2017 Embracing Diversity Full Report

Interviews with Key Stakeholder Groups
A concerted effort by multiple organizations is needed to ensure that Perth and Huron Counties
can attract and retain newcomers. Eleven different stakeholder organizations were interviewed
as part of this study to gain a deeper understanding of the scope of the challenges they face in
supporting newcomer efforts and possible solutions from their experience in the field. The group
interviews were conducted using an online webinar format combined with a survey. This method
allowed for in-depth group discussion and anonymous individual responses to be gathered
simultaneously. Stakeholders were divided into three unique groups: community organizations,
service providers, and employers. Below is a summary of the key findings and insights gathered
from each group interview.
Community Organizations
Four municipality-based community organizations participated in a group interview for this research
study representing public health, economic development, and cultural services. The participants,
who were in management or senior staff positions, each brought their unique perspective and
input to the interview process.
When asked about their vision for creating a support system for newcomers in Perth and Huron
Counties, participants unanimously agreed that coordinated service delivery was required and
that one central organization or hub—with a clear mandate to coordinate and deliver newcomer
services and supports—could help to manage the delivery of services from different providers. One
organization saw itself as potentially fulfilling the lead role, or perhaps coordinating an effort to
lobby for a central service provider or officer, but others saw their organizations playing supporting
roles and assisting volunteer sponsor groups or providing referrals for newcomer services.
While these supports and services are benefiting newcomers, respondents identified a significant
number of service gaps that are not being filled and/or newcomer needs that are not being met.
Assistance with healthcare issues, providing educational supports, navigating government systems
and helping to find suitable housing were a few of the needs identified. However, providing
language supports and services, such as translation and working to ensure that social/spiritual
interaction and integration takes place are gaps that all respondents identified.
“I think there are many opportunities here and many service
providers do their best to link clients to services. I feel it is
important for this to be streamlined and consistent so that
all newcomers—those that look for services or not—can be
welcomed and awareness [is] made around community supports.”
Community Organizer
32 Service Providers and Supporting Organizations