By: Muhammad Aamir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CK LIP) is now accepting applications for its Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG), a committee of newcomers who help shape local strategies to improve settlement and integration across the municipality.
“Joining IAG is a great way to become more involved in the community and share your thoughts as a new immigrant to Chatham-Kent,” said current member Bookie Oludotun. “It’s a valuable space to exchange ideas, learn more about the area and meet others from diverse backgrounds.”
The group serves as a consultative resource to the CK LIP council and provides insight into the challenges and opportunities immigrants face after arriving in Chatham-Kent. Members must be 18 or older, have immigrated through any stream, and currently live in the municipality. They serve a three-year term and attend four in-person meetings annually.
The call for applications comes at a time of growing diversity in Chatham-Kent. According to the 2021 Census, more than 6,800 residents in the municipality identify as immigrants, with recent arrivals from countries including India, Mexico, the Philippines and Syria. Many newcomers contribute to the local economy through agriculture, health care and small business, particularly in communities such as Chatham, Blenheim, Tilbury and Wallaceburg.
“Diverse voices. Stronger CK,” said Lara Olukolu, project coordinator with CK LIP. “We’re looking for individuals with a range of experiences and perspectives. Your contribution can help shape how Chatham-Kent supports newcomers today and in the future.”
CK LIP brings together local stakeholders to design and implement strategies that help immigrants settle and thrive in the community. The council includes service providers, employers and residents, working together to create a more inclusive and connected Chatham-Kent — whether you’ve just arrived in Wheatley, Comber, Tilbury or have called the region home for years.
Chatham-Kent’s immigrant population has seen notable growth. According to the 2021 Census, the total immigrant population was 9,240, accounting for 9.1 per cent of the total population, up from 8.7 per cent in 2016. Between 2016 and 2021, 845 immigrants settled in the area, marking a 44 per cent increase from the previous five-year period. Recent immigrants have diverse origins, with significant numbers from India, Mexico and Syria. The municipality has also seen an increase in racialized communities, with a 47.7 per cent rise in their numbers from 2016 to 2021.
Applications are open until June 27, 2025, on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website. More details, including current member profiles and past highlights, are available at www.chatham-kent.ca/cklip. You can also follow CK LIP on Facebook and Twitter, or contact the team directly at cklip@chatham-kent.ca.
