Agenda - London, Ontarioimmigration.london.ca/.../SETTLEminAgenda-2012.pdf · Mohamed Al-Adeimi,...

London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership

1

Agenda

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: January 19, 2012 (9-11 a.m.)

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Recreation Centre

Present:

Regrets:

Absent:

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks

2. Adoption of November 24, 2011 Minutes

3. Additions to Agenda

4. Updates and Actions from Previous Business

a. Central Council

b. Family Settlement Collaborative

c. Information/Attraction

5. New Business

a. Meeting times and dates for upcoming meetings (May 2012 – March 2013)

6. Chairpersons Closing Summary and Review of Action Items.

7. Adjourn


2

8. Next Meeting Location and Date

March 15, 2012 (9-11) at Carling Heights Optimist Centre – Conference Room


3

Minutes

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: January 19, 2012


Present: Deborah Szelepski, Katia (ACFO);

Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Marel Fielding, Susan

Abdula, Kathy Milczarek, Nancy Santos,

Amani Raadha

Regrets: Ayan Aden, Dania Ajami,

Absent:

Item Description Information, Update,

Action, Lead and Due Date


Mohamed welcomed the group and thanked them for their continued contributions

2. Adoption of Previous Minutes

Motion to approve November 24, 2011 Minutes as circulated was moved by Marel, seconded by Kathy and approved


Newcomer Youth Project at South London


Central Council:

Mohamed noted that the final Terms of Reference will be reviewed by Council on January 30. Electronic copies of the

LMLIP Staff will share the

approved Terms of


4

TOR will be shared with the Sub-councils. Group will have hard copies in March meeting for signing.

Mohamed also noted that the task groups working on advocacy and outcomes continue to meet to plan their direction and activities. It was also noted that the strategic multimedia communication task group is working with the a consultant to provide media workshops to five to six ethno-cultural groups

Family Settlement Collaborative

Mohamed and Kathy briefed the group of the work of this collaborative. The purpose of this group is to provide support to new immigrants as per their needs and when they emerge. They also noted that Childreach will join the group. The Work Group also includes the four settlement agencies, Children’s Aid Society, Middlesex London Health Unit and London Employment Help Centre. The group is planning to meet in February or March to review their draft terms of reference. It was also noted that LMLIP will be joining the Age Friendly Group

Information/Attraction-

Work Group that includes members from Inclusion & Civic Engagement, Settlement Sub-councils, Central Council, City of London and the London Economic Development Corporation. The group met in November to outline their role, tasks and invite other partners whose focus is on attraction and/or retention. Subsequently, LMLIP staff started conversations with an international recruiter from UWO and a representative from Tourism London. Group will review existing resources that provide information and attract immigrants into the London & Middlesex community and plan strategies that would complement or enhance these existing initiatives.

Reference to Sub-councils by

first week of February. Letters

of Understanding will be

signed by members in March

2012

5. New Business

Newcomer Youth Project:

It was noted that a research project was underway funded by Welcoming Communities Initiative. This is research work is co-led by the University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Education and the South London Settlement Services. Through the project immigrant youth residing in the South will be interviewed about their perception of a welcoming community. Youth between the ages of 13-19 will be engaged in the process. An Advisory Committee will be struck to monitor the work of the project.

Report from this study will be shared with Sub-council later this year


5


Mohamed noted that the Family Settlement Collaborative will continue to meet and discuss how to address emerging needs of new immigrants. Their task is will be an ongoing one.

He also noted that the Sub-council will review the Strategic Plan and select some activities to be implemented in the third year

Group is requested to review the Strategic Plan and select some activities that will be reviewed in March 15 meeting

7. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.


Thursday March 15, 2012 (9:00-11:00 a.m.) at Carling Heights, 656 Elisabeth Street


1

Agenda

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: March 15, 2012 (9:30-11:30 a.m.)

