Welcoming the world to Hamilton: Mohawk convenes task force with college partners (MEDIA RELEASE)

HAMILTON (April 6, 2015) – A task force aimed at making Hamilton a more welcoming community for newcomers met for the first time last week at Mohawk College.

Convened by Mohawk College President Ron McKerlie, the Welcoming Communities Task Force has representatives from:

• ArcelorMittal Dofasco


• Columbia International College


• FELLFAB Limited


• Global Hamilton / Hamilton Economic Development Office


• Hamilton Community Foundation


• Hamilton Police Service


• Hamilton Spectator


• McMaster University


• Mohawk Students’ Association


• My Thai Restaurants


• RBC


• Workforce Planning Hamilton


• YMCA of Hamilton Burlington Brantford

The task force will meet three more times to share best practices and propose new solutions and partnerships for welcoming the world to Hamilton. Mohawk will host a community summit in October and the task force will release an action plan in early 2016.

Immigration is expected to account for all the future growth of Hamilton’s population and workforce. Mohawk aims to double international student enrollment and encourage more international students to live and work in Hamilton after graduation.

Mohawk announced a $5,000 sponsorship of Global Hamilton Connect events during the task force meeting. A member group of Hamilton HIVE, Global Hamilton Connects welcomes international students and young newcomers to the community.

For more information, contact:

Jay Robb, Director of Communications, 905.979.8893, jay.robb@mohawkcollege.ca