We are the City of Brooks’ Local Immigration Partnership known as ‘Brooks LIP’. We are working towards a smooth settlement experience for newcomers.
This community initiative will examine current community resources and services for newcomers, and identify local priorities through extensive consultation while working to facilitate collaboration, coordinate activities, create efficiencies, and build capacity in Brooks, Alberta.
“Many people and communities would say that Brooks faces challenges and obstacles, but rather, we see our reality as a unique opportunity which is to be embraced.”
-Martin Shields, MP and former Mayor of Brooks.
The Brooks Local Immigration Partnership actively engages community members and stakeholders to create collaborative partnerships to develop and implement a strategic community plan. We will do this by:
- Building on community strengths
- Supporting community level research
- Promoting linkages between sectors
- Fostering a welcome community
“The past decade has seen growth and change in our community and we have adopted a stance of tolerance and understanding, and our residents have embraced the changes. Today, we are moving forward, together and quality of life is better than ever.”
-Mayor Barry Morishita, City of Brooks
The first LIPs were created in Ontario beginning in 2008. Currently, there are approximately 50 LIPs across Canada. In September 2011, discussions surrounding the importance of immigration to Brooks and the County of Newell began between key stakeholders. These discussions aimed to ensure efforts were coordinated to identify successes and gaps in the regional response to newcomer settlement needs.
In September 2015, the Brooks Local Immigration Partnership was established and project funding was successfully obtained by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
