Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) launched the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub in April as a three-year initiative designed to help Permanent Residents navigate employment, entrepreneurship, and community integration. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Newcomer Hub has delivered nine workshops, introduced its mentorship program, and is preparing for its final event of the year at Lambton College on December 9.
“The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub has hosted entrepreneurship sessions, career workshops, and networking events that have supported about 100 Permanent Resident participants and nearly 40 local employers,” said Matthew Slotwinski, Chief Executive Officer, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Permanent Residents bring important skills and perspectives to our region. Their contributions strengthen our labour force and create new economic activity across our local municipalities. The program ensures participants have the support they need to build their careers or their businesses, and thrive here in Sarnia-Lambton.”
“Many participants are already working in our community and are looking for opportunities to develop their skills, build connections, and move forward in their careers,” said Cari Meloche, Economic Development Officer at SLEP. “Their commitment to learning and engaging adds to the energy and strength of our local workforce.”
The Newcomer Hub’s early momentum has been supported by strong local partnerships, including collaboration with community service providers and joint events with the Centre Communautaire Francophone Sarnia Lambton and the Lambton Works Centre. These partnerships help create a more welcoming and connected environment for Permanent Residents in Sarnia-Lambton.
The upcoming December 9 event will feature local leadership and happiness coach Brenda Pearson, who will speak about how to use international work experience to build new career pathways in Canada. “In collaboration with Lambton College, this event will help Permanent Residents explore how to upgrade their skills and strengthen their local career options through programs offered at the college,” said Richa Joshi, Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub Program Coordinator.
Event Details
The Newcomer Hub is also preparing its 2026 programming, which will continue to involve collaboration with community partners across Sarnia-Lambton.
For more information about the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, visit sarnialambton.on.ca/newcomerhub or contact Richa Joshi at richa@sarnialambton.on.ca.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub
The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub helps Permanent Residents build their careers and connections in the region. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Newcomer Hub offers workshops, mentorship, community referrals, and one-on-one support to help newcomers navigate employment, entrepreneurship, and community life. By working with local partners, the Newcomer Hub creates a welcoming and supportive environment that helps newcomers succeed in Sarnia-Lambton.
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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