Meeting Location: Carling Heights – 656 Elisabeth Street (Conference Room)

Present:

Regrets:

Absent:

Item Description


2. Adoption of January 19, 2012 Minutes


4. Central Council Update and Review of Year 2 Plan

5. Review of Priority Setting Template and prioritize for Year Three

6. New Business

a. Recruitment Work Group

b. Signing the Letter of Understanding

CONTINUED…


2


8. Adjourn

9. Upcoming Meeting dates.

April 17, 2012 June 19, 2012 September 18, 2012 November 20, 2012 January 15, 2013 March 19, 2013

Time of meetings: 1-3 p.m. location tbd


1

Minutes

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: March 15, 2012

Meeting Location: Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre

Present: Deborah Szelepski, Nicole Buteau, Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Marel Fielding, Sheila Foster, Ramona Lucan, Tam Dam, Rifaat Hussein, Arlene Thompson, Rebecca Downey, Amani Raadha

Regrets: Susan Abdula, Dania Ajami, Kathy Milczare, Mersija Nuric

Absent: None

Item Description Information, Update, Action,

Lead and Due Date


Mohamed welcomed the new members: Nicole, Sheila and Tam and thanked the group for their continued contributions


Motion to approve January 19, 2012 Minutes as circulated was moved by Deborah, seconded by Marel, and approved


Information on the Portal

Letter of Understanding


Central Council:

Mohamed noted that Council reviewed the work of the task groups and provided feedback. The Strategic


2

Multimedia Work Group reported that five media workshops will be delivered in March to five ethno-cultural communities. The Outcomes Task Group noted that LMLIP presented at the LIPs Annual Conference on measuring outcomes which was well received.

Review of Year Two Plan:


It was noted that the work of this group will continue through the third year

Immediate Access to Information:

It was noted that clients are being connected to services as they arrive. Packages with information on services in our community are being sent to Pearson International Airport with the help of LMLIP staff. This will continue

Information/Resources

The work of this group will continue

Communication to raise awareness among immigrants

With the Settlement Worker in School Program (SWIS) and the Library Settlement Program (LSP) and Networking for an Inclusive Community (NIC) this issue is addressed

Neighbourhood based services:

It was noted that with the creation of four Neighbouhood Child and Family Centres, this issue will be addressed. LMLIP would look for opportunities to bring the settlement piece to the centres where needed.

Advocate and create opportunities for interpreters to be involved in training and be knowledgeable on settlement information:

It was noted that London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (LCCLC) has been invited by Across Languages to provide professional development to interpreters (this may continue)

Managing Finances:

It was noted that settlement sector and community partners (i.e., London Public Library), partner with banks and credit counseling agencies to provide workshops on this issue to newcomers.

Welcome centre

Josephs’ and Jeremiah’s houses provide temporary

Agencies and organizations who provide such workshops are requested to inform LMLIP staff of such workshops


3

shelters for refugees and government sponsored refugees

Supports for families

- Intergenerational Conflict (parents and children) It was noted that LCCLC obtained funding from United Way to work on such a project with the Karen and the Bhutanese communities

Priority Setting for Year 3

Housing

Newcomers are faced with challenge renting houses. Settlement sector in collaboration with community provide opportunities for targeted workshops about immigrants to landlords and housing associations to remove barriers (i.e., negative perception and assumption)

A work group will be established to develop/implement a plan on this issue

5. New Business

Information on the Immigration Portal

Jill noted that the Portal is undergoing some renovation; LMLIP Employment Sub-council was consulted on the content of the Working Section and a writer has been hired to rewrite content. She also requested sub-councils to promote the Portal and provide information on events that is happening which will be captured in the Portal Newsletter as well as updated information and links for the Portal more generally

Childcare support for visitors

Rebecca noted that in Toronto childcare subsidy is available for visitors where this is not the case in London and inquired if such services is available for visitors

Letter of Understanding (LOU)

Mohamed requested members to sign the LOU and submit to Huda

Rebecca will share more information on this issue


4


Mohamed noted that some actions will continue through the next year. He also noted that in April the group will select a one or two actions along with the Housing issue to be pursued in Year 3. He thanked the group and encouraged them to attend the next meeting

Group is requested to review the Strategic Plan and select some activities that will be reviewed in April 17 meeting

7. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.


