Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP), through its Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub initiative and in partnership with the Sarnia-Lambton Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), invites residents to the 2026 Lambton Immigration Forum: Global Roots, Local Impact on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Taking place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Four Points by Sheraton in Point Edward, the breakfast forum will bring community members together to learn about newcomers’ contributions to Sarnia-Lambton’s workforce, businesses, and economy.
Keynote speaker David Campbell, president of Jupia Consultants Inc. and former chief economist with the Government of New Brunswick, will discuss the role of immigration in supporting rural economies. Campbell brings more than 30 years of economic development experience, working with businesses, governments and nonprofit organizations across Canada.
A panel discussion will feature newcomers who have established careers in Sarnia-Lambton. Panelists will share their professional experiences, achievements and perspectives on building a life and career in the region.
“ The Lambton Immigration Forum is an opportunity to bring people together for learning and discussion around a topic that is a critical component in supporting a strong and sustainable local economy,” said Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “This forum allows us to hear directly from newcomers, learn from their experiences and have an open conversation about the ways newcomers are positively contributing to Lambton County’s workforce, businesses and economy.”
“The forum is an opportunity for newcomers to connect with others in the community and see their experiences reflected in the conversation,” said Cari Meloche, Economic Development Officer at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “It also gives residents and local businesses a chance to learn more about the people who are building careers, supporting businesses and making Sarnia-Lambton their home.”
“Newcomers bring skills, experience, ideas and perspectives that strengthen our community,” said Stephanie Ferrera, Local Immigration Partnership Project Coordinator. “We look forward to bringing residents and community partners together to learn from newcomers’ experiences and discuss how to support their participation in community life.”
Residents, businesses, and other community parnters are encouraged to attend. Event details and registration are available through https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/events/2026-lambton-immigration-forum
About the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub:
The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub is an initiative delivered by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership and funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It supports permanent residents in Sarnia-Lambton through workshops, mentorship and opportunities to connect with local employers and community members. Programming focuses on employment, entrepreneurship and professional networking. The Hub has served more than 250 individual permanent residents, and in 2026, SLEP received a Business Facilities Economic Development Organization Award in the Mid-Sized EDO category for the Newcomer Hub initiative.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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