This year Montreal was the host city for the JIAS National Service Provider Conference which was attended by members of most of the Jewish communities in Canada from Monkton in the East to Vancouver in the West. 

The conference was an excellent opportunity to meet with colleagues and peers from Jewish Family Service Agencies, JIAS Montreal and JIAS Toronto, as well as to discuss many key issues such as standards of service across the country, the National Collective Responsibility (NCR) philosophy towards immigrant and refugee services, partnering opportunities and the sharing of information regarding resettlement and integration programming.

The conference was also attended by representatives of UIAFC, UJA Federation Toronto, CJA Montreal, Jewish Vocational Services, National Council For Jewish Women, Jewish Campus Services and Table de Concertation des Organismes au Service des Personnes Refugiees et Immigrantes (TRCI) as well as members of our own Board of Directors.

The conference was launched at a dinner where Robert Kleinman, a former President of JIAS Canada and member of the Scholarship Committee, presented Victoria Kuzina with the Michael and Marta Herling Scholarship.

Mary Ellen Clancy and Janet Sillifant of the Selection Branch of Citizenship and Immigration Canada made a presentation on the New Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in relation to our clients.

During a working lunch the delegates were addressed by Charles Shahar, Chief Researcher, National Demographic Study.  His talk focused on growth and movement in the Jewish community and future trends.

The delegates enjoyed a welcome break from the intense sessions when they were invited by the Sadie Bronfman Centre to attend a performance of the Yiddish musical "The Golden Years".

The feeling of camaraderie and spirited discussion clearly indicated that everyone enjoyed the atmosphere and contact with their peers.  The openness and friendliness enhanced the opportunity for sharing and learning.  There was unanimous agreement that such conferences are extremely important and should be held as often as possible.

Service Providers discuss programming for newcomer families

Janet Sillifant of Citizenship and Immigration Canada addresses the delegates

Charles Shahar of the National Demographic Study talks about Jewish population trends