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Newcomers in Hamilton Empowered to Advocate for Their Needs
17 Nov
Summary
- Newcomers learned how to delegate to city council and advocate for issues
- Nathalie Joseph, a recent arrival, now feels empowered to speak up for her community
- Workshop covered municipal services funded by taxes and budget participation process
In mid-November 2025, a workshop in Hamilton helped empower newcomers to the city, including Nathalie Joseph, who had arrived just 4 months prior. The event, organized by the YWCA, Refuge Centre for Newcomer Health, and Sisters in Sync, provided information on how the city budget works and how residents can advocate for specific issues by delegating to city council.
Pascale Marchand, an employee of Ward 4 councillor Tammy Hwang, led the workshop at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, across from city hall. Marchand walked the group of about 40 people, many of whom were in their first few months in Canada, through the municipal services funded by taxes, including the public library, police, paramedics, and water treatment.
Participants like Joseph, who came from the Caribbean, say they now feel empowered to reach out to decision-makers and share their input, especially on issues like housing and career training programs for newcomers. "We have someone to listen to us," Joseph said after the event, adding that she'll now know how to make her voice heard.
The organizers plan to hold another session focused on youth as part of the YWCA's Sustainable, Resilient Communities Initiative on November 21, 2025. The city also has information about the budget process on its website, with public delegation sessions scheduled for November 17, 2025 and January 19, 2026.
