Portage la Prairie has become one of the newest Canadian hubs for resettling government-assisted refugees, with the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre (PLLC) already welcoming its first six families through the federal Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP).

The new designation makes the city a direct destination for newcomers fleeing conflict and persecution, a role typically held by larger urban centres like Winnipeg or Toronto. Since the first families arrived unexpectedly in June, the PLLC has been busy providing the immediate, intensive support needed to start a new life in Canada.

“When we get that notice of arrival, it’s their flight, the date and the time,” said Miriam Gitale, executive director of the PLLC. “Then we go and pick them up at the airport.”

From there, the centre

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