• Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force



    Leaders and decision-makers from across Sarnia-Lambton have come together to address the need for immigration in the community. The goal is to grow, diversify and strengthen Sarnia-Lambton through a strategic approach to immigration that focuses on supporting international students on their journey to permanent residency and attracting skilled worker immigrants and their families who can help drive economic growth and sustainability. This is essential for addressing skills shortages in smaller and more rural areas such as Sarnia-Lambton.

    Immigration Task Force



    Sarnia-Lambton’s Need for Immigration

    Sarnia-Lambton is an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family, and the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force is working to keep it that way. As with communities across Ontario and Canada, the growth and sustainability of Sarnia-Lambton’s economy, workforce and population relies on immigration – the addition of skilled newcomers and their families, and talented international graduates gaining permanent residency.



    Immigration the future of Sarnia Lambton


    Immigration the future of Sarnia Lambton

  • Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Framework

    To begin to undertake a strategic and sustainable effort to grow our community, the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force engaged a consultant from the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness

    The consultant conducted a series of focus groups and census analysis to identify barriers to immigration as well as the mitigation strategies needed to ensure Sarnia-Lambton can grow at a pace that will ensure a tax base that can support an aging population while also providing ample resources for youth. This work has resulted in the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Framework, a five-year plan for sustainably growing Sarnia-Lambton.

    immigration task force

  • Action Groups and Plans

    The goals of the Immigration Framework are being achieved through the work of the Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force’s four Action Groups and Steering Committee. The Action Groups are comprised of stakeholders from sectors integral to immigration. Each Action Group is operating based on a strategic action plan specific to their sector, with opportunities for collaboration.

  • College Action Group
    • Lambton College has a renowned International Education program and some of the highest admission standards in the Ontario college system. Many of Lambton College’s international students arrive with impressive education credentials and work experience, and they build on both in their time at the College.
    • This Action Group is working with the business community to create awareness of the outstanding international student and graduate employees available, and to assist with the newcomer hiring process.
    Employment and Economic Development Action Group
    • This Action Group is supporting the workforce and economy by matching employers with international graduates and skilled workers and supporting these employment relationships. This includes identifying workforce gaps that could be filled by the Lambton College co-operative education program.
    • This group is also developing programs that support employers in creating inclusive workplaces and assisting in the development of entrepreneurial opportunities.
    Community Action Group
    • This Action Group is focused on the overall success of the community. They are working to create a community that is welcoming and encourages participation from newcomers while also increasing community participation in cultural events. Just as importantly, this Group is setting up newcomers to succeed in the workforce and community through mentorship, networking and volunteering opportunities.
    • To increase newcomer retention, this group is developing strategies to support the families of international students and skilled workers, focusing on employment opportunities for spouses and creating community connections.
    Systems Action Group
    • This Action Group is responsible for advocacy work in support of international students and skilled workers, including work with upper levels of government.
    • This group is also working with the Human Resources departments and Employee Associations of local organizations for the development of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies that will support employers in providing welcoming and inclusive work environments for all.
    • Importantly, this group is looking beyond Lambton College for sources of skilled workers that can help fill the pressing worker shortages in Sarnia-Lambton.
    Steering Committee
    • This group is responsible for providing oversight of the work being done on immigration by the above Action Groups. This includes identifying opportunities for collaboration between the Action Groups and their accompanying sectors.
    • The Steering Committee is also responsible for actively participating in overarching strategies for housing, transportation and marketing – all essential components of a strong and sustainably growing community.
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  • Sarnia-Lambton Immigration Task Force Steering Committee Members

    Judith Morris, Chair Lambton College (retired)
    Rob Kardas Lambton College
    Alex Palimaka Bluewater Power
    Amruta Power Lambton College
    Andrew Meyer County of Lambton
    Cari Meloche Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
    Carrie McEachran Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce
    Chris Slade Lambton College
    Christina Longo Scotia Wealth Management
    Harshit Rawal RBC
    Leo Stathakis John's Restaurant/Coffee Lodge Group
    Mike Bradley Mayor, City of Sarnia
    Paula Reaume-Zimmer Bluewater Health
    Prabhjot Kaur Lambton College
    Rob Thompson NOVA Chemicals
    Stephane Thiffeault County of Lambton
    Stephanie Ferrera County of Lambton
    Tanya Tamilio Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia-Lambton