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Newcomer centre celebrates official openingBy David Leaintegration into their new community.OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFOakville Mayor Rob Burton also spoke dur-ing the presentation assuring those present Some of Canadas newest residents gath-that with hard work so many things are pos-ered at Oakvilles Centre for Education and sible in Canada and Oakville, in particular.Training Thursday to celebrate the official Once upon a time I was new to Canada. opening of the Newcomer Information and For those of you who came for opportunity I Language Assessment Centre at 171 Speers can relate because thats what I did, he Rd.said.The centre is a walk-in centre, which offers Now almost 40 years later I can tell you immigrant families free and accurate infor-opportunity does exist here. Canada, certainly mation and referral services regarding settle-was very good to me. I cant imagine another ment, credential evaluations, employment, country in the world where a newcomer such housing, health services, legal issues and as myself could start a television network like various social, community and recreational YTV, which is the television network I started services.25 years ago.The Language Assessment Centre provides Burton also said the warm and friendly English language assessments and referrals welcome newcomers find in Oakville speeds for clients seeking language training pro-them to successful places within the commu-MIKE IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVERgrams in the Halton Region.nity faster than anywhere else he has been.WELCOME: As the Halton Newcomer Information and Language Assessment Centre officially cel-Its our goal to complement the already During the presentation those present also ebrated opening March 31, client Anna Deiulio, right, receives a gift from Tara Hreljac, language assessorexisting expanse of services that exist here in heard from some of the centres clients who during the festivities. The centre is located at 171 Speers Rd.the Oakville region and to see how we can have benefited from the services offered.partner with the other organizations in this Anna Deiulio credited the centre with area in order to provide excellent services toallowing her to become computer literate.about.by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.our newcomer clients and citizens alike, said MYi Wang said the centre cared for her chil-acKinnon said the services the centreThe opening of the Newcomer InformationMoya MacKinnon, director of the centres dren while she used its resources to help her offers are designed to be convenient with theand Language Assessment Centre in Oakvilleemployment and newcomer services, during multi-lingual staff providing up-to-date infor-wprepare for college.ill help immigrant families with many of the grand opening ceremony.mation anThis centre has done so much for me, d referral to various programs andtheir settlement related needs, said Young inEmpowering clients, the Centre forsaid Wang.services in the community, which match thea press release.Education and Training provides opportuni-With help from here I feel very confident needs of the centres clients.The Centre will be vital to immigrants inties that enhance career development andOaI will have a very good start and I will find kville MP Terence Young talked aboutthe Halton Region in enhancing their experi-personal growth. That is really what were all what I am chasing for.the importance of the centre, which is fundedence with finding job opportunities and with<RXU<RXUInsurance rates to perk you upHOMECAR;Insurance premiums for your home and vehicle are on the rise. Dobson &Toncic deliversvalue getting you the most competitive rates and connecting you with the perfect insurance partners. Well further maintain your trust by making sure any claims are handled quickly, personally and easily. Connect withmore than trusted professionals, connect withfriends. Insurance and financial services theway you want them.Call today for an insurance review and askfor Christine Marshall at:905.829.2907Dobson & Toncic Insurance Brokers Ltd.2020 Winston Park Drive, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6H 6X7www.dobson-toncic.com 905.829.29075 Wednesday, April 6, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com