As I complete my first few weeks at the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership (OLIP), I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the overwhelmingly warm welcome and support I have received from our team and the entire community. Stepping into this role has been inspiring, and I am especially proud of the significant achievements of the OLIP team over the last few years. The power of partnership shines through everything that OLIP does, and it is certainly my hope that we will continue to thrive, through our partnerships in Ottawa.

A Highlight from the Start: The P2P Conference

One of the highlights of my first month was representing OLIP at the four-day Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) conference in Halifax. While I attended in person, our team participated virtually, making for a truly dynamic and inclusive experience that underscored the power of collaboration in building welcoming communities.

The conference offered crucial platforms: two days dedicated to the P2P 2025 National Conference, followed by two days for the P2P-FCFA Conference, which brought together Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) and Réseaux en immigration francophone (RIFs). These sessions were invaluable, enabling us to discuss strategies to work more collaboratively and effectively, sharing insights and forging new paths forward.

A particular highlight was the 2025 National LIP Network Summit on the fourth day. This “shared table” for LIP leaders offered deep insights into the work of the National LIP Network (NLI)—and I was especially pleased to meet with the National LIP Secretariat—alongside presentations from IRCC. The Summit allowed LIPs to openly discuss current challenges and leverage the collective strengths of the network to develop valuable recommendations.

Understanding Sector Challenges: IRCC Funding Cuts

Another critical meeting during my first weeks was the one I attended with Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI) representatives and IRCC officials. The discussion focused on the current funding cuts facing LASI agencies. Over the past few weeks, our conversations with partners across Ottawa have surfaced a growing concern: the ripple effects of recent IRCC funding cuts across the settlement and immigrant-serving sector. Organizations are navigating difficult decisions, reducing programs, restructuring teams, and rethinking how to sustain services that newcomers rely on. This meeting was a vital step in directly communicating the serious, on-the-ground impact of these cuts and advocating for the stability of our essential community services.

OLIP’s Executive Director Magdalene Cooman (left) pictured with colleagues from CÉSOC and RSIFEO at the 2025 Pathway to Prosperity Conference in Halifax.

The Power of Partnership and the Art of Welcoming

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference provided wonderful opportunities for connection, emphasizing that creating truly welcoming communities starts with ensuring we feel welcomed within our own networks.

I was delighted to meet with our colleagues from CÉSOC and the Réseau de soutien en immigration francophone de l’Est de l’Ontario (RSIFEO) over a couple of dinners, strengthening our relationship as we explore potential collaborations to better serve both Anglophone and Francophone newcomers in our communities.

This spirit of building welcoming communities and partnerships—the very essence of OLIP’s mission—was perfectly captured one evening at dinner. We shared a single dessert, six spoons dipping into one sweet, collective whole. It wasn’t about the size of the portion, but the shared experience; a small, joyful act that symbolized the larger collaborative work of LIPs and RIFs. Six individuals, drawing sustenance from one source, felt an incredible sense of happiness and satisfaction, surrounded by shared laughter—a potent reminder that when we intentionally connect and share our resources, the yield is far greater than the sum of its parts. Let us carry this intentionality forward, making sure that in all our joint endeavours, we not only collaborate effectively but also actively create a space of welcome and belonging for every partner at the table.

Gratitude and a Look Ahead

This productive first month, including the success of the P2P trip and the critical discussions around funding, was greatly supported by the consistency and ongoing guidance of the OLIP Executive Committee—thank you for your steadfast support as I transition into this role. Thanks to our long-standing team member, Nyamulola Kambanji, who has been instrumental in sharing institutional knowledge with us.

I also want to sincerely thank all members of our sector tables and OLIP partners. Your ongoing commitment is crucial to our shared success in building a truly welcoming community in Ottawa.

As the year draws to a close, I wish you and your loved ones Happy Holidays and all the best for a prosperous 2026! I look forward to working closely with all of you in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Magdalene Cooman