Presenter: Michelle Arsenault, Provincial Manager, Rural Settlement Network, New Brunswick Multicultural Council
Date: Thursday, June 30th, 2022
Description
While rural and small centres see a smaller number of immigrants compared to urban centres, settlement in rural areas is growing and has significant impacts on a large number of communities across New Brunswick. Settlement in rural and small centres require a different approach and strategy, understanding the local context, its unique attributes and working in partnership are critical to successful settlement and integration work, for both immigrants and their new communities. Based on recent promising practices, such as the launch of New Brunswick Multicultural Council’s Rural Settlement Network, this session will offer insights into fostering welcoming and inclusive rural communities.
Presenter
Michelle Arsenault is the Provincial Manager of the NBMC Rural Settlement Network (RSN). This program aims to ensure the availability of quality settlement services in small rural communities in New Brunswick. The RSN currently provides services in seven rural regions of the province. Michelle lives in a rural community in New Brunswick and has been working in the settlement sector for 5 years. She works with rural settlement agencies to address gaps in settlement services and to improve the quality and consistency of support to better serve and retain newcomers to these communities.
