By Corey Fischer

Survey Looks Into Immigration

Jan 16, 2018 | 9:41 AM

The Social Planning Council is starting its second survey on immigration and multiculturalism in the Vernon area.

A firm hired by the agency will be calling 300 random residents the next few weeks, to survey them on how to make Vernon more welcoming to newcomers.

Executive director Director Annette Sharkey says immigration is very important to Vernon’s future, adding to the cultural diversity.

“There is also an economic focus as well. We are an aging population, there is a skill shortage coming, employers are already feeling it, and we really need to have our community be welcoming,” Sharkey tells Beach Radio News.

Sharkey says they last conducted a similar survey three years ago, which led to ideas like RespectFest and the multicultural champions program.

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“What we’re really asking is for people to know about the survey, be open to it, and understand where it’s coming from. If they do get called, we ask them to take a few minutes out of their schedule, and basically answer ten questions. It won’t take a lot of time.”

The survey is being conducted by a local professional research firm and coordinated by Pinnacle Communications and Media for the Social Planning Council.

Photo: RespectFest file photo

by Corey Fischer