Media Release - County Council - January 10th, 2024

For immediate release
Jan. 10, 2024

Here are the highlights from the Lanark County Council meeting held Jan. 10, 2024.

Support for Settlement Application: Lanark County Council has supported an application to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funding program to help close a significant gap in services to assist newcomers settling in Lanark and Renfrew counties.

Clerk Jasmin Ralph explained the county was successful in receiving funding for its Rural Inclusion Pilot Project in conjunction with Renfrew County last year, and work is underway to develop and expand the program that aims to support immigration by connecting individuals, counties and industries. “Many businesses and organizations have expressed a need for support, and more services are needed in the community to provide to newcomers.”

IRCC released a call for proposals in December for settlement and resettlement assistance programs that meets an Immigration and Refugee Protection Act objective that supports successful integration of permanent residents into Canada while recognizing there are mutual obligations to achieve this. Funding would begin in April 2025 and end no later than March 31, 2030.

The application would support:
• 5.5 employees, including a program manager, two settlement officers for each county and a part-time coordinator
• Rural “mobile” service-delivery model allowing staff to travel to meet clients for service access, including needs assessments and referrals, information and orientation, language training, employment supports, and community connections including with local Indigenous Peoples
• Pre-arrival supports
• Collaboration with economic development departments to offer employment services to help fill local labour shortages

“The project will bring a full range of settlement services into our rural community to help newcomers settle, integrate and fully participate in the local community and local economy,” Ralph said, adding if the application is successful, IRCC would fund 100 per cent of the proposed program, and it could positively impact local economic development by supporting growth and labour force development. For more information, contact Jasmin Ralph, Clerk, at 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502.

Upcoming Meetings: County Council, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 5 p.m.; Public Works, Jan. 24 (following County Council); Economic Development, Jan. 24 (following Public Works). County Council, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5 p.m.; Community Services, Feb. 14 (following County Council); Corporate Services, Feb. 14 (following Community Services). Watch for details about public access to meetings on agendas and through online notifications. For more information, contact 1-888-9-LANARK, ext. 1502. Like "LanarkCounty1" on Facebook and follow "@LanarkCounty1" on X!