From Local to Global: New Westminster Joins Strong Cities Network
The City of New Westminster is committed to taking strong and ongoing action to address discrimination, division, hate, and racism. The City will continue working with community partners and building on the programs already in place to promote inclusion, connection, and safety. The goal is to make sure everyone in the community feels welcome, respected, and supported.
By joining the Strong Cities Network, New Westminster is strengthening its ability to work with other cities across Canada and around the world. This membership allows the City to share ideas, learn from others, and improve how it responds to hate incidents and growing divisions in communities. The City recognizes that these issues are not just local—they affect many places—and that real, lasting change requires cooperation between cities and all levels of government.
https://strongcitiesnetwork.org/city-spotlight/new-westminster
BC–Yukon Newcomer Needs Survey
Are you a newcomer living in British Columbia or Yukon? We want to hear from you.
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs), Zonal Immigration Partnerships (ZIPs), and Réseaux en immigration francophone (RIFs) are inviting newcomers to share their experiences and ideas for building more welcoming communities.
Your responses are anonymous and will help improve programs, services, and supports for newcomers across BC and Yukon.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Participants can enter for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Deadline to complete the survey: January 31, 2026.
Scan the QR code to complete the Newcomer Needs Assessment.
Please share this post widely with newcomers in your networks.
Fall 2025
🇨🇦❤️ “Lest We Forget” — The Meaning Behind the Poppy 🌺
(« N’oublions jamais » — La signification du Coquelicot)
Every year, from the last Friday in October until November 11 (Remembrance Day), Canadians wear a red Poppy flower 🌺 to honour Veterans — the brave men and women who served in the military and helped protect peace and freedom.
The phrase “Lest We Forget” means “Let’s make sure we never forget.” It reminds us to remember the sacrifices of those who fought and those who lost their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions. It’s a way of saying that we are grateful and that their courage will always be remembered.
If you’re new to Canada, this is a special tradition you’ll see everywhere during this time of year. People wear the Poppy on their jackets, shirts, or bags as a sign of respect and unity.
🌺 The Poppy is always free, and you can find them in local stores, community centres, or libraries. The Royal Canadian Legion accepts voluntary donations to the Poppy Fund, which helps Veterans and their families with housing, health, and community support.
🌺 The Poppy is kept by the person wearing it during the campaign and on November 11, the City of New Westminster will host its annual Remembrance Day ceremony to honour the service and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans.
🕙 This year Ceremony Details:
- Time: 10:25 AM – 11:30 AM
- Location: City Hall Cenotaph, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
- Parade Assembly: 10:15 AM at Queen’s Avenue and Sixth Street
- Outdoor Service: 10:30 AM at the City Hall Cenotaph
During the ceremony, participants traditionally place their Poppies on the memorial as a sign of respect, and leave them there. This act symbolizes collective remembrance and gratitude for those who served.
At WINS LIP, we share this information to help newcomers connect with the community and Canadian traditions.
Learn more about the Poppy Campaign here
The Royal Canadian Legion – National Headquarters
Fall 2025 – October
October continues to offer other opportunities to celebrate milestones, share knowledge and take action.
Happy Diwali!
Wishing peace, joy, and light to everyone celebrating Diwali in New Westminster and around the world.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most important festivals in South Asian cultures, especially among Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and some Buddhist communities. The word “Deepavali” means “row of lights” in Sanskrit. The festival celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
People celebrate Diwali by lighting oil lamps (called diyas), decorating their homes, sharing sweets, wearing new clothes, and gathering with family and friends. Fireworks, music, and dance are also part of the celebration in many places.
Each community celebrates Diwali with its own traditions.
Diwali follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 21.
The festival lasts for five days:
- Dhanteras – a day to clean homes and buy new items
- Choti Diwali – preparation and small celebrations
- Diwali (Main Day) – lighting lamps, prayers, and gatherings
- Govardhan Puja – honouring nature and community
- Bhai Dooj – celebrating sibling relationships
Celebrate Community Milestones – Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op – 15 Years of Impact!
Join Umbrella in marking 15 years of advancing equitable health care.
Thursday, October 16 | 1:30–4:30 PM
715 Carnarvon Street, New Westminster
Umbrella has supported thousands through culturally safe care, mental health programs, and national advocacy. please RSVP info@umbrellacoop.ca as soon as possible (the deadline was last Friday!).
Let’s show our support for this incredible work of one of our members in cross-cultural health and advocacy!
Shape the Future Together – Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Online Focus Group – Oct 22
Help shape the City’s plan to prepare for extreme heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke.
Wednesday, October 22 | 1:30–3:00 PM (via Teams)
Newcomers are among those most impacted by climate change—your input is essential.
To join: Email me before Friday so I can confirm your participation with Anu, the City’s Adaptation and Resilience Specialist and to get the link to the meeting.
World Food Day Celebration – Oct 16 – A community feast at our New West Neighbourhood House!
Join the New West Neighbourhood House for a celebration of food and community
Theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”
Thursday, October 16
5:30–7:30 PM
1010 5th Avenue (at 10th Street)
Everyone is welcome—please share with residents of Brow of the Hill.
