Charlottetown, PEI

BELONGING TOUR Conference 2026

Date: July 24th 2026 at 9am to 3:30p.m

Belonging Tour Day brings together employers, housing leaders, city leaders, and newcomers to create an inclusive and engaging space for dialogue and connection in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. As a growing and evolving community, Charlottetown plays an important role in shaping how newcomers experience economic opportunity, community integration, and long-term success within Atlantic Canada.

In a time where conversations around immigration, connection, and culture can feel increasingly polarized, this gathering creates space to explore resiliency in action, how communities, organizations, and leaders can come together to build understanding, strengthen relationships, and move forward collectively.

The day focuses on key issues impacting newcomers, such as housing, employment, and belonging—while fostering meaningful relationships between employers and communities.

Through interactive sessions and shared learning, participants will explore practical solutions and local strategies that support integration and long-term success. The day will conclude with an intimate fireside chat featuring a leading voice in the field.

Where to Find Us

The conference will be hosted at the Holland College: Tourism & Culinary Centre, a central and welcoming space in Charlottetown designed to support engaging and collaborative experiences.

The venue offers free parking, accessible bathrooms, and Wi-Fi available on campus, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive environment for all attendees throughout the day.

To help you prepare for the gathering, the full agenda can be accessed through the Eventbrite registration link, where you’ll find session details, timing, and additional event information.

 

Meet Our Amazing Speakers!

  • Grounding Keynote: Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon

    AVP Research/Dean of Grad Studies & Biology Prof, UPEI

  • Moderator: Alexia Riche

    Executive Director of the Community Sector Network of PEI

  • Daniel Ohaegbu

    Executive Director, WorkSource Alliance

  • Sobia Ali-Faisal, PhD

    Applied Social Psychologist, Researcher, Community Organizer, Co-founder of BIPOC USHR

  • Mueni Mutinda

    International Development Specialist, Coach, Facilitator, Founder of Mutinda Consulting Inc.

  • Mabel Chu

    President of the World Chinese Business Association of Canada (Charlottetown Chapter)

  • Alex MacKenzie

    Workforce Development Officer at Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island

  • Nancy Clement

    Provincial Immigration Partnership (PIP) Project Manager

  • Reequal Smith

    Program Coordinator , Black Cultural Society of PEI

  • Dean Constable

    Executive Director at IRSA

  • EMCEE: Peggy Asare Doughan

  • Templeton Sawyer

    Executive Lead & Co-Founder: Alive House

Our Main Sponsors:

  • Cross-Sector Collaboration: The event brings together employers, housing leaders, city officials, and newcomers, creating a rare, inclusive space for dialogue across different sectors that directly impact newcomer experiences.

  • Focus on Key Newcomer Issues: It addresses critical topics like housing, employment, and belonging, making it a targeted and purposeful event tailored to the challenges newcomers face in Calgary.

  • Meaningful Connections & Thought Leadership: With opportunities for networking and a culminating fireside chat with a thought leader, the tour fosters both personal connection and inspiration through expert insight.

What Makes the Belonging Tour Unique?

  • Employers and HR Professionals – To explore inclusive hiring practices and connect with newcomer talent.

  • Housing Providers and Developers – To discuss accessible housing solutions and better understand newcomer housing needs.

  • Municipal and Community Leaders – To collaborate on policies and initiatives that support newcomer integration and belonging.

  • Newcomers and Immigrant Community Members – To share lived experiences, build networks, and engage in shaping inclusive communities.

Who will be attending the event?

“As everyone arrives, we gather for the conference : taking time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. This is where a shared sense of belonging begins, setting the tone for the journey ahead.”