Sandy Trudel and Islamic Social Services Association

Shahina Siddiqui: Islamic Social Services Association co-founder Shahina Siddiqui will be the featured speaker. "She is a renowned speaker on this topic, according to Brandon Sun. We’re very fortunate that she positioned in Winnipeg," said Sandy Trudel, director of economic development. The city is organizing a morning session and an evening session on May 11 at Assiniboine Community College east campus. The Province of Manitoba is committed to welcoming 1,500 to 2,000 refugees this year as part of Canada response to the crisis. The sessions on May 11 are for service providers such as health care, education, justice and family services — as well as the general public. "Really what it focused on, for lack of a better term — it understanding Islam and Muslims 101," Trudel said. "It helping you understand their culture, their religion, what drives them, and then how does that maybe differ from what might be out in the public realm for a variety of other reasons, and helping you then be more effective in how you deliver service to this population." Trudel stressed that pre-registration for the workshops is an "absolute must," and spots are filling up quickly. One government-sponsored family has settled in Brandon so far, and several more are expected to come to the Wheat City. "When we welcome newcomers into the community, our goal is to have them stay long-term," Trudel said. "So the best way to achieve that obviously is to ensure that you are able to deliver services to them in the most effective way possible." Siddiqui put on a similar presentation in Brandon last month at a Child and Family Services workshop. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.