Tuesday April 17 2012 (1-3 p.m..) at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


1

Agenda

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: April 17, 2012 (1-3 p.m.)


Present:

Regrets:

Absent:

Item Description

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks:

2. Adoption of March 15, 2012 Minutes


4. Central Council Updates

5. Review Priority Setting Template and select actions for Year Three Implementation

Plan

6. New Business

7. Chairpersons Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

8. Adjourn


June 6, 2012 (9-11) a.m. at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


2


1

Minutes

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: April 17, 2012


Present: Deborah Szelepski, Nicole Buteau, Dania Ajami, Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Sheila Foster, Tam Dam, Susan Abdula, Amani Raadha, Huda Hussein

Regrets: Kathy Milczarek, Marel Fielding, Arlene Thompson

Absent:

Item Description

Information, Update,

Action, Lead and

Due Date


Mohamed welcomed the group and noted that our focus today is to identify a couple of actions to pursue in our Year 3 Plan


Motion to approve March 15, 2012 Minutes as amended moved by Nicole seconded Sheila and approved


Neigbourhood Child and Family Centres (NCFC)


Central Council:

It was noted that Central Council met and reviewed the draft LMLIP Work Plan for 2012-2013, discussed and provided feedback. Task groups will continue working on the identified issues: Advocacy, Outcomes and Strategic Multimedia. Five media workshops delivered to five ethno-cultural groups (namely: Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Francophone, and Pakistani). The process of funding of


2

projects at the Sub-councils’ level was discussed. Currently if funding opportunity becomes available to advance an action from the Strategic Plan, the Sub-council concerned, decides a lead and partnering agencies to support the application.

5. Priority Setting for Year 3

Action One: Housing – Landlord & Tennant Issues

This is one of the challenges facing immigrants under Family Challenges Priority. Orientation on housing and renting is currently done through the orientation process for the Government Assisted Refugees as well as information sessions delivered by all the settlement agencies. The need is to engage Landlords, Housing Associations, and Managements of Properties in the conversation to alleviate challenges faced by newcomers. The group may need to invite a realtor to sit on the group

Action Two: Supporting Seniors

Group noted that there are a number of programs for seniors which are not accessed by immigrant seniors either due to lack of awareness or comfort level. Group noted the following need to be determined before an action is taken to support the seniors:

-Make an inventory of available resources -explore opportunities to collaborate with the Age Friendly Group -Connect with the Multicultural Committee of the Council for London Seniors -Check with the Police on their Stop Elderly Abuse project -Connect with Over 55 -Contact Faith groups to find out what programs are offered for the seniors in their places of worship

Actions to be continued in Year 3:

1. Family Settlement Collaborative: The group will continue work on the Family Settlement Collaborative

2. Managing Finances

6. New Business

Letter of Understanding:

Mohamed requested members who have not signed their letters of understanding to do so and submit to Project Staff

Neighbourhood Child & Family Centres (NCFC)

A work group established with the following volunteers: Amani (Newcomer Settlement Services at South London Neighbourhood Resources) Nicole (ACFO Sarnia London) and Tam (London Cross Cultural Learner Centre)

Tam, Amani and Nicole will review these items and send information to Mohamed to develop an inventory

Group will decide next steps at June 6 meeting


3

Mohamed noted that four NCFC will be opened in four neighbourhoods in London: Argyle, Carling, Westmount and White Oaks. These Centres will have some core services and referrals to other needed services will be provided for clients.

