Cenovus announces partnership with Immigrant Services Calgary to support more than 15,000 newcomers annually

The energy company’s partnership with the Calgary based not-for-profit helps build inclusive and resilient communities

Calgary, Alberta, November 7, 2022 - Cenovus Energy and Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) today announced a three-year strategic partnership to support immigrants and refugees in Calgary. Cenovus will invest $450,000 over three years to support ISC in providing settlement programs and services to newcomers to help them succeed and contribute to the socio-economic landscape of Calgary and Alberta.

“Cenovus is committed to investments that make people’s lives better,” says Trent Zacharias, Cenovus’s Director, Community & Indigenous Affairs. “We believe in safe and resilient communities and look for social investment opportunities that provide training, tools and on-the-ground support to enhance people’s ability to respond to challenges – something ISC’s settlement programs directly accomplish for newcomers who, like many of our staff, call Calgary home. Ensuring newcomers are set up for long-term success benefits everyone – diversity of thought and backgrounds is critical in helping solve some of society’s biggest challenges.”

The partnership, which runs from 2022-2024, includes the transformational Gateway initiative, a collaboration between ISC and over 50 newcomer-serving partners working to connect new Canadians to the right programs and services to succeed in their new homeland; and sponsorship of the ground floor of ISC’s downtown Newcomer Welcome Centre, set to open its doors in spring 2023. Additionally, Cenovus is sponsoring the annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards gala dedicated to the remarkable contributions immigrants and refugees have made to create a strong and prosperous Canada.

“This unique partnership facilitates our joint efforts to empower new Canadians and build an inclusive and welcoming culture for newcomers arriving in Canada. With the increased number of immigrants to Canada, including recent arrivals from Afghanistan and Ukraine, this investment provides multi-year, sustainable funding to ensure newcomers have access to the resources they need to thrive. We are truly grateful to Cenovus for their contribution and look forward to creating collective impact,” said Hyder Hassan, CEO of Immigrant Services Calgary.

The Government of Alberta estimates that by 2046, Alberta’s population is expected to grow by almost two million residents, and immigrants account for about 55% of the expected growth over the projection period (2021-2046). With more than 400,000 immigrants and refugees currently living in Calgary, this partnership provides an important investment in the future of Alberta’s most populous city.

About Cenovus Energy Inc:
Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

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About Immigrant Services Calgary
Immigrant Services Calgary supports more than 15,000 newcomers annually, helping them settle, succeed, and build a sense of belonging in their new community. Since 1977, Immigrant Services Calgary has supported immigrants and refugees through settlement programs and services. Today, Immigrant Services Calgary is a recognized leader in the newcomer-serving sector in Calgary, collaborating with agencies, government, and the private sector to support newcomers through transformational initiatives, including Gateway.