Lethbridge pilot project hopes to break down financial barriers for newcomers
Trying to navigate finances can be difficult for newcomers to Lethbridge, but a new pilot project has been created to remove some of the barriers.
“For those coming from refugee camps, because they don't have a clue about money, which is hard for us to understand as well as the terms, there's a lot,” said Laura Branner, co-ordinator with the Lethbridge Local Immigration Partnership.
“If you don't know what an interest rate or a credit rating (is), it can be very difficult.”
Lethbridge Family Services, Tourism Lethbridge and Lethbridge Public Library have started a pilot project aimed at providing financial empowerment to newcomers and building community capacity around financial literacy.
The project will offer the opportunity for newcomers to learn financial literacy, to be better equipped when needing to use a bank or insurance company.
“For people to feel like they belong in a community, to feel like they can call it home, they have to have connections and, often, those connections are things that help people overcome barriers,” said Terra Plato, Lethbridge Public Library CEO.
“When you are a local and already have a built-in network of friends and family, you can go to them and ask for advice on financial matters. But people who don't have those local networks and connections really have to rely on institutions like banks and that sort of thing, where there is obviously an invested interest to sell you something.”
Those involved in the Shaping Inclusive Societies pilot project received specialized training, to address challenges related to inclusion, equality and connection among newcomers.
A two-day course on financial literacy will take place in January for newcomers.
“It's not only really about the financial literacy training that's going on and understanding financial systems, it's really about connecting to your community,” said Erin Crane, Tourism Lethbridge CEO.
“Creating the opportunity for newcomers to have that foundation of financial literacy and financial empowerment allows them then to participate in community.”
In October, 44 Afghan refugees arrived in Lethbridge.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Town of Fort Nelson, B.C., ordered to evacuate due to wildfire
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
Snowbirds in Vancouver for puck-drop flyby as Canucks face Oilers
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Video shows naked raccoon catching B.C. family by surprise
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.