Group requested to invite someone from the Child & Youth Network to speak about this initiative in June

Other:

Canadian Iraqi-Turkmen Culture Association of London Ontario, Canada

It was noted that the group is organizing some mentorship opportunities with successful established Turkmen and new Turkmen

International Breakfast – Fanshawe, Western University and community agencies:

It was noted that this group is discussing attraction and retention of international students in London and what supports are needed or available for these students

Call for Proposal by CIC

It was noted that CIC will have their CFP in July 2012

Children’s Aid Society (CAS)

It was noted that CAS is modifying its service delivery. In 2-5 years, teams of workers will serve in communities where families live. The first team will start working in October 2012 and there will be a number of teams working in neighbourhoods.

Ontario Works has implemented this model of service successfully in the last few years

Project staff to extend invitation

Susan to send details to project staff to be shared

Amani to share with group updates on this initiative

Next meeting of the group will be held at King’s College


Mohamed noted that the group will work on their identified actions and continue to work on a couple of actions from last year. He thanked the group for their continued engagement

8. Adjourn

Nicole made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:00 p.m


Wednesday June 6, 2012 (9-11) a.m. at Kinsmen Recreation Centre Room 4


4


1

Agenda

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: June 6, 2012 (9-11 a.m.)


Present:

Regrets:

Absent:

Item Description


2. Adoption of April 17, 2012 Minutes


4. Central Council Updates

5. Review draft Year Three Implementation Plan (discussion/update)

6. Reports from work groups

a. Family Settlement Collaborative

b. Engaging Landlords

7. Presentation on the Neighbourhood Child and Family Centres (NCFC)


9. Adjourn



2

September 5 (9-11) a.m. at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


1

Minutes

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time June 6, 2012


Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Deborah Szelepski, Dania Ajami, Sheila Foster, Marel Fielding , Arlene Thompson, Ramona Lucan, Jill Tansley, Huda Hussein

Regrets: Kathy Milczarek, Tam Dam, Susan Abdula, Amani Radhaa, Rifaat Hussain, Nicole Buteau

Absent: Mersija Nuric

Guest: Adrienne Small, City of London

Item Description Information, Update,

Action, Lead and Due Date


Mohamed welcomed the Adrienne Small who gave an overview of the Child & Youth Network Agenda and a presentation on the Neighborhood Child and Family Centers (NCFC)


Motion to approve April 17, 2012 Minutes as circulated moved by Dania seconded by Sheila and approved


Meeting Times


2


Central Council:

It was noted that Central Council did not meet in May, 2012. At its April 30 meeting, Council approved the LMLIP Work Plan for 2012-2013 and the Community Achievement Report for Year Two. Council also discussed the Strategic Multimedia Communication Plan and approved its transitioning to the Inclusion &Civic Engagement Sub-council. Council also heard a presentation on the Immigration Portal.

Review of Year 3 Implementation Plan 2012-2013

Mohamed asked for feedback or questions on the template. He noted that the plan will be updated to reflect the work that is being done by the work groups, as we move.

Housing - Landlord & Tenant Issues

The Task Group met on May 30, 2012. Group identified their goals, members who need to be engaged and discussed their work plan. Group discussed designing a presentation that can be used by any settlement agency to engage landlords. Sub-council members requested that this presentation be shared with and discussed by the Settlement Sub-council before being presented to landlords.

Mohamed noted that Boardwalk one of the largest landlord in London, had a Customer Appreciation BBQ event “Balconies Beautiful” on May 28 for tenants. It was noted that such events are helpful in building relationship between tenants and landlords.

Family Settlement Collaborative:

It was noted that the group has finalized their Terms of Reference, drafted a work plan and will meet tomorrow, June 7 to discuss their work plan

Supporting Seniors

Mohamed noted that members have sent him information on the existing resources for seniors and this will be compiled into a resource document that can be shared with services and NCFC. Members noted that it is very hard to engage seniors due to some barriers, such as transportation, availability of child care as some of them take care of their grandchildren, language and sometimes due to lack of awareness. Mohamed

LMLIP staff will update the plan

Engaging Tenants Task Group may use the model in their work plan

LMLIP staff to share the Terms of Reference with the Sub-council


3

noted that it is important to involve the seniors in the discussion. The seniors in South London, were involved and based on their suggestion, seniors meet every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to spent time together. This program is very successful now but it took a while before everyone became comfortable coming to the program.

