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Immigrant Information Services (IIS) wrapping up services at the end of March 2012
As of April 1, 2012, Job Skills-Employment and Business Programs and Supports will no longer be operating Immigrant Information Services (IIS) and its Professional Development activities for Settlement Staff.
Funding has not been renewed for this service by Citizenship and Immigration Canada for 2012-2013. As a result, the Professional Development Series and networking sessions, along with Immigrant Connections -- Resource Manual for Service Providers Serving Newcomers and Immigrants in York Region, and the Information Warehouse and Distribution Centre of settlement service provider materials, will no longer be available after March 30, 2012. The current issue of Immigrant Connections (updated November 2011) is still available in a pdf version under the Resource Tab on this website.
This news is in line with the priority of the Ministry to focus on delivering services directly to immigrants and to minimize supporting expenses such as administration, travel, professional development and capital costs for organizations.
For the last three years, IIS has supported the Newcomer and Immigrant sector. During the first two years of the IIS initiative, more than 1,800 Immigrants and Newcomers received information and direct connection to the supports and services needed to assist them with their integration into Canadian society. At the same time, IIS provided some professional development and networking opportunities for Staff. From the Spring of 2011-March 2012, the focus shifted to providing additional Professional Development opportunities, specialized tools and resources designed to enhance the skills of staff in this sector.
In the meantime, Job Skills continues to provide a wide range of employment services specifically designed for newcomers. These programs include: Employment Support Services and Job Search Workshops at the Welcome Centres in York Region; Bridge to HR, a Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Human Resources Professionals, and Employment Services through the Employment Ontario Employment Services sites. For more information about Job Skills’ other Newcomer Employment Services and our Employment and Business Services Divisions please visit www.jobskills.org
If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact:
Judy Davidson,
Director, Newcomer Services
Job Skills
289-846-3612
jdavidson@jobskills.org
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