Settling down in a new location is difficult for anyone and even those who are already established may have questions that arise. It is important for a welcoming community to provide resources that assist in dealing with matters that may appear obvious to those who are already residents.
The Immigration Information Navigator project helps by providing resources that new arrivals can use to find answers to questions regarding settlement issues, social integration activities, language training opportunities and other related information.
The South West Immigration Partnership (SWIP)
The South West Immigration Partnership (SWIP) was formed in the Spring of 2006 and was the answer to a request from the Western Counties Regional Library Board asking the South West Shore Development Authority (SWSDA) what could be done to answer the needs of newcomers to the region.
In May of 2006, an event called "Getting to Know You" was held in order to discuss issues related to this question with immigrants and interested local residents.
Recommendations put foward at this event included providing an information navigator who would be available to assist new arrivals with settlement issues, increased language training opportunities and social integration activities.
Fulfillment of these suggestions lead to the development of the Immigration Information Navigator project, a partnership between the Western Counties Regional Library and SWSDA. Funding came from the Immigration Settlement Program Funding of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
This project provides resources through the Immigration Information Navigator, who travels through the Digby, Shelburne and Yarmouth counties to help newcomers to the region.
Andrew Pace - Immigration Information Navigator
Welcome everyone,
Let me begin by telling you how delighted I am that you have chosen to work and live with us in the Tri-Counties. It is my pleasure to offer you a warm and friendly welcome.
My job is to service the immigrant community in the Tri-Counties: Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby. Toward that end I would like you to know that you can contact me regarding any matter or issue that may arise. I am at your service whether you need assistance with learning how to do banking in Canada, filling out government forms, looking for employment or a home; in other words, anything at all. Here I am!
You might, for example, consider joining our Newcomers' Club. This club consists of monthly social activities where you can meet other newcomers as well as members of our communities. I also have an extensive mailing list - would you like to add your e-mail address? If so, just let me know. This way you would be kept up-to-date with events and activities I organize. I also on occasion do promotions on behalf of other immigrants, or other service providers. I promise....no junk mail!
I look forward to meeting you in person, I thank you for visiting my web page, and I welcome all comments and suggestions.
Have a great day,
Andrew Pace Immigration Information Navigator
South West Shore Development Authority
405 Main Street, (Library)
Yarmouth, N.S. B5A 1G3
Phone: 1-902-742 2486 x241
Email: apace@swsda.com
Facebook: "Tri-County Newcomer Network"
Citizenship and Immigration Canada's
Going to Canada Immigration Portal Initiative
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The Immigration Information Navigator project helps by providing resources that new arrivals can use to find answers to questions regarding settlement issues, social integration activities, language training opportunities and other related information. 
