A video showcasing Morden's immigration program is now available for viewing.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) created Immigration Matters in November 2018, as a means of recognizing the work of communities across the country, and immigrants enriching the communities they now call home.

Titled "Growing a Community Through Immigration," Lisa Woodley, Senior Communications Advisor with IRCC, says the work being done in Morden reflects the importance of pursuing immigration nationwide.

"Immigration is critical to Canada's economic growth. Canada has an aging population and lower fertility rates, and we're relying more and more on immigrants to help fill labor-talent shortages across the country. Morden is an excellent example of how economic immigration can help our country stay competitive and attract talented people from around the world," Woodley said.

Including Morden, the Immigration Matters website has seven videos and 12 articles featuring communities across the country; some initiatives include:

- the New Brunswick Multicultural Council's "New Conversations" tour in 15 towns and cities across the province;
- George Brown College's 50X50 photo exhibition;
- the Calgary Centre for Newcomers' Legacy Campaign.

Some organizations have also hosted local events and community consultations in different cities across the country to discuss attracting and retaining immigrants in communities:
- the London (ON) Local Immigration Partnership's All are Welcome Here event on March 19, 2019;
- the Red Deer Local Immigration Partnership/Central Alberta Refugee Effort's Power of One event which took place on March 23, 2019;
- and the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society's Why Immigration Townhall event that happened March 12, 2019.

"We've reached out to industry associations, chambers of commerce, organizations that help immigrants settle in Canada; we've also found some of our stories through media," Woodley said. "We select the stories based on their benefits to communities, so whether it be an economic, social, philanthropic benefit."

Morden came to their attention through its success in attracting and retaining immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program.

Woodley notes Morden was especially welcoming when their group came to film, and Immigration Coordinator Shelly Voth helped connect them with various members of the community.

Related article: Morden's Immigration Program Highlighted In Documentary