Recruiting health care professionals to the Kirkland Lake and Englehart areas is the goal of a new partnership between the Kirkland Lake Multicultural Group (KLMG) and Blanche River Health (BRH), announced Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO, Blanche River Health.

As part of the agreement, KLMG will embrace our welcoming community spirit and support the transition for newcomers and their families who are considering a move to the Kirkland Lake and Englehart areas. 

“It’s important to recognize we all need a sense of belonging, including families, when giving an overview of life in our part of the province,” said VanSlyke. “We hope that offering enriching experiences for the families of newcomers will help them begin building their futures and become thriving members of our community.”   

“Every family is unique, so no two visits will be the same,” added Anna McPherson, President, KLMG. “Our small but mighty communities offer a lot of activities, events and opportunities to make new friends for those moving to the area. We hope that offering enriching experiences for newcomers will help them envision building their futures in our beautiful part of the North.”

The new partnership began in April, 2024 and will last for 12 months.  It includes a KLMG membership for every BRH employee. 

Blanche River Health is a 74-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (26 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel.

Incorporated in 2015, KLMG offers a welcoming and supportive community for locals and newcomers in a fun, safe and open-minded environment. We are a community grass roots volunteer group who offer opportunity for support, social gathering, sharing of culture, ideas, and celebration of our diversity and similarities. We offer support to enable individuals and families to find their feet in a new environment. This may include support in orientation, housing, employment, community groups, schooling, English conversation circles and children's activities. Additionally, KLMG actively networks with business owners, local government officials, and official settlement services to enhance the settlement experience for all individuals involved.

Photo caption:  Blanche River Health and KLMG officially kick-off their partnership at the Englehart site of Blanche River Health. (L to R) Carra Tauvette and Jessica Parkman (Blanche River Health), Sandra Reygada and Sarah Phillips (KLMG), Jorge VanSlyke, Martha Cope, Chester Jobson, Debra Schenk, Sherry L’Heureux (Blanche River Health).