The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Newcomer Hub, launched in April, is making an early impact by connecting Permanent Residents with job opportunities and entrepreneurship support in Sarnia-Lambton. This three-year initiative, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), focuses on employment, business development, and community integration. The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) Newcomer Hub is supporting the […]
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership’s Newcomer Hub, launched in April, is making an early impact by connecting Permanent Residents with job opportunities and entrepreneurship support in Sarnia-Lambton. This three-year initiative, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), focuses on employment, business development, and community integration.
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) Newcomer Hub is supporting the local economy by helping nearly 100 Permanent Residents integrate into the workforce and community since its launch in April. The Hub is a three-year initiative, supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), focusing on employment, entrepreneurship, and broader community integration.
According to Matthew Slotwinski, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Permanent Residents bring valuable skills and perspectives that strengthen the local labour force and create new economic activity across the region. “The program ensures participants have the support they need to build their careers or their businesses, and thrive here in Sarnia-Lambton,” Slotwinski said.
The Hub has already delivered nine workshops, launched a mentorship program, and supported roughly 100 Permanent Resident participants. It has also connected with nearly 40 local employers through various entrepreneurship sessions, career workshops, and networking events.
“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. She added that the commitment to learning and engagement shown by these participants adds to the energy and strength of the local workforce.
The early momentum of the Newcomer Hub is rooted in strong local partnerships with community service providers. This includes joint events with the Centre Communautaire Francophone Sarnia Lambton and the Lambton Works Centre, which help create a more welcoming environment for Permanent Residents.
The Hub is preparing for its final event of the year, "New Routes, New Roots: Learning Pathways for Canadian Career Success," which is open to individuals with a valid Permanent Resident card.
Richa Joshi, Program Coordinator for the Sarnia-Lambton Newcomer Hub, explained that this collaboration with Lambton College will help participants explore how to upgrade their skills. The event aims to strengthen their local career options through programs offered at the college.
The upcoming event will feature local leadership and happiness coach Brenda Pearson, who will speak about leveraging international work experience to build new career pathways in Canada.
Event Details:
Event: New Routes, New Roots: Learning Pathways for Canadian Career Success
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Lambton College, 1457 London Rd, Room B1-141
Eligibility: Open to individuals who hold a valid Permanent Resident card
The Newcomer Hub’s 2026 programming is currently being prepared and will continue to involve community partners across Sarnia-Lambton.
