Madam Speaker, today I am honoured to acknowledge a special anniversary of an extraordinary organization in Winnipeg Centre. The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, known as IRCOM, is celebrating 30 years this month. This organization uses a one-of-a-kind model that provides safe, affordable transitional housing, along with wraparound supports, to 111 newcomer families in Winnipeg Centre.
I want to acknowledge the leadership of the refugee communities and advocates for building IRCOM Ellen 30 years ago and for opening IRCOM Isabel in 2016. I thank them for creating these spaces for the community to thrive. IRCOM introduces its values like this: “At IRCOM, we love...our community. We are full of hope and optimism.”
I am proud to share this with the House and to celebrate this with every member of the IRCOM community, including families, staff and volunteers, and with a special tribute to IRCOM’s youth.