Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced today that 51 new community projects worth over $8.5 million will increase the capacity of communities to support the integration of immigrants in B.C.
WelcomeBC funding will support these new locally focused projects as part of the Welcoming Communities Program (WCP). WCP funds projects that build welcoming and inclusive communities through diverse partnerships that include business, local government, post-secondary institutions and community sectors.
Examples of project activities include:
- Implementation of recommendations by community organizations and businesses to create more welcoming services and workplaces for immigrants.
- Dialogue discussions with employers on improving access and services to immigrants.
- Recruitment and training of volunteers to promote understanding around immigrant integration issues and the significant contributions of immigrants.
- Delivery of settlement services in smaller centres.
Launched in 2008, WCP targets 51 communities, in both large and small centres, to build capacity to support the integration of new immigrants. A community's ability to receive immigrants is a critical factor in successful integration, which is integral to addressing B.C.'s labour market and demographic challenges over the next decade.
The involvement of multiple partners at the community level responding to the unique strengths and challenges of their community is critical in creating a welcoming environment for immigrants.
WelcomeBC is the Province's strategic immigration framework. Established in 2007, WelcomeBC helps immigrants moving to B.C. access programs and services to assist them in adapting to life in their new communities under one umbrella.
Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Cooperation on Immigration.
Quote:
Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour-
"Government is committed to ensuring that new immigrants to British Columbia receive the best settlement services to help them adjust to their new life. These services will allow newcomers to prosper, in turn creating stronger, more vibrant communities."
Learn more:
For more information on WelcomeBC: www.WelcomeBC.ca
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799
BACKGROUNDER
Successful Welcoming Communities Program applicants
The following service providers were awarded contracts under the Welcoming Communities Program:
100 Mile House: Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy - $67,000
Abbotsford: Abbotsford Community Services - $267,000
Burnaby: Burnaby Family Life Institute - $500,000
Campbell River: Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver island - $167,000
Castlegar: Columbian Basin Alliance for Literacy - $67,000
Chilliwack: Chilliwack Community Services - $133,000
Comox/Courtenay: Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island - $167,000
Dawson Creek: Dawson Creek Literacy Society - $107,000
Delta: Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society - $233,000
Duncan/Cowichan Valley: Cowichan Valley Intercultural and Immigrant Aid Society - $167,000
Fort Nelson: Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society - $67,000
Fort St. John: S.U.C.C.E.S.S - $200,000
Grand Forks: Community Futures Development Corporation of the Boundary - $67,000
Greater Cranbrook: Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy - $107,000
Greater Trail: Greater Trail Community Skills Centre - $93,000
Kelowna: Kelowna Community Resources Society - $233,000
Kitimat: Kitimat Child Development Centre Association - $93,000
Langley (City and District): Langley Community Services Society - $233,000
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows: The Family Education and Support Centre - $167,000
Mission: Mission Community Services Society - $133,000
Nanaimo: Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society - $233,000
Nelson: Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Kootenay - $67,000
New Westminster: Lower Mainland Purpose Society - $367,000
North Vancouver/West Vancouver: North Shore Multicultural Society - $367,000
Pemberton: Capilano University - $107,000
Penticton: Penticton and District Multicultural Society - $167,000
Port Alberni: Literacy Alberni Society - $67,000
Powell River: Powell River Employment Program Society - $107,000
Prince Rupert: Hecate Strait Employment Development Society - $93,000
Prince George: Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George - $200,000
Quesnel: New Focus Society - $67,000
Revelstoke: Okanagan College - $107,000
Richmond: Richmond Multicultural Community Services - $500,000
Salmon Arm: Shuswap Settlement Services Society - $107,000
Sechelt/Gibsons: Capilano University - $107,000
Smithers: Smithers Community Services Association - $67,000
Squamish: Capilano University - $133,000
Surrey: City of Surrey - $667,000
Terrace: Skeena Diversity Society - $80,000
Tri-Cities (Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Coquitlam): S.U.C.C.E.S.S - $400,000
Vancouver: City of Vancouver - $567,000
Vernon: Social Planning council for the North Okanagan - $167,000
Victoria/Saanich: Inter-Cultural Association of Greater $300,000
Whistler: Capilano University - $107,000
Williams Lake: Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society of Prince George - $67,000
Contact:
Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799
