The Newcomer Advisory Table (NAT) is a volunteer group comprised of Durham residents born outside of Canada. They offer support to the LIP by providing their insights.
Over the past year, the NAT has played a role in initiatives and strategic planning efforts. They have actively contributed to the development of the new Region's and LIP Strategic Plan, supported in LIP’s events, and provided valuable consultation for projects involving both our partners and the LIP itself. The efforts and engagement from the members of the NAT has been valuable to the LIP work.
As a licensed paralegal and community advocate, I am honoured to serve on the Newcomer Advisory Table. Having experienced the newcomer journey myself, I understand both the challenges and opportunities of building a new life in Canada. Throughout my career, I have supported newcomers, refugees, women, youth, and families, helping them access opportunities and achieve their goals. Durham's diversity, welcoming spirit, and strong community networks make it a place where people from all backgrounds can thrive. I believe newcomers strengthen our communities through their resilience, skills, and perspectives, and I am committed to helping ensure everyone feels welcomed and empowered.
Azhar
I am proud to be a member of the Newcomer Advisory Table, where I can contribute my lived experience as an immigrant and my professional background in leadership, project management, and operational excellence. After working internationally and across Canada for more than 20 years, I understand the opportunities and challenges newcomers encounter when building a life in a new country. Durham feels like home because of its welcoming people, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. I believe newcomers enrich Durham through their expertise, entrepreneurship, and global perspectives, helping create a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive region for everyone.
Eric
As an immigrant from Nigeria, I value the opportunity to serve on the Newcomer Advisory Table and help ensure newcomer voices are reflected in programs, services, and community initiatives. My own settlement journey has given me insight into both the challenges and possibilities that come with starting over in a new country. Durham feels like home because of its diversity, welcoming communities, and family friendly environment. The support available to newcomers encourages connection and belonging. I believe newcomers are a tremendous asset to Durham, bringing skills, resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural perspectives that strengthen the region socially, economically, and culturally.
Faizan
Being part of the NAT is meaningful to me because it gives me the chance to connect with others who have walked a similar path. In a community where over 25% of the population are immigrants, it feels rewarding to know that my experiences can help shape a community that welcomes and supports everyone.
Durham’s warmth and inclusivity are what truly make it feel like home to me. Knowing that over 60 per cent of the immigrants here are of core working age, I see the vibrancy and dynamism this brings to the community. The support networks, community events, and the Region’s openness make the transition smoother for newcomers, helping us integrate and contribute to this growing and diverse population.
Newcomers are a tremendous asset to Durham because they bring fresh perspectives, skills, and energy that fuel the region’s growth. Many of us come as economic immigrants, eager to make a positive impact on the local economy and community. Our diverse backgrounds enrich Durham’s cultural fabric, and our shared experiences create a more connected and innovative community. Newcomers help make Durham a place where different perspectives come together to build something truly special.
June
I am pleased to serve on the Newcomer Advisory Table, where I can help bring newcomer experiences and perspectives into conversations that shape community services and supports. Through my work supporting international students and coordinating newcomer-focused programs and events, I have seen the positive impact that strong community connections can have on successful settlement and integration. Durham feels like home because of its diverse population, welcoming atmosphere, and opportunities for both personal and professional growth. I believe newcomers strengthen Durham through their knowledge, multilingual abilities, resilience, and global perspectives, contributing to a thriving and inclusive community.
Merlita
Serving on the Newcomer Advisory Table is my way of giving back and expressing gratitude for the support my family and I received when we arrived in Canada from the Philippines. As a single mother of four young children at the time, I understand the uncertainty and challenges newcomers can face. Durham has been our home from the very beginning, providing strong community support, excellent schools, and opportunities to build a fulfilling life. I believe newcomers are an important part of Durham's success, bringing determination, adaptability, life experience, and a strong desire to contribute to the region and its communities.
Noor
Being part of the NAT serves as a bridge between newcomers and the established community. It is important for facilitating integration, gathering feedback, encouraging engagement, promoting diversity and strengthening community ties.
Overall, the Newcomer Advisory Table plays a crucial role for me in creating a welcoming and vibrant community by integrating new perspectives and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
Newcomers bring a lot of value to Durham, enriching the community in several ways – through diverse perspectives, economic growth, cultural enrichment, community engagement, talent and skills, and fresh perspectives on local issues. Overall, newcomers can help keep Durham dynamic and evolving, contributing to its growth and vibrancy.
Paulina
I am honoured to serve on the Newcomer Advisory Table, bringing both lived experience and professional expertise to the role. After arriving in Canada as a refugee, I felt part of a welcoming community and a supportive network. Today, I work to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development across Ontario. Having lived in Durham Region for more than 18 years, I have seen it become increasingly diverse and inclusive. I believe newcomers strengthen the region through their talents, perspectives, cultures, and entrepreneurial spirit, enriching our communities and contributing to Durham's continued growth.
Priscilla
Being part of the NAT has offered me a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the Durham Local Immigration Partnership (DLIP), contributing to initiatives that directly impact the community through shaping policies and programs that enhance economic prosperity, service coordination, and a sense of belonging among newcomers. Serving on the NAT has provided networking opportunities, leadership experience, and given me the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of fellow newcomers.
Durham Region feels like home because of its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Accessible services and programs, helps residents quickly establish a sense of belonging and connection. Additionally, the Region’s commitment to inclusivity and opportunities for personal and professional growth makes it a place where people can thrive and feel at home.
Newcomers are an asset to the Durham Region because they contribute to the area’s economic growth by filling labor market gaps, starting businesses, and increasing consumer demand. They also enhance the region’s cultural diversity, bringing new perspectives and skills that enrich the community and foster innovation.
Petro
Joining the Newcomer Advisory Table allows me to continue something I have always valued: bringing people together and helping build strong communities. Before immigrating to Canada, I worked in municipal government leading community and cultural development initiatives. My own settlement experience has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities newcomers face. Durham feels like home because of its welcoming people, strong community organizations, and opportunities to get involved and contribute. I believe newcomers strengthen Durham through their resilience, skills, fresh ideas, and commitment to building connections that help create a more vibrant and inclusive region.
Stephenson
The Newcomer Advisory Table (NAT) holds a special place in my heart. When I arrived in Canada from Sri Lanka, Durham Region welcomed me with opportunities to learn, grow, and build a future. Having studied, graduated, and now living and working in the same community, I understand firsthand the importance of helping newcomers feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed. Durham feels like home because of its diverse and inclusive community, as well as the opportunities for personal and professional growth. I believe newcomers are one of Durham’s greatest strengths, enriching our communities with their perspectives, skills, cultures, and meaningful contributions.
Tanaka
As a newcomer, public health professional, and community advocate, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Newcomer Advisory Table. Having arrived in Canada as a Protected Person, I understand the challenges many newcomers face and value the opportunity to help improve programs and services for others, particularly youth. Durham feels like home because of its welcoming communities, diversity, and opportunities to grow through education, volunteering, and civic engagement. Through my work in public health and health equity, I have focused on supporting equity-deserving communities. I believe newcomers strengthen Durham through their resilience, talents, perspectives, and contributions to community life.
Vilma
I am originally from Guatemala and arrived in Canada with my family as a refugee. My settlement journey, including raising two autistic children, gave me first-hand experience navigating new systems, while building a life in a new country. Durham welcomed my family with kindness and compassion, and it has become the place we proudly call home. I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to my work, with a focus on health equity, social determinants of health, trauma-informed practice, and compassionate communities. Through my involvement with the Newcomer Advisory Table, I am committed to helping ensure every newcomer feels welcomed, supported, and connected.
