June 3, 2013

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) board chair Rev Peter Flynn is pleased to announce that Rita Chahal has been appointed Executive Director of MIIC / Welcome Place.

With recent policy and funding changes to Canada's commitment to immigrants and refugees at the Provincial and Federal levels, Flynn said that “MIIC is delighted to take advantage of Rita’s combined not-for-profit and business leadership experience to help us reach the next level of MIIC’s growth and sustainability”.

Prior to her current appointment and for the past four and a half years, Rita has served in the elite position as General Manager of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce where she worked closely with the business community across Manitoba. Earlier in her career, Rita was the Executive Director of the Women in Media Foundation and Executive Director of Employment Projects of Winnipeg, where she got first hand understanding and insight into the issues, opportunities and challenges that refugees and new immigrants face when they arrive in Manitoba. Her community service includes taking a leadership position on a number of boards and advisory committees over her career. She currently serves on the board of a crown corporation, Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation.

Very excited about her new role, Rita said that "I am humbled and privileged to be part of one of the most effective and influential Canadian agencies that help refugees arriving in Manitoba. And, I am honored to be a part of the Canadian and global commitment to serve those who have been oppressed and lost all hope in the face of war and political unrest"

MIIC/Welcome Place is a federally funded not for profit organization based in Winnipeg. MIIC promotes and supports the protection and resettlement of refugees from many countries and offers a range of services that welcome and assist refugee newcomers in their settlement and integration into Canadian society. MIIC strives to enable independence and full participation of these newcomers in our community. Refugee newcomers contribute to the strength of our community, our economy, and our diversity. MIIC has a well established history and success in serving refugees in Manitoba.

For more information about MIIC's programs and services please contact Rita or Ms Emily Shane at 204 977 1000. Rita can be reached directly by email at ritac@miic.ca or by phone at 204 285 3384.