The Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) serves as a cornerstone for integration within Lanark and Renfrew Counties, committed to creating welcoming and inclusive environments for newcomers. Funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), LIP collaborates with various stakeholders, including service providers, community groups, and municipalities, to support the settlement and community engagement of newcomers in rural areas.

LIP’s mission includes facilitating access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, while also promoting cultural diversity and inclusion. Through their dynamic research and community engagement efforts, LIP identifies the challenges newcomers face and harnesses local strengths to create innovative solutions.

The organization emphasizes building connections among community members to foster positive attitudes towards newcomers, encouraging lasting relationships that enrich the local culture. LIP also offers mentoring programs and community resources, ensuring newcomers can navigate their new environment effectively while contributing to the vibrant fabric of rural communities. Their strategic plan for 2021-2025 outlines initiatives focused on enhancing stakeholder collaboration and community integration.