Portage la Prairie Welcomes First Refugee Families Under RAP

Portage la Prairie has emerged as a significant new destination for government-assisted refugees in Canada. The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre (PLLC) has welcomed its first six families under the federal Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), marking a pivotal moment for the community. This development positions Portage la Prairie as a direct settlement area for newcomers fleeing conflict and persecution, traditionally dominated by larger cities like Winnipeg and Toronto.

The arrival of the first families occurred in June 2023, prompting the PLLC to mobilize quickly to provide essential support for these newcomers. “When we get that notice of arrival, it’s their flight, the date and the time,” explained Miriam Ghitale, Settlement Co-ordinator at PLLC. The centre’s RAP team ensures that families are picked up at the airport and placed in temporary local housing for up to three weeks. During this period, comprehensive orientations are provided, covering vital information such as using household appliances, emergency services, and community navigation.

A critical aspect of the RAP program is the vetting process that these refugees undergo before arriving in Canada. “By the time they come, all of that has been done and they arrive as permanent residents,” Ghitale noted. This distinction is essential, as it separates them from refugee claimants, who face a different vetting process after arrival. Ghitale emphasized that many individuals misunderstand the system, often using blanket terms for all newcomers.

The six families who have already settled in Portage la Prairie hail from diverse backgrounds, including countries such as Sudan, Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, Colombia, and Afghanistan. Ghitale reported that integration has been overwhelmingly positive, with newcomers eager to engage in their new community. “They want to get educated, they want to improve their lives; they just seem really motivated. It’s been super rewarding,” she added.

The PLLC was initially approved to assist 50 individuals in its first fiscal year, which runs from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. This number is set to double to 100 individuals for each of the subsequent two years, indicating a growing need for support in the community.

To accommodate this influx, the PLLC is actively seeking community assistance. Ghitale stated, “We’re always looking for volunteers, and more so now than ever.” Volunteers are needed to help newcomers move into permanent housing and to assist with furnishing their new homes. While the PLLC has limited capacity for donations, it collaborates with the Portage Evangelical Church, which coordinates furniture donations for those in need. Ghitale encourages anyone with furniture to consider contacting the church directly.

Financial contributions and donations of household goods to organizations like the MCC Thrift Shop are also essential in supporting the new arrivals. For further information on the program or how to volunteer, interested parties can visit the PLLC’s website at pllc.ca.

As Portage la Prairie continues to embrace its role as a welcoming community for refugees, the collaboration between local organizations and residents will be crucial in ensuring these families successfully integrate into their new environment.