It is part of the AUMA’s long-term strategic objectives to help foster communities that “are tolerant and caring places where citizens realize their individual potential, and form strong bonds of mutual support” (AUMA Strategic Plan, August 8, 2006).

The AUMA Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Toolkit is not simply about fighting racism. It is about creating communities with positive reputations, where diversity adds to the social and economic vibrancy of the community and the quality of life enjoyed by all residents.

Click here to view the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Toolkit. (PDF document, 1.45Mb).

Attracting and Retaining Immigrants

Many communities are interested in attracting more immigrants to boost their population or fill labour force needs. However, attracting immigrants is not always easy, especially for municipalities outside major metropolitan centres. Furthermore, many immigrants who move to smaller centres end up leaving due to a lack of services and social opportunities.

The National Working Group on Smaller Centres Strategies has created Attracting and Retaining Immigrants: A Toolbox of Ideas for Smaller Centres. The Toolbox provides a variety of ideas municipalities can put to use in developing a plan to recruit newcomers who will stay for the long term.

Click here to see what your municipality can do to attract and retain immigrants.

The Toolbox is part of integration-net.ca. The site is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to serve as a “communications, information and research tool to support the work of the Canadian Settlement Community.” The site features information on relevant events, links, newcomer information and regional highlights.

Toolbox or Toolkit?

The Attracting and Retaining Toolbox provides a practical guide for communities to help newcomers get settled. The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Toolkit can help guide municipalities through sensitive issues around equity and inclusion. Together the tools provide municipalities with a comprehensive set of responses to help communities address some of the social pressures that are emerging as Alberta’s population continues to grow and diversify.

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