New Business:

Meeting Time/date

Meeting times and dates have been shared with the members early in April 2012 to help members schedule their meetings. It was noted that some members had the wrong dates and times for today’s meeting.

Guest for September Meeting

Group indicated that they benefited from the presentation today and a request was made to Jill Tansley to present on the Portal at September’s Meeting

Senior program at South London may be considered as a model that may be adapted in other neighborhoods

LMLIP staff to resend the email on the dates and times of meetings

5. Chairperson’s Closing Summary and Review of Action Items

Mohamed noted that the Sub-council will work on the items identified in addition to the ongoing Family Settlement Collaborative and Sharing Information. He thanked the group and wished everyone a great summer

6. Adjourn

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Arlene. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m.


Wednesday September 5, 2012 (9-11 a.m.) at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


1

Agenda

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time: September 5, 2012 (9-11 a.m.)


Present:

Regrets:

Absent:

Item Description


2. Adoption of June 6, 2012 Minutes


4. Review/edit the Year Three Implementation Plan (discussion/update)


a. Family Settlement Collaborative

b. Engaging Landlords

c. Senior Support

6. Presentation on the Immigration Portal – Jill Tansley

7. Information sharing including work of the other five Sub-councils


9. Adjourn


2


November 7 (9-11) a.m. at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


1

Minutes

Sub-council: Settlement Date and Time September 5, 2012


Present: Debora Szelepski, Marel Fielding , Ramona Lucan, Jill Tansley, Kathy Milczarek, Rifat Hussain, Nicole Buteau, Tam Dam, Susan Abdula, Mersija Nuric and Huda Hussein

Regrets: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Dania Ajami, Amani Radhaa, Arlene Thompson

Absent:

Item Description

Information,

Update, Action,

Lead and Due

Date


Rifat chaired the meeting as Mohamed is on vacation. She welcomed the group


Motion to approve June 6, 2012 Minutes as circulated moved by Nicole seconded by Debora and approved


Jill noted the need to change the order of the agenda. Motion to accept the Agenda as amended moved by Nicole, seconded by Kathy and approved


a.Family Settlement Collaborative:

Nicole reported back that that the group has confirmed eight workshops to


2

be delivered starting September 11, 2012 to the LINC –YMCA Program in South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. She also noted that members from the Collaborative will present on their work to the Leads of the ESL and LINC (Thames Valley District School Board) to inform and engage

In response to Kathy’s question regarding volunteers to present along with Nicole, staff noted that volunteers to co-present with Nicole can still submit their names staff and presentation is scheduled for September 19

b.Housing - Landlord & Tenant Issues

The Task Group met on June 28, 2012. Group invited Terry McSpadder from Oliver & Associates Real Estate Brokerage, Jaclyn Seeler from the Salvation Army Center of Hope and a Customer Service Officer from the Landlord & Tenant Board. Members discussed developing a Powerpoint presentation to be delivered to the private landlords and newcomer tenants and service providers.

Group recommended the following for the Task Group to consider:

ensure that the laws pertaining to Cooperative Housing are discussed as they have a different set of rules

bring the question of co-signer to the landlords

create a list of landlords who are newcomer friendly in simple languages and multilingual (if possible)

make hard copies of any presentation for clients to take away with them

engage big rental companies, such as Boardwalk

developed resources to be shared with settlement sector, ESL/LINC programs, places of worships

c.Supporting Seniors

The group is collating information on the resources for seniors in the City; the group will meet in September to review the material drafted and consider their next steps.

