Nathalie Joseph had reservations about the impact of her views on Hamilton, as she had only recently arrived in the city. However, after attending a workshop on city budgets and advocacy strategies, she now feels empowered to voice her opinions. The workshop, organized by the YWCA, Refuge Centre for Newcomer Health, and Sisters in Sync and hosted by Pascale Marchand, provided valuable insights on engaging with city council and understanding municipal services funded by taxes.
Joseph, a newcomer from the Caribbean, expressed her newfound confidence in reaching out to decision-makers and contributing to her community. She highlighted the importance of feeling supported within the established system. Encouraged by the event, she emphasized her willingness to speak up for newcomers and community issues.
During the workshop, Marchand outlined various municipal responsibilities, such as transportation, waste management, and economic development services, to a diverse audience, many of whom were recent arrivals in Canada. The session also covered the city’s budget schedule, including opportunities for residents to provide input to council on budget matters.
Participants like Mellon Matha Nakahuki, who moved to Hamilton from Uganda via Dubai, gained a better understanding of the city’s financial structure and the services funded by property taxes. Nakahuki acknowledged the necessity of such services despite initial concerns about rental costs. Similarly, Levevny Dorsainvil, a newcomer from Haiti, recognized the educational benefits of his tax contributions and expressed a desire to use his newfound knowledge to support his community in the future.
The organizers plan to host a youth-focused session as part of the YWCA’s Sustainable, Resilient Communities Initiative, further engaging the community in understanding the city budget process. Additional information about the city budget is available on the official website, with council aiming for approval in early 2026.