From Peel to the former Gateway to Canada
Reflection from CWICE Lead trainer Claudia Obreque
I was delighted to be part of the first training sessions delivered through the CWICE National Outreach Project. Having previously trained Nova Scotia child welfare professionals through CWICE’s online platform, traveling to the province and delivering in-person training provided an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with workers in the important work CWICE is doing across Canada.
Nova Scotia, one of the most beautiful provinces in the country, has a rich history of immigration. During our visit, we had the opportunity to tour the historic Pier 21 site, also known as the Gateway to Canada, where more than one million immigrants entered the country. The site highlights key waves of settlement in Canada, which we shared during our training to showcase the contributions and experiences of immigrants throughout Canadian history.
In recent years, the province has experienced significant population growth, largely driven by immigration. This demographic shift is also evident in the field, where child welfare professionals in Sydney and Halifax described the unique challenges they face in finding support services for new immigrant families.
We know that this work cannot be done in isolation. Our agency, Peel Children’s Aid Society, has developed strong partnerships with community organizations, an approach that has proven effective in equipping families with the resources they need and building supportive networks.
Our training emphasizes best practices across the child welfare sector and encourages inter-agency collaboration, particularly with settlement organizations, school boards, and law enforcement. Our goal is to ensure that families are well-connected, informed about the Canadian system, and supported in meaningful ways.
Child welfare organizations play a vital role in offering educational sessions to new immigrants, helping them understand how the child welfare system operates in Canada. This approach not only empowers families but also provides valuable insights into their cultures, migration journeys, and the types of support they need for successful settlement.
The staff in Nova Scotia were incredibly welcoming and gracious throughout our visit. Their openness and commitment to collaboration were truly appreciated. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Nova Scotia as we work together toward improved outcomes for children in care and families involved with child welfare organizations. By strengthening these cross-provincial relationships, we can continue to build a more responsive and inclusive system of support for new immigrant families across Canada.
Reflections of CWICE National Outreach Manager Nadia Drepaul
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of traveling to Nova Scotia with Claudia to deliver four CWICE National Outreach Project training sessions in both Sydney and Halifax. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth of the people and the stunning natural beauty of the province. The rugged coastlines, historic towns, and generous hospitality made the experience not only meaningful professionally, but memorable personally.
Over the course of several days, we had the opportunity to engage with passionate child welfare professionals who are deeply committed to improving support for new immigrant families in their communities. Through thoughtful discussions and shared experiences, we explored the unique challenges that arise at the intersection of child welfare and immigration—and more importantly, how to meet them with compassion, curiosity, and skill.
Each session was a rich exchange of learning. Participants dove into topics such as:
• Understanding immigration status and pathways, particularly for Government-Assisted Refugees (GARs)
• Engaging families around their pre- and post-migration stories
• Navigating cultural parenting norms and the impacts of migration stress
• Practicing from a strength-based and culturally respectful lens
• Honouring the lived experiences of newcomers and connecting families to the right settlement supports
What stood out most was the incredible enthusiasm and openness of the teams. It was evident that the training offered not just new knowledge, but also new confidence in how to approach and support new immigrant families in ways that are informed, respectful, and equitable.
As we look ahead, we are honoured to continue this partnership between CWICE and Nova Scotia, working together to strengthen our collective capacity and improve outcomes for new immigrant children and families. This journey is not just about policy or training—it’s about building bridges between systems, communities, and people.
To everyone we met and worked with in Nova Scotia: thank you for your commitment, your questions, and your care. It was truly a pleasure to collaborate with you—and I look forward to what we will accomplish together.
