On July 5, 2025, C4 partnered with the Centre for Newcomers and the Alberta International Medical Graduate Association (AIMGA) to deliver the first in a series of health navigation workshops designed to support newcomers to Alberta as they access and navigate the healthcare system.
Participants received practical information and resources on topics such as finding healthcare providers, understanding how the healthcare system works, accessing available services, and identifying supports to help them manage their health with confidence. The workshop provided an opportunity for newcomers to ask questions, build knowledge, and connect with organizations committed to supporting their health and well-being.
The workshop emerged from research led by Dr. Marie Claire Uwamahoro examining the experiences of Francophone newcomers to Alberta. Through this work, important information gaps and challenges related to healthcare navigation were identified. Recognizing an opportunity to address these needs through community engagement, C4 brought together partners from the Centre for Newcomers and AIMGA to develop and deliver a practical, community-focused response.
By combining research findings, community expertise, and lived experience, the partnership created a space where newcomers could access reliable information and resources tailored to their needs. The initiative reflects C4’s commitment to working collaboratively with communities to identify challenges and co-create meaningful solutions.
This workshop demonstrates how research can be translated into action to address real-world community needs. By identifying healthcare navigation challenges experienced by newcomers and partnering with organizations already supporting these communities, C4 helped bridge a gap between research knowledge and practical support.
The initiative also reflects C4’s commitment to health equity, community engagement, and improving access to care. Supporting newcomers in understanding and navigating the healthcare system can help reduce barriers to care, strengthen health literacy, and contribute to more equitable health outcomes across Alberta’s diverse communities.
