Little Book of LIP: Guide to the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership
Abstract
An overview of the Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership (MHLIP), including their values and vision, statistics to support why Medicine Hat needs immigrants, 4 main barriers immigrants face in Medicine Hat, as well as MHLIP’s top 3 priorities, their approach, and desired outcomes.
Notes
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Key findings:
1) Immigrants greatly support Medicine Hat’s workforce needs. Without immigrant workers, the decreasing working-age population may lead to labour shortages, a smaller tax base and strain on medical and pension funds.
2) The 4 main challenges immigrants in Medicine Hat face are: i) Difficulty finding and utilizing information upon arrival, particularly related to the lack of language services, ii) feeling disconnected and isolated from the community, iii) racism and discrimination, and iv) difficulties finding employment.
3) MHLIP’s top 3 priorities are: i) Supporting people who are new to town, ii) integrating newcomers into economic development, and iii) creating a culture of inclusion.
Key recommendations:
1) Increase network building, capacity building, coordination, collaboration and communication between resources in Medicine Hat to better support immigrants.
2) Work together across multiple sectors to create a detailed action plan for each priority.
3) Evaluate progress to ensure actions are continuously improving the outcomes of each priority.
Location: Medicine Hat, AB
Open access: Yes
Community organizations: Medicine Hat Local Immigration Partnership (MHLIP)
Integration timeline: not defined
Key populations: immigrants living in Medicine Hat