5. Presentation on the Immigration Portal by Jill Tansley:

Jill circulated the two pages of the front page of the Portal the old and the new. She walked the group through the new page noting the changes that have been made. She also noted the content is being rewritten as per the recommendations from the focus group. She also noted that the Employment Sub-council provided feedback on the work section which is now divided into two sections: one before arrival and the second after arrival.

Nicole and Tam to take these recommendations to the next Group’s meeting

LMLIP staff to share information with the work group on the Age Friendly Task Group and how this group may interact with them


3

Comments from the group:

- can someone ask a question in English since English was not on the list

- how does the Ask a Question in your language work – Jill noted that the question is directed to the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre who would respond to the question within 2 business days. Rifat elaborated in the event that the requested language is not spoken at CCLC it will be referred to the volunteers of CCLC

- a question on how the 12 languages were determined, Jill noted that it was based on Stats as to what languages are mostly used in London and included few languages that are spoken by vulnerable population. Somali language is not supported.

- LMLIP is not clear – the full name should be provided

- Immigrants may not understand what LMLIP is about and it is important to have the names of services on the main page– it was noted that the website is about attraction and retention; it is important for immigrants to learn about the services as well as the LMLIP as a planning body for the successful integration of the immigrants. Jill noted that LMLIP webpage has one of the highest hits

- Get Help Now – to include all the settlement services in London preferably based on geographical locations

- Jill noted that these are good suggestions and needs a volunteer from the settlement to do a write up on the agencies and submit to her

6. Progress report on the six Sub-councils

Huda shared with the group the work that is being done by the all the Sub-councils and the Central Council

Jill to send LMLIP staff the request which will be circulated to the settlement sector with a deadline

Staff to send the report via email to members


Rifat thanked the group for their contributions

8. Adjourn

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Marel. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.


4


Wednesday 7, 2012 (9-11 a.m.) at Kinsmen Recreation Centre


1

Agenda

Sub-council: LMLIP Settlement Date and Time: November 7, 2012 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Room 4

Item Description


2. Adoption of September 13, 2012 Minutes


4. Presentation – Engaging Landlords and Tenants

5. Reports and Actions from Previous Business

a. Central Council Updates

b. Work Group Updates

i. Family Settlement Collaborative

ii. Supporting Seniors – Discussion

6. New Business

7. Information-Sharing



2

9. Adjourn

10. Next Meeting Location and Date:

January 15, 2013, 9:00 – 11:00 am, Location – Kinsmen Room 4


1

Minutes

LMLIP Settlement Sub-council Date and Time: November 7, 2012 9:00 – 11:00 pm

Meeting Location: Kinsmen Room 4 Present: Mohamed Al-Adeimi, Ahmad

Ali, Dania Ajami, Tam Dam, Marel

Fielding, Sheila Foster, Ramona Lucan,

Huda Hussein, Mersija Nuric, Amani

Radhaa, Debora Szelepski, Jill Tansley,

Ria Urbi, Ayan Aden, Kathy Milczarek

Regrets: Susan Abdula, Arlene

Thompson

Absent: Nicole Buteau, Rifat Hussain

Item Description

Information,

Update, Action,

Lead and Due

Date


Mohamed welcomed Ahmed, newest member of the LMLIP Settlement Sub-council. Roundtable introductions were made.


Motion to approve September 5, 2012 Minutes as amended moved by Jill seconded by Marel and approved


None

4. Presentation – Engaging Landlords and Tenants

Amani presented the material Tenants and Landlords Rights and Responsibilities on behalf of the Engaging Landlords and Tenants


2

work group which includes Tam, Nicole and Kayla. This presentation is divided into two: one for landlords and another for newcomers. LMLIP background information is included in both, as well, how the project came about as response to a recognized need in the community. The presentation for newcomers focuses on housing information and tenant rights and responsibilities. The presentation for landlords informs about considerations when leasing to newcomers as well as rights and responsibilities.

