Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, has issued the following statement in recognition of World Refugee Day:

“Today, we honour the strength, courage and perseverance of the millions of refugees around the world who are displaced and forced to leave their homes because of conflict and persecution.

“From Vietnam to Iraq, Guatemala to Hungary, British Columbians have welcomed refugees with generosity and open arms, and have shown care and compassion toward newcomers to our province for decades. Over the last few years, B.C. has welcomed more than 4,400 Syrian refugees to