Training & Workshops
We offer issues-focussed training to private refugee sponsors that they identify as critical to their settlement of newcomers. These are free, two-hour, online workshops to address issues such as cultural impact, housing, healthcare, education, employment strategies, language training, financial planning as well as child protection, mental health issues and more.
All workshops run from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon on a Saturday with an opportunity to connect and learn through formal training followed by joining a breakout room at the conclusion of the event. To register for our events, watch for our flyers and send us an email at info@refugeesponsornet.ca.
February 21, 2026
Healthcare – Navigating the Healthcare System
- Build a healthcare team for newcomer families
- Address common challenges newcomers face when accessing healthcare
- Promote preventative care to newcomers, such as regular check-ups, screenings, and immunizations, as well as mental health services and dental services
- Access online resources for appointments, search methods, and medical records
May 9, 2026
Employment – Strategies for Longer-term Success
- Assessing skills – who does It and why is it important, how to emphasize skills in searches
- Apprenticeship programs – how they work, benefits, long-term employment
- Entrepreneurship – what skills are needed, what grants are available, importance of networking
September 19, 2026
Housing – The Changing Marketplace
- New developments in government affordable housing policies for the province
- Opportunities for low-income housing pre and post month 13
- Finding housing for large families
- Identifying other locations outside GTA for affordable housing
November 7, 2026
Education – Pathways to Adult Learning
- Basic skill and literacy upgrading
- Transitioning from secondary to post-secondary education
- Bridging programs for internationally educated/trained professionals
Lunch & Learns
Sponsors possess considerable knowledge from work and lived experience. Together, in discussion, they address issues and problems sponsor groups face in working toward best practice. With the help of a resource person and a moderator, they get to the heart of the challenge and offer each other practical solutions in an online, one-hour discussion where they quickly gain new knowledge or confirm they are on the right track in their decision-making.
To register for a Lunch & Learn, from 12 noon – 1:00 pm, on a Wednesday, watch for our flyers and send us an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca
March 25, 2006
The Current Context for Refugee Sponsorship
There have been a lot of changes made to refugee sponsorship by the federal government in the last couple of years.
Attend this free one hour information session to learn:
- What types of private refugee sponsorships are available
- How many allocations are available for privately sponsored refugees
- Who is eligible to sponsor
- The impact of the federal budget on refugees and the programs and supports they rely on
- How the current political climate impacts refugee sponsorship
June 2026
Promoting Self-Determination to Ensure Successful Settlement
Newcomers’ self-determination is important for successful settlement.
In this session we will explore:
- Newcomer’s choice, skill development, sponsor expectations, values and priorities conflicts, and navigating power dynamics
- Strategies for promoting self-determination from experienced sponsors and by sharing experiences and best practices with other sponsors
October 2026
Strategies for Helping Newcomers Build Connections and Overcome Isolation
Arriving in a new country and culture can be very isolating, especially when you don’t speak the language. Friends and often family and all that is familiar are left behind.
A panel of newcomers will share:
- Their experiences
- The strategies they developed
- How their sponsor teams helped them build connections