Halton Regional Police Service Introduces Emergency Services to Newcomers Through New Virtual Progra

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is pleased to announce the launch of their new virtual Emergency Services Introduction for New Canadians (ESINC) program. Developed in partnership with local Fire Services, Halton Region Paramedic Services, and HMC Connections, the program uses educational videos to introduce the role of emergency services in Halton to English as a Second Language (ESL) and Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) learners across the region. Topics covered by the educational videos include alcohol and cannabis use, internet safety, mental health response and support, and introductions to Fire and Paramedic Services in Halton. Each video within the virtual series is available in several languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Urdu. The HRPS would like to thank HMC Connections and their volunteers for providing these translations. Content for the new virtual ESINC program was developed in consultation with the Halton Multicultural Council and the newcomers they work with. This collaboration ensures that we respond to the changing needs of the newcomer community in Halton. “It is our responsibility to ensure all newcomers feel safe and understand the role of the various emergency services in Halton and how we can assist them as they begin their new life in the region,” says Sergeant Ryan Smith from the HRPS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office. “We are looking forward to reaching more newcomers than ever before this with new virtual program. This virtual platform also allows us to offer programing in a variety of languages, making it accessible, from anywhere, anytime.” The HRPS will be working collaboratively with its partners to add additional videos to meet the changing needs of the diverse community in Halton. We invite you to visit www.haltonpolice.ca/esinc to view the new videos. We encourage those who wish to view our website content in another language to utilize the translate button located top right corner of the website. For more information on this initiative, or to suggest additional topics for future videos, please contact Sergeant Ryan Smith at 905-825-4747 ext. 5130 or email ryan.smith@haltonpolice.ca.