A new community-based partnership under the umbrella of Regional Connections has been established and an individual has been hired to fill a newly created role to see it through.

The organization has hired a Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Coordinator whose job will be to enhance collaboration, coordination and strategic planning at the grassroots level between newcomers and the community as a whole.

Vassan Aruljothi, originally from Malaysia, has been hired for the position and says his goal is to expand on existing services. 

"I'm certain that so far whatever initiative that's been done has been done to its full extent, and it has been positively affecting both locals as well as newcomers," said Aruljothi.  He adds, however, there's always room for improvement, and we can always do more.

The Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator will not provide direct service to clients coming in but will match those needing services with people that provide services.

Funded solely by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the LIP Coordinator position is one of 70 across Canada.

Aruljothi said there are two main things they're looking to do. One is to form a local partnership committee to identify all the services and service providers available here. The second is to create an immigrant partnership table for people to have a voice in pinpointing things that are missing.

Laurie Sawatzky, the Executive Director of Regional Connections, said the overall objective of the initiative is to foster more welcoming and inclusive communities.

Aruljothi, who has lived in North America for 13 years now, feels his life growing up in the multi-cultural Asian country of Malaysia, and other life experiences will be a huge asset in his new role.

"I have had my fair share of experience living in a few countries since I left my home in Malaysia 13 years ago, but the Pembina Valley region is one of the best places of all to be, and start a new family," said Aruljothi. "There are just so many opportunities here and the people are very welcoming. I am truly honoured for the chance to work with the local community and the newcomers."