Dear Partners and Friends,

Since joining the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP) this past November, I have been deeply mindful of the responsibility I carry. For over 17 years, OLIP has been a cornerstone of our city’s identity, weaving a legacy of collaboration to ensure Ottawa is not just a destination, but a true home. My mission is to honor that foundation while ensuring our city remains a beacon of inclusivity in the complex landscape of 2026.

After a period of inactivity for nearly two years, we are officially back in motion. I want to start by giving immense credit to our new Partner Relations Officer, Mo Kaswari, who has reconnected with over 100 community partners across Ottawa. This isn’t just about updating a contact list; it is about re-activating the that serve as the engine of our collective impact. We are rebuilding the infrastructure of belonging, one conversation at a time.

The Welcome Wagon: A Historical Reflection

In January, I sat down with Liz Wigfull from the Guiding Council Ottawa. She shared a memory of arriving in Canada as a young girl of about nine years old with her parents from Britain. They settled in a small community near Lake Huron and were greeted by a “Welcome Wagon.” I had pictured a literal wooden wagon, but Liz corrected me: the “Welcome Wagon” was a woman—a neighbor who showed up at their house to welcome them to the community and provide an orientation of the basic services they would need.

Historically, this tradition dates back to 1930 in Canada. These “Hostesses” provided survival knowledge: who had the snowblower, which neighbor was helpful, and where the community gathered. Today, while we no longer have “Hostesses,” the many organizations that sit at our Sector Tables and serve newcomers and refugees are the modern equivalent. Through this collaborative approach, we create a space where organizations can come together to identify issues impacting them and celebrate the great work they are doing in our community.

Beyond the Surface: Building Cultural Bridges

However, in 2026, a “welcome” must go deeper. I recently facilitated a workshop for the TD-World Skills Mentorship Program using the Iceberg Theory of Culture as a framework.

• Above the Waterline: We see “Surface Culture”—the food, dress, and language. This is where most hospitality stops.
• Below the Waterline: This is “Deep Culture”—the unspoken rules about time, conflict, authority, and belief systems.

On that day, I witnessed the power of connection as 35 TD mentors were matched with 30 newcomer mentees. This program is a testament to the power of a “warm welcome” in a professional context. Over its 13-year history, this initiative has opened doors to meaningful employment for over 200 newcomers.

The long-term impact of being matched with a mentor cannot be overstated. For a newcomer, it provides the “Unspoken Map” of the Canadian workplace, accelerating career growth and providing the economic stability that allows families to truly put down roots in Ottawa. When organizations like TD invest in these programs, they aren’t just filling roles; they are facilitating Cultural Bridge-Building that improves business outcomes and changes lives forever.

The Ottawa Context: A City in Transformation

Why is this work so urgent? The data shows that Ottawa is a city defined by its newcomers:

• 1 in 4 persons in Ottawa is an immigrant.
• 73% come from Asia and the Middle East, with 17% from Africa.
• 100% of labour market growth in Canada is now driven by immigration.

Our local economy and our social fabric depend on our ability to look beneath the surface. Our Sector Tables are where we align this bridge-building with city-wide policy.

My Challenge to You: Share Your Story

As we move into the spring, I challenge you: How are you helping someone find their map? Whether you are a hiring manager or a neighbor, you have the power to be a modern “Welcome Wagon.” We want to hear from you! Please submit your stories, photos, or examples of how you or your organization are welcoming newcomers and refugees in Ottawa. We would love to feature your “Welcome Wagon” moments in our upcoming newsletters. Submit your stories to: mailto:jean-pierre@olip-plio.ca.

In partnership,

Magdalene Cooman

Executive Director, OLIP