Newcomers Senior Coalition

Mandate

To increase the capacity of multicultural communities, service agencies and concerned groups to advocate for and address the needs of a diverse and newcomer population of seniors

Summary Background

Seniors newcomers represent a significant proportion of immigrants living in Ottawa. This proportion is expected to increase its share of the total population by the year 2020. Research has shown that services offered to these seniors are limited and that unique barriers exist that limits the offering of services to be unsuccessful.

The barriers include:

• Exceptional diversity in languages and cultural backgrounds
• Lack of family experience in living with seniors in the Canadian context

In such events, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) and Local Agencies Serving Immigrants (LASI) has taken the lead role in developing services in this sector through new partnerships with existing senior service providers and interest groups to identify gaps and to meet the needs of senior immigrants.

If you are interested in more information about this coalition contact JP Melville at OCISO at (613) 725-5671 extension 326