 10, 2011 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Orientation to Ontario is a joint project that is co-funded and co-led by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) Ontario Region and Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI).
The intent of the initiative is to develop a framework and tools for delivering standardized orientation information to support newcomers to Ontario in addressing their settlement needs – no matter where a newcomer arrives in Ontario, everyone will receive the same “orientation” package and have the opportunity to attend a workshop to make sure they know of tools and supports to navigate resources and information and plan their own settlement activities in a way that makes sense for themselves and their families.
The materials have been developed in three formats: a print workbook, a website, and a facilitated workshop (to be delivered by SPOs). The materials have been developed in English and French.
This purpose of this session is to update Executive Directors on the status of the Orientation to Ontario project, and to discuss how this project may interact with and impact the array of orientation services currently provided to newcomers in Ontario. We also hope to gather valuable feedback from Executive Directors on how to ensure the success of the pilot implementation.
Elizabeth Kaminsky has worked as a settlement officer and regional program advisor for Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Ontario Region since 2007.
