New Canadians Centre Executive Director to Step Down From Role at End of June After Six-Year Tenure

Andy Cragg, New Canadians Centre (NCC) executive director will step down at the end of this June after close to six years in the position.

Photo by David Tuan bui.

“Andy has made tangible, lasting contributions to the organization and Peterborough is a more inclusive and welcoming community because of his efforts. We are truly grateful for his dedicated service – he will be missed,” said Ghada Hussein, board chair.

Since 2019, Cragg has been instrumental in guiding the growth of the New Canadians Centre and navigating the local impact of multiple challenges and crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall of the political regime in Afghanistan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in Canada’s immigration policies according to a media release.

During Cragg’s tenure, many programs and services were added and expanded so the NCC could better meet new Canadians' language, educational, employment and settlement needs. The staff complement grew from 25 to 50 and the organisation’s budget doubled as NCC was successful in applying for grants and growing support from donors.

NCC served more than 2,000 newcomers from 104 countries last year – a 50 per cent increase over the previous year. Initiatives such as English in the Workplace, the Life Skills Program, and Community Training Program were implemented to respond to client and community needs. Through Cragg, the NCC also developed a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan – a commitment to support clients, volunteers, and employees to realize a vision of nation-building that grows from mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous peoples and settlers. Most recently, Cragg has led the successful negotiation of a three-year contract with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to continue our work of serving newcomers in our region.

“It is an enormous privilege to lead this organization and an honour to contribute to its transformative work. After an incredibly rewarding six years, I’m looking forward to shifting focus to time with my young family,” said Cragg.

The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search process to hire a new executive director and will work closely with Cragg and the senior leadership team to manage the transition and ensure operational continuity. NCC says a job posting will be shared in April and the new Executive Director is expected to be announced prior to Cragg’s departure.

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