Brantford Immigration Partnership invites the community to Join the Network

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP) invites residents, businesses and organizations to Join the Network to share experiences, voice ideas, and help launch new initiatives that empower newcomers. The BIP is a group of community partners working to ensure that the City of Brantford is a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

“Brantford is proud to be a culturally vibrant community that strives to provide newcomers with the support they need to succeed and participate in the economic, social, civic, and cultural growth of our city,” says Mayor Kevin Davis. “We are grateful to the members of the Brantford Immigration Partnership who work together to make Brantford a more welcoming place for everyone.”

Members of the BIP Network actively participate in research, new initiatives, and awareness campaigns. By sharing lived experiences, members can help positively shape the future for newcomers in Brantford while creating a more inclusive community.

“Being a Newcomer requires a lot of courage,” says Diego Aguilar, Brantford Newcomer and BIP Network member. “I knew my main obstacle to integrating myself into the community was my lack of connections. That’s why I joined the Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP) Network. I see the BIP as a bridge between newcomers and the community and I wanted to get involved. As I've heard in Brantford many times, ‘We are stronger together’.”

The BIP launched in November 2020 to help build a better understanding of the unique perspectives of immigrants, strengthen community partnerships to enhance services, and celebrate cultural diversity within our city. This is a valuable opportunity ensure newcomers are able to successfully contribute to the economic, social, civic, and cultural growth of Brantford.

“We hope to continue to inspire positive change in the community by making newcomer connections to the community, partners and local resources,” says Lily Lumsden, Senior Regional Manager at the YMCA Employment & Immigrant Services, YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford. “By joining the BIP Network, you can help us work towards making Brantford an even more inclusive community.”

Newcomers offer high levels of skills, education, and training; they contribute to the local economy, and to the enrichment of cultural life in Brantford. BIP is an important opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion, and to ensure newcomers are able to successfully contribute to the economic, social, civic, and cultural growth of Brantford.

To join the network or learn more about the Brantford Immigration Partnership, visit brantford.ca/BIP or join the conversation in the BIP Facebook group.

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Media Contact:

Kelly Page | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 226-388-0150 | kpage@brantford.ca