THE PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL

Ferdinand is the Coordinator of the Francophone Immigration Network (RIF-SK). He holds a PhD in Economics, awarded by the University of Tours, in France. He has extensive and diverse experience in the areas of economic analysis and policy, equitable growth strategies, institutional capacity development, economic dialogue focused on mobilizing financial resources, and policies for vulnerable groups, among others.

The Réseau en Immigration Francophone (RIF-SK) is the Francophone Immigration Network. It is a platform for its members, partners and service providers aiming at offering efficient services in French to the francophone newcomers. One of the RIF-SK’s duties is to facilitate the development of services and resources fostering immigration and the retention of newcomers and immigrants in the Fransaskois community. It is administered by the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS).

Stefanie Palmer is the Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council. Stefanie serves as Partnership COuncil Co-chair. With a background in Human Resources, Stefanie has been working in the Settlement and Integration Sector for over 13 years, in various roles related to settlement and employment services. Stefanie possesses a deep understanding of the sector from both frontline and senior leadership perspectives.

Currently, Stefanie serves on the Board of Directors for the Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies (SAISIA).

Rick Bourassa took the position of Chief of Police with the Moose Jaw Police Service in 2013, leaving his position as director of court security and prisoner transport with the Ministry of Justice to return to his hometown here in Moose Jaw. He also worked with the Saskatchewan Police College in a number of roles, and has completed a Bachelor of Psychology and a Masters of Public Administration.

The many years of experience working within the policing side of the justice system certainly plays a prevalent role in Rick’s work as the Chief of Police, and he finds that he is able to marry his knowledge of human behavior and public administration every day doing what he does.

Having been born & raised in Moose Jaw, Rob is a mainstay in the community and is very proud of Moose Jaw and what it has to offer. He also is not shy to have conversations in sharing the stories about all that Moose Jaw is known for, including its “small town feel with big city amenities”.

Rob is really proud of his family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, four granddaughters and a great grandson. All but one lives in Moose Jaw making it an even better place for him to live.

Gravelbourg has been dubbed the ‘Cultural Gem of Saskatchewan’. Thanks to its remarkable bilingual heritage, regal architecture and rich culture, Gravelbourg is A Touch of Europe on the Prairies.

It is here you will find culture and closeness of community, and an easy, human quality of life. Gravelbourg is a place where everyone can be a citizen.

Soheila is the Rural Immigration team Project Manager for the Rural Development Network; an organization that supports the sustainability of rural communities.

As an experienced settlement worker, Soheila has helped families from around the world integrate into their new community and workplaces, while promoting diversity and inclusion across Northern Ontario. She is a Certified Intercultural Competency Trainer and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa, with a minor in Social Sciences of Health.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is the department of the Government of Canada with responsibility for matters dealing with immigration to Canada, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.

Prairie South values unity of purpose through a culture that recognizes diversity and equality. The division’s 39 urban and rural schools are home to a number of students from other areas of the world. One way Prairie South serves these students is through English as an Additional Language (EAL) programming.

Newcomer parents and children often require assistance so they feel comfortable with their new school. MJMC’s SWIS PROGRAM  works collaboratively with the schools in Moose Jaw and the region to help newcomers understand the requirements of the school such as permission forms, fees, school supplies and enrollment.

Augustina is the Advocacy Advisor with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). Her portfolio includes Community and Economic Development, and the Environment files.

Prior to coming to Canada, she worked with the government, private and not-for-profit organizations, and was also an entrepreneur in her home country.

Augustina holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Regina. She also has an Immigration Consultant Diploma. When she is not at work, she likes to spend time with her family and provide financial education to families as a licensed Financial Advisor.

Holy Trinity is a publicly funded K-12 Catholic school division serving approximately 2200 students in 9 schools within the vibrant communities of Moose Jaw, Shaunavon and Swift Current. The staff consists of dedicated employees who support the school division in many different capacities, including – teachers, administrators, professional and paraprofessional support staff, bus drivers and maintenance personnel.

Daycee has been part of the team at Hillcrest Church since 2003 and her current role as Community Advocate serves to link the leadership team and congregation to needs in the community of Moose Jaw. She serves on various local committees and boards.

Hillcrest Church has partnered with MJMC since 2013 to provide basic food and kitchen items to each government-sponsored refugee family arriving in Moose Jaw.

Hillcrest became increasingly involved with newcomer families during the Syrian Refugee Resettlement, assisting as MJMC expanded their volunteer management system and mobilizing volunteers to help.

These early connections led to growing friendships with many newcomer families and an increased desire to continue to support families as they resettle.

Fun fact: Daycee grew up in Guatemala.

Stephanie is the English Language Training Coordinator at Carlton Trail College. She works with employers, SPO’s and community members within the Carlton Trail College region (with a population of over 66,000 people) to offer English classes for Newcomers to Canada. Language skills are important to the successful settlement and integration of Newcomers. Stephanie is a Registered Social Worker.

Carlton Trail College is one of Saskatchewan’s leading training and educational institutions. We serve the career, employment, training and educational needs of students, business, industry and communities in east-central Saskatchewan. Our programs and services create important academic, social and economic advantages for our students and the businesses that employ our students.

The Palliser Regional Library is designed to provide all people with equitable access to informational, cultural, recreational, and educational materials and programs. We strive to provide opportunities to enhance literacy and individual life-long learning.

Wei Qi is a Newcomer Entrepreneur at Moose Multimedia, the one and only local bilingual media that connects newcomers and the business community in English and Chinese. Moose Multimedia’s mission is to cover dimensional & societal contents such as immigration, business, finance and housing etc, using multimedia to truly represent a wide-spoken demography. Tune in to their YouTube channel @Moose Multimedia and website at www.moosemultimedia.ca to experience the content of a bilingual newcomer lifestyle.

Wei has volunteered as a board member at Moose Jaw Public Library, a committee member at Moose Jaw Park & Recreation Committee, and the first Chair at the Immigration Advisory Table. She dedicates herself greatly to public service and community involvement in addition to her career. Wei has tremendous passion and field expertise to support the Partnership Council and to build a prosperous and multicultural community with you all!