Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is pleased to announce the launch of the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, a new three-year initiative aimed at helping Permanent Residents navigate employment, entrepreneurship, and community integration. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub offers a tailored suite of services to strengthen newcomer success, small business opportunities, and support local workforce development.
Structured around four key pillars—Networking and Employer Connections, Resume Building and Skills Development, Entrepreneurship and Business Building, and Mentorship and Peer Learning—the Hub provides programming designed to foster professional growth, business exploration, and social connection.
“The Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub reflects our commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive region where everyone has the opportunity to succeed - be it through participation in the workforce or the creation of a viable new business,” said Matthew Slotwinski, Chief Executive Officer, Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “Permanent Residents bring valuable skills, perspectives, and ambition to our communities, diversifying our employment base and often creating new economic opportunity that benefits our local municipalities. This initiative ensures the participants are well-supported as they integrate, contribute, and thrive in Sarnia-Lambton, contributing to a growing population.”
“At the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, we are committed to supporting Permanent Residents who either live in Lambton County or are looking to make it their home,” said Richa Joshi, Program Coordinator of the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub. “Our goal is to connect with and support 170 Permanent Residents during the first year of the Newcomer Hub. Through skills development for interviews and workplace success, professional networking opportunities, and support for turning business ideas into real ventures, we look forward to helping newcomers start or upgrade their local careers with confidence.”
To officially launch the initiative, the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub will host its first skills training event:
· Event: Ready, Set, Connect: Mastering Networking, Resumes and LinkedIn for Canadian Success
· Date: May 14, 2025
· Time: 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
· Location: Four Points by Sheraton, 1498 Venetian Blvd, Point Edward, ON
· Eligibility: Open to individuals who hold a valid Permanent Resident card
· Registration: sarnialambton.on.ca/events/readysetconnect
This interactive session will guide participants through essential resume strategies, LinkedIn optimization, and networking techniques tailored to the Canadian labour market. The event will feature special guest Lisa Isaac, Owner of Lisa Isaac HR Professional Services, who brings extensive experience in human resources and employer engagement across the region.
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 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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