Representatives from 11 settlement services offices from across Manitoba meet in Portage la Prairie today, with the focus on discussing strategies to improve communications and better serve new immigrants.

Portage Newcomers' Welcome Centre Settlement Services Coordinator Don Boddy says each centre has its strengths and weaknesses in helping people transition into a new culture.

"We're going to discuss how immigration in our communities affects the way that we work," Boddy says. "What can I learn from your community, and what can you learn from what we do in Portage?"

"Immigration is complicated, and helping out clients is the key focus."

Provincial Minister of Education and Training and Portage MLA Ian Wishart, who handles Manitoba immigration as part of his portfolio, as well a federal representative from Immigrations, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, will also attend the meeting.

Boddy adds settlement services offices do much to aid newcomers, including helping with immigration paperwork, finding employment, and aiding in community networking.

"I cannot imagine how much courage it takes to move to a country that speaks a different language, or has a different climate," he says. "These people do it all the time. Once they come, settlement offices help people get settled and integrated."