Welcome to the N4 platform

As I write this welcome to the N4 Platform, I find myself reflecting on the path from its genesis to the present, it’s official launch. In 2015, when Canada began receiving the Syrian refugees, I was the Manager for Patient Experience at CHEO. I could hardly have imagined our experience establishing a Navigator role would grow to hosting a national network of like-minded individuals who believe in supporting an equitable experience for newcomers. Nor would I have dreamed of the incredible generosity of the health and settlement professionals on the front lines of newcomer navigation roles who welcomed our calls, zoom sessions and site visits to capture their vision for the platform as well as resources to curate for sharing and subject matter experts to feature.

Finally, as I write this from my new home office (aka dining room table), never would I have envisioned the interconnectivity of the N4 Platform would be both challenged and reinforced for its need by a global pandemic. But alas, for the past 2 months the N4 team has been working diligently from home, virtually connecting, much like our members will be via the N4 platform. And so, during this unprecedented time, we need a strong Canadian collective; connecting, learning and collaborating, separated by distance, but brought together by shared values. We are in this together with you, and for you.

Christine Kouri, N4 Team