Oct 7, 2020 | Welcoming Refugees during COVID-19: Experiences from the Health and Settlement Sectors

This panel discussion brings together professionals from the health and settlement sectors across Canada who have welcomed newcomers to Canada during COVID-19. The panel also features the perspective of a newcomer with lived experience. The panel discussion focuses on:

• The implications that COVID-19 has imposed on organizations and services, and how they began to prepare to welcome refugees during COVID-19.
• The unique barriers and challenges refugees have faced during COVID-19 post-arrival.
• Innovative and creative ways services have been adapted to meet the needs of refugees and strategies they have implemented to mitigate service disruptions imposed by COVID-19.

Panelists

Dr. Annalee Coakley
Medical Director at the MOSAIC Refugee Clinic in Calgary, AB, and Co-Chair of the N4 Advisory Committee.

Marcela Diaz
Manager of Settlement and Integration the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, in Windsor, ON.

Jean McRae
Chief Executive Officer at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, in Victoria, BC, and a member of the N4 Advisory Committee.

Mateo Vitale
Youth Advisor on the N4 Advisory Committee and a newcomer with lived experiences who currently resides in Calgary, AB.