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New culture, new family
The Navigator Program is very welcome in our county helping the new and older immigrants to integrate in the new culture, to meet each other, socialize, tell their concerns, etc. It is also a very good source of information regarding the cultural events, 
good adviser for searching job opportunities, volunteering positions, ESL tutoring lessons.
Diane Saulnier is very enthusiastic and supportive in her work making us feeling like in a family! Every month we have the opportunity of meeting and discussing new issues, celebrating different events, interesting recreational activities, specific traditions in our province. 
The Annual Multicultural Festival in Yarmouth was really a memorable event. Its organizers, volunteers and participants showed what can be achieved when people come together in the open spirit of celebrating the multicultural splendors of Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne counties.
Laura Mason, Lockeport NS
29 September 2008
Immigration Information Navigator a needed service
The YMCA of Yarmouth has participated in international programs through Y Canada for years. Unfortunately, because of other more immediate pressures International Development has always been a minor part of the Y’s operations, though an important one. We have always made newcomers to the community welcome at the YMCA and currently give a one-month free membership to newly arrived immigrants, as well as a one-year membership to all the international students studying at Yarmouth area schools. However, we have never been able to do any type of outreach into the community but have always recognized that it is a needed service.
Because of the above it was with great enthusiasm when we learned that the RDA had appointed an Immigration Information Navigator aimed specifically at easing immigrants into our community. This is even more essential in a rural area like Western Nova Scotia as there are no large collections of any particular population for newcomers to gather with. The YMCA does as much as it can to support the current navigator. I believe that this position will go a long way in making the immigrant families welcome and encouraging them to stay in the community.
Barrie MacGregor
Executive Director
YMCA of Yarmouth
Learn by teaching
The Fundy Restaurant had a very beneficial experience with the Business Mentorship Program. We were matched with a very intelligent and knowledgeable Businesswoman from China by the name of Yuqin Tao. While we were suppose to be mentoring her in the business ways of Canadian business we ourselves learnt much from Yuqin.
Our experience would not have been possible if it hadn't been for the passion and commitment from Diane Saulnier and the Immigration Information Navigator office in Yarmouth. When Diane became aware of the NS Business Mentorship Program she knew our company was willing to entertain an immigrant and she immediately brought this program to our attention and we are very grateful and thankful for her dedication to the Immigrants, the businesses involved and the area in general.
We feel the Immigrants choosing to locate to this area, Diane and her efforts and the Programs offered by the Immigration Department are all incredibly beneficial to the area at a time when population growth, local development and new and creative minds are badly needed.
I sincerely hope the efforts continue and that more Immigration programs are developed and explored.
Dean M. Kenley, Digby NS
Owner Fundy Complex
On guard for thee
My name is Amanuel Negassi, I am originally from Africa and I became Canadian citizenship in 1995. I went to three different schools and the last school I attended got me a job with Canadian coast guard.
I arrived in Halifax in 1992 and stayed there for almost 12 years. I am now living in Yarmouth because of my job with Canadian coast guard as Electronic Engineering Technician. Thanks to Canadians, who offer me this job, I can say that I am so lucky.
I was so lonely at Yarmouth until I met Diane Saulnier (Immigration Information Navigator). She makes my life easier and she is so kind and a hard working woman. At this time Diane is helping me to bring my sister from Sudan (Khartuom), she is also helping me to get out of my house after work and I walk with her one hour a day, go to the gym three days a week and taking salsa dance lessons once a week so I really can say I am lucky to have Diane in my life.
Diane makes immigrants who come from different countries feel at ease and shows them the Canadian way of life. Diane helps me immensely and doesn't expect or accept anything in return. Diane gave me morale to socialize with people and I believe that she helps other immigrants this way. So Diane is the right person if you are new or old to Canada or bring your family from overseas. She works so hard and she is a very organized person.
I have learned a lot from Diane and she will be there for you to help in case of any problem you have. I can say a lot about Diane how sweet she is in everything. She helps filling out immigration papers. I can say anything that deals with immigration or not she helps out with full potential even if she is tired.
Amanuel Negassi
Canadian Coast Guard
