Regional report highlights supports for newcomers
Posted Sep 9, 2026 02:28:20 PM.
Regional council got an update on supports for newcomers through an annual immigration report that was presented ahead of Welcoming Week.
The Immigration Partnership shared its 2025 Annual Report to the Community and Health Services Committee on Tuesday.
The report highlighted meaningful employment programs, welcoming events, coordinated supports, and secured funding for transitional housing for refugees.
“For generations, immigrants have contributed to our region’s prosperity,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman in a release. “The organizations of the Immigration Partnership, along with many others, play a vital role in helping newcomers thrive and in ensuring those benefits continue for future generations.”
It isn’t just the supports that are having an impact, as the Immigration Partnership’s research has also set a national precedent with their immigration survey being replicated across Canada.
While the annual immigration report underscored significant contributions for newcomer integration and prosperity in the region, the organization also outlined next steps including strengthening employment connections and capacity, and securing long-term investments to enhance newcomer integration.
Data presented by the Immigration Partnership showed Waterloo Region has welcomed 8-10,000 new immigrants annually in recent years, in addition to many temporary residents.
The Immigration Partnership has evolved over the last two decades and reached its final form in 2009 as a cross-sector collaboration involving regional, municipal, and other community leaders.
“Seventeen years ago, public, private and non-profit leaders doubled down on building regional infrastructure for newcomer integration, recognizing the long-term economic and social significance of immigration to regional communities,” said Tara Bedard, Executive Director of the Immigration Partnership, in a release.
“We are incredibly proud of the continued positive impact of our partners across the region.”
The Immigration Partnership’s 2025 Annual Report was presented ahead of Welcoming Week, which is an annual initiative to celebrate belonging, inclusion, and connection in our communities.
Dozens of events will be held in Waterloo Region from Sept. 10 to Sept. 19. and more information can be found by clicking here.
