Some of what the Regional Connections day to day looks like. Photo from Regional Connections socials.
Regional Connections Immigrant Services is bringing back its fall programming, with English classes, employment assistance and settlement services available throughout the Pembina Valley.
Executive Director Steve Reynolds says programming picks up again in September after a summer focused more heavily on child and youth activities and outdoor programming.
English classes have resumed in Winkler, Morden, Altona and Rosenort, with conversation groups also available in those communities, as well as Carman and Morris. The organization’s language buddy program provides another opportunity for newcomers to practise their English.
Reynolds says these programs are open to people at all skill levels, including those looking to improve their communication in professional settings or better understand Canadian workplace culture.
Regional Connections is also working with local school divisions through its settlement workers in schools program. Staff help newcomer students adjust to the school system, particularly during their first years, while supporting their families as they settle into the community.
The organization’s employment program is also assisting people aged 18 and older who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Services include help finding a first job, career development and coaching.
Reynolds says employers across several industries have been hiring, creating opportunities for job seekers in the region.
Settlement services remain another important part of Regional Connections’ work. While newcomers may initially need help with tasks such as obtaining a Social Insurance Number, getting a driver’s licence or registering children for school, Reynolds says support can also be valuable years after arriving in Canada.
People may eventually need guidance navigating the healthcare system, purchasing a home, understanding mortgages and insurance, or planning for their children’s education and retirement.
Reynolds encourages newcomers to connect with a settlement worker even if they only have a few questions, saying planning ahead can help people prepare for future needs.
Reynolds says newcomer arrivals in the Pembina Valley have increased compared with last year, although they remain below the record number Regional Connections saw two years ago. He says immigration in the region is closely tied to employment opportunities, with people often choosing communities where jobs are available.
However, some temporary residents are facing uncertainty while waiting for decisions on permanent residency applications, particularly when their work permits are approaching expiry.
Reynolds says this can affect workers, their families and local employers hoping to retain experienced employees. Families who have spent several years building their lives in the region may also be unsure whether they will be able to remain in Canada.
Regional Connections can help people navigate applications for work permit extensions and permanent residency, including understanding the steps they may need to take while waiting for decisions.
Reynolds also reminds people whose applications are being processed under maintained status to update Manitoba Health about their status to help maintain their health coverage.
He expects these challenges to continue through 2026 and into 2027, encouraging newcomers, whether they’ve recently arrived or have lived in Canada for several years, to connect with Regional Connections for support with settlement, employment and planning for the future.
Regional Connections provides services in multiple communities in rural Manitoba.
Regional Connections has 15 locations throughout Manitoba offering a variety of services.
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