North Bay Newcomer Network

The Mayor's Office of Economic Development initiated the North Bay Newcomer Network in 2005 in an effort to attract immigrants to North Bay.

Its mission is "The North Bay Newcomer Network will attract newcomers to the North Bay area, will assist with integration into the community and will facilitate the retention of newcomers in the region. The objectives of these activities are to enhance the newcomer's quality of life, and to achieve economic development through newcomers' contributions to the local labour market and the community as a whole."

Community partners include the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, Yes! Employment Services, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, Ministry of Northern Development & Mines, Canadore College, Nipissing University, North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, Local Training and Adjustment Board, District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, North Bay Literacy Council, Near North District School Board, Volunteer Centre of Blue Sky Region, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Salvation Army, Rotary Club of Nipissing and TeleTech.

One of its first initiatives was an immigration symposium held at Canadore College April 8, 2006. More than 80 people attended, most of them immigrants to the city. A major community gap identified by the participants was the lack of a settlement agency.

NNN subsequently acquired funding through FedNor to complete an immigration study, and that study also identified a strong need for a settlement agency. North Bay City Hall and NNN arranged for representatives from Citizenship and Immigration Canada to visit the city, and three meetings later the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre was born.

Since achieving its major goals of completing an immigration study and opening a settlement agency, NNN created a committee structure and is moving ahead on new objectives. The four committees are settlement services, employment, immigrant attraction and creating a welcoming community.

NNN is a volunteer organization open to anyone with an interest in its goals. If you are interested in getting involved contact Don Curry at the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre, 495-8931 or doncurry@nbdmc.ca.

Newcomers attend information session at the multicultural centre