Workshop: Changes to Immigration Legislation and Refugee Healthcare

April 23, 2013

‘Changes to Immigration Legislation and Refugee Healthcare’ Workshop

On April 23rd the TWLIP’s Service Development & Co-ordination Topic group organized the Changes to Immigration Legislation and Refugee Healthcare workshop.  The workshop was also supported collaboratively by Rexdale Women’s Centre and Delta Family Resource Centre. Both organizations continue to  co-ordinate local LIP planning tables; when the idea for the workshop evolved in both instances, it seemed a natural fit to develop a joint effort in delivering this workshop to frontline staff and community volunteers serving newcomers.

The 3-hour workshop was held at the Rexdale Hub. There were approximately 40 representatives who attended from diverse organizations. The primary goal was to increase knowledge and awareness about recent changes to federal immigration legislation and the overall status of healthcare for refugees. Participants were able to discuss overall impacts of the changes and were provided with resources that will better support their work with newcomers.

Presenters included Paulina Wyrzykowski, Coordinator of Immigrant and Refugee Services at St. Christopher House and Dr. Ritika Goel and Nadia Kanani from Health for All. They have tremendous experience working with newcomer and refugee communities.

Participants appreciated the interactive nature of the session and the opportunity to network with staff members from other organizations.