Newcomers at N.B. summit focus on how to keep immigrants in province - Action News
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New Brunswick

Newcomers at N.B. summit focus on how to keep immigrants in province

The Newcomer Summit in Fredericton this week drew more than 300 immigrants eager help lay thefoundation for a more inclusive society, where people new to the region can succeed and want to stay.

Community integration is pivotal in ensuring newcomers thrive in their new environment, organizers say

A woman standing in front of an event banner that reads welcome in various languages.
'The summit is something Im very proud of and we should all be very proud of it as a region,' said Doyin Somorin, one of the organizers. (Sophia Etuhube/CBC)

The Newcomer Summit in Fredericton this week drew more than 300 immigrants eager help lay the foundation for a more inclusive society, where people new to the region can succeed and want to stay.

Also at the summit were government officials and representatives of the business community.

Organizers said the goal is to create a sense of belonging and inclusion so immigrants can establish a strong emotional connection to their adopted home. This wouldlead to increased participation in local activities, volunteering,job opportunities and a desire to stay in New Brunswick.

Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers told the gathering she wants newcomers to feel welcome, safe, comfortable and secure.

WATCH | Inaugural Newcomer Summit hopes to connect newcomers with essential programs and services:

The capital region of New Brunswick hosts its first Newcomer Summit

1 year ago
Duration 2:09
The Newcomer Summit in Fredericton looks at how best to help immigrants ease into their new community

"You belong here, regardless of your background, regardless of your age, race, language, culture, regardless of who you love," Rogers said in her opening remarks. "You are now part of Fredericton."

The summit was put on by Ignite, an economic development agency for the capital and western Valley regions of New Brunswick.

"We want to support the newcomers to understand the resources and programs that are available to them," said Doyin Somorin, manager of integration and retention at Ignite.

A lady wearing an ask me tag, standing besides an event banner.
Andrea Escober, who came to New Brunswick from Honduras, was part of the first student cohort for the integration success program by Ignite two years ago. She now works as an integration and retention co-ordinator at Ignite. (Sophia Etuhube/CBC)

The summit organizers hope thatinnovative approaches to welcoming immigrants will keep them engaged and wanting to live in the province.

Vendors with diverse cultural resources were present from various communities, including the Asian heritage community, the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, and the Ukrainian Association of Fredericton.

Mariano Padruno, a student from Mexico who participated in the summit, said he transitioned smoothly when he moved to Fredericton three years ago, despite going through some personal struggles.

"Meeting new people? It's one of the hardest challenges that I have had here," he said. "And also being far away from your family, your friends, it's really hard. But you get used to it."

A young man standing in a walk way with people behind him.
Marino Padruno, who moved to Fredericton from Mexico, said making friends was difficult at first. Many of the international students at the summit plan to remain in Fredericton after their studies. (Sophia Etuhube/CBC)

Andrea Escober, another participant, said that when she moved to Fredericton from Tegucigalpa,Honduras,the cultural differences and even the weather differences wereoverwhelming for her.

"One of the things that was really important to me was just learning about a healthy work culture," said Escober, who is now Ignite'sintegration and retention co-ordinator.

Immigrants expressed gratitude for the summit platform that allowed them to voice their needs and concerns. At the same time, community leaders recognized the value thatharnessing the diverse skills and talents of newcomers brings to the city.

Five fists raised, different shades of brown skin, next to text that says Being Black in Canada surrounded by an orange and red border.
(CBC)