Douglas College ELLA Program & Info Fair – Oct 28
Douglas College offers tuition-free English Language Learning courses for domestic students with PR status, Canadian citizenship, or refugee status
October 28 | 4:00–7:00 PM | New West Campus
More information: https://www.douglascollege.ca/future-students/explore-douglas/information-sessions
INFORM, ENGAGE, ADVOCATE : Homelessness Action Week 2025 – October 11–18 (full calendar attached)
This year’s theme is Advocacy, and there are many ways to get involved:
1. Belonging Challenge: “10 Ways to Be a Good Neighbour”
Why does belonging matter? Because it turns a place into a home. When people feel valued and included, communities are stronger and more resilient.
Take the challenge from October 11–18 and complete 3 or more actions to enter a prize draw! [Enter the contest here]
2. CONNECT Day If you have some time to help please join WINS LIP as we are participating in the resource fair for community connection.
Tuesday October 14th
From 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Upper Hall 514 Carnarvon St.
3. Open to all! An invitation to participate and share!!
Voices in Action: Community Solutions to Homelessness
A powerful event bringing together people with lived experience, advocates, service providers, and community members to explore real solutions to homelessness.
Saturday, October 18
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
502 Columbia Street (formerly Army and Navy)
What to expect:
ú Storytelling from lived experience
ú Panel discussion and advocacy workshop
ú Indigenous drumming, local entertainment, interactive activities
ú Light refreshments from Dan’s Legacy
MOSAIC Youth Programs & Job Opportunity
Please help promote these youth-focused programs and a job opportunity:
- For students (Grades 10–12) |Financial Literacy Workshop Series | Thursdays from Nov 6, 3:00–4:00 PM at NWSS Welcome Centre
- Pre-Employment Workshops | Mondays, 2:30–5:00 PM at NWSS Welcome Centre |Resume building, interview skills, and more SWIS Program Support
- Ongoing support for newcomer students and families in New Westminster schools
MOSAIC is hiring: Youth Worker (Spanish-speaking) please share o with potential candidates: https://mosaicbc.bamboohr.com/careers/501
Welcome Our New Members & Learn about Community Action
We’re thrilled to welcome:
- New Westminster Police)
- Douglas College – ELLA Program)
- Our new Community Connectors
And I am very happy to announce the return of the Chamber of Commerce to WINS LIP,
Refresh for Fall 2025
The Chamber is already active in community initiatives and, together with the City of New Westminster and SD40, is organizing Refresh for Fall 2025—a two-day event to revitalize our commercial areas.
When: October 18 & 19
Activities include: litter picking, window washing, graffiti reporting, and more.
This is a fantastic opportunity to directly engage with students and get a noticeable front-end refresh. If your organization is looking to be a part of this exciting initiative email them at info@newwestchamber.com
https://www.facebook.com/share/19oc4EKZph
Understanding ADHD in Racialized Communities
October 21, 2025 1:00-3:00 pm
New Westminster Library Auditorium
Presenter: Dr. Anita Prahar
Topics include:
– ADHD and racial disparities in diagnosis
– Systemic racism in mental health care
– Consequences of untreated ADHD
– Practical strategies for culturally responsive support
–
Please prioritize staff registration and attendance.
We hope to see strong participation from the settlement sector.
Register here
Questions or comments? Just hit reply—I’d love to hear from you.
Cybersecurity Alert: What You and Newcomers Should Know
On September 9, 2025, the Government of Canada shared that a technical issue affected the security system used to protect online accounts for services like:
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Between August 3 and 15, a hacker was able to access phone numbers and email addresses of some users. These users may have received fake text messages with links to a website that looked like a Government of Canada page—but it was not real.
No sensitive personal information (like SINs, banking info, or passwords) was stolen, and the issue has been fixed. However, this is a good reminder to help newcomers and the general public stay safe online.
What Service Providers Should Remind Newcomers and Community Members
Be cautious with messages that look like they’re from the government.
If you didn’t request a code or message, don’t click on it.
Never click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
Even if it looks official, it could be a scam.
Use strong and unique passwords for each account.
Avoid using the same password for multiple services.
Check your account activity regularly.
Look for logins or changes you didn’t make.
Set up alerts for logins and transactions.
This helps you catch suspicious activity early.
Change your password immediately if you think someone else has access.
Report spam text messages by forwarding them to 7726.
Report fraud to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:
Online: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Phone: 1-888-495-8501
Why This Matters
Newcomers may be unfamiliar with how government services communicate. They may also be more vulnerable to scams that look official. As service providers, it’s important to:
Talk openly about online safety
Share examples of real vs. fake messages
Encourage questions and offer support when someone is unsure
The Government of Canada continues to improve its systems to protect everyone from online threats—but community awareness is key
Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo 2025 in Surrey
New to New West 2025
Ethical Storytelling Workshop for Settlement Workers
Information for Ukrainians settling in BC
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. can find out about financial assistance, the health system, education, employment, and other important things you will want to know about at this site: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ukraine/welcome
To apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government. See www.gov.bc.ca/ukrainefinancialsupport
Temporary Public Policy to facilitate the Sponsorship of Sudanese Refugees
The Government of Canada has introduced a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of Sudanese refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors. Due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has displaced over 3.1 million people, many Sudanese refugees face obstacles in obtaining Refugee Status Determination documents. This policy allows up to 160 applications to be processed for Sudanese refugees without this document, recognizing their vulnerability and the desire of Canadians to support them. Effective April 30, 2025, this policy will expire on December 31, 2025, or once 160 applications have been accepted.