Welcoming newcomers requires co-operation

What does it truly mean to welcome someone to Canada? Is saying that newcomers belong here enough, or should we also ensure they have a fair opportunity to create a stable life? In Winnipeg, welcoming immigrants and refugees should involve more than simply opening the door. It should also involve helping people get settled after they arrive.

Immigrants and refugees come to Canada for various reasons and with different goals. Some arrive to study or work, while others escape difficult or dangerous circumstances to find safety. Their experiences are different from one another. Still, many newcomers may encounter barriers as they look for housing, find meaningful work, learn about available services and form relationships in a new community. These difficulties can affect individuals as well as families trying to settle in and feel a sense of belonging.

Imagine arriving in a city where almost everything is unfamiliar. You might need to learn how services operate, understand new systems, look for housing and find a job. Even with skills, education, and a strong wish to contribute, building a new life can be challenging. Being told that you are welcome does not automatically provide the opportunities necessary to succeed. A kind welcome is important, but practical support makes it possible for people to experience that welcome in their daily lives.

For this reason, the Manitoba and federal governments should co-operate more closely with community organizations so that newcomer support is easier to access and better connected. People should not have to struggle to figure out where to get help or feel responsible for solving every problem alone. Help with housing, employment, language learning and using services should be connected instead of working as separate parts of a puzzle.

For instance, governments could improve co-operation among settlement agencies, housing services, employment programs and other community organizations. They could present information about available services more clearly and make it easier to access, while helping agencies direct people to the appropriate support. Newcomers should be able to get clear information about where to ask for help, which support they might qualify for, and what they can do next. This would not eliminate all obstacles, but it could make the process easier to understand and help people access the services already available.

Governments should also hear from newcomers when creating or improving programs. People who use a service often understand which parts are useful and which leave them confused or without support. Asking newcomers to describe their experiences can help decision-makers see where changes are necessary. Listening should not be only symbolic; newcomers’ feedback should guide practical decisions.

This does not mean the government can fix every issue at once or that all newcomers require the same support.

People have different abilities, needs, and aims. Public funds are limited, so programs must choose carefully. Still, acknowledging these limits should not be a reason to overlook barriers. Governments can establish priorities, co-operate with organizations already helping newcomers and clearly explain what assistance is available.

Some may say newcomers are responsible for adapting to life in Canada. Taking personal responsibility matters, and many newcomers work hard to create a future for themselves and their families. However, expecting people to be responsible does not mean overlooking the obstacles they encounter. Becoming independent is challenging when information is difficult to locate, housing is unaffordable or someone cannot access the appropriate employment or settlement service. Helpful support can enable people to become more independent, use their skills and take part in their communities.

A community may claim to value diversity while people continue struggling to access the support they need. If we want newcomers to take part fully in society, we must consider the conditions that allow participation. Inclusion is not created through words alone; it develops when people can reach opportunities and feel their opinions matter.

As someone studying peace-building and collaborative development, I believe peace means more than simply having no violence. It also concerns dignity, fairness, relationships, and giving people a chance to help make decisions that affect their lives. For this reason, supporting newcomers is about more than immigration. It also reflects the kind of community we want to create together. By listening and co-operating, institutions can build greater trust and a stronger sense of belonging.

Winnipeg does not have to promise newcomers a perfect life. It must give them a fairer chance to build that life themselves.

A real welcome should not stop at the door. It should continue through the opportunities, support, and respect offered to people after they arrive. If we want newcomers to help shape Winnipeg’s future, we must ensure they have a fair opportunity to participate in it.

Temitope Oluwalusi is a graduate student at Canadian Mennonite University, with an interest in immigration, refugee inclusion and social change.