The Mennonite New Life Centre in the Beach is hosting a forum titled Refusing to settle for less: Newcomer policy recommendations to overcome poverty on Saturday, March 27.
The workshop will bring together newcomer communities, non-profit organizations, organized labour and business and government officials to reflect and talk about racialized poverty and employment issues. The forum will also focus on strengthening civic engagement among immigrants and refugees living in Toronto.The forum, first proposed by the organization's Newcomer Advocacy Committee, reflects what the Mennonite New Life Centre is all about: bringing diverse people together to participate fully in Ontario's social, economic and political life, while reducing insecurity and enabling integration for newcomers, strengthening voices and increasing social equality.During the forum, members of the committee will present the results of a research report on access to fair and meaningful employment for newcomers.Jean Augustine, Ontario's fairness commissioner, will serve as its keynote speaker.The day's panelists will include Joan Atlin of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and Avvy Go of the Colour of Poverty campaign, among others. The forum will also include four community leader-led round table discussions on employment equity, paid internships, municipal and provincial elections and community organizing experiences.Lastly, it will present a series of key recommendations to panel of politicians for all levels of government.The event takes place Saturday, March 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the new Life Mennonite Centre of Toronto, 1774 Queen St. E. near Kingston Road.A cultural program called Taking Action Through the Arts! will follow the forum.Advance registration is required. Registration is free for newcomers and is pay-what-you-can for other participants. Organizational sponsorship costs $100.A light lunch and refreshments will be served. Call Adriana Salazar at 416-699-4527, ext. 229, email asalazar@mnlct.org, or visit http://www.mnlct.org/story/forum for more information.