Some feedback on the newcomer tenants presentation were:

Marel inquired about the use of the phrase “stemmed out” in the Introduction section

Mohamed recommended to cite all members in the work group that provided support (Landlord and Tenant Board, Oliver & Associates Real Estate Brokerage, Salvation Army Center of Hope, Western Community Legal Services, etc.)

Debora suggested to cite Nepali language for Bhutanese in the translation of rights and responsibilities

Mohamed asked to spell out CLEO

Debora requested to include a differentiation between electrical and gas heating

Jill thought to also include provision for pets

Kathy suggested to check if barbeques are allowed on balconies

Debora suggested to develop a checklist for inspection

Ria asked to clear wording on “Tenants should not withhold payment of rent”

There was also a discussion in the group about the one-year lease requirement that Ramona raised. She pointed out that one-year lease requirement is problematic if newcomers found a job elsewhere and needed to move out before the lease is up.

Tam said that in cases like this, CCLC settlement workers talk directly to the property supervisor

Jill mentioned that a one year contract would also protect tenants from price increases in that specific time period.

It was also noted that there is a provision that landlords can lease for six months but landlords do not abide by it

Mohamed suggested that issue about the one-year lease requirement for newcomers might be an opportunity for advocacy that can be brought up to the LMLIP Central Council. He also stressed that we have to be cognizant of

Work group will

incorporate the

suggestions to the

presentation

material.


3

the goal of the presentation which is to build relationships and work with the landlords. This can lead to greater understanding between landlords and the newcomers.

Some feedback on the landlord presentation were:

Marel suggested to use “in compliance with human rights regulations” instead of “cannot discriminate against tenants”

Move “inspect the apartment before and after renting to a tenant” from obligations to responsibilities section

The right for landlord to search or ask for your information (SIN) as part of the background check should be confirmed

Amani will share the presentation with the group and requested feedback by November 12th.

Amani to check with Western Community Legal Services.

Group to investigate if last month’s rent could be the penalty of breaking the lease.

5. Reports and Actions from Previous Business

a. Central Council Updates

- Huda asked to Save the Date on March 27, 2013 for the LMLIP Community Event. The themes for the event are celebration and issues/policy changes that impact our community (medical, economic growth [international students], employment)

- Welcoming Communities Initiative is now known as Pathways to Prosperity Project

- Huda requested members to retain “LMLIP” when talking about the LMLIP Settlement Sub-council

- Huda reminded that members joining LMLIP is based on interest not organizations

- Ria informed members that a new communication channel is open for LMLIP members and ask them to follow @LMLIP on Twitter

b. Work Group Updates


To date, Children’s Aid Society and ACFO de London-Sarnia from the LMLIP Settlement Sub-council and LMLIP completed their presentations to the LINC students in South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre. On November 28, group will present to ESL leads in Wheable.

Supporting Seniors

Mohamed presented the inventory Programs and Services Available for Multicultural Seniors in London that was


4

compiled by the work group (Sheila, Tam and Mohamed). He noted that this resource is still a work in progress to be completed by the end of this year. Mohamed requested members to provide the group with their feedback or information to be added to the document. Final version will be shared with service providers. Jill was also open to making it available on the Immigration Portal. Some feedback from the group were:

Mersija mentioned that City of London sometimes provide financial assistance to low-income seniors

Kathy suggested to separate services in Beacock and Central Library, as well to add Sherwood Library

Mersija will check and provide information to Mohamed.

Changes will be made on the document.

6. New Business

None

7. Information Sharing

None


Mohamed thanked the group for their contributions.

9. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 11:00 am


January 15, 2013, 9:00 – 11:00 am, Location – Kinsmen Room 4


5

Agenda - London, Ontarioimmigration.london.ca/.../SETTLEminAgenda-2012.pdf · Mohamed Al-Adeimi,...

Documents

Transcript of Agenda - London, Ontarioimmigration.london.ca/.../SETTLEminAgenda-2012.pdf · Mohamed Al-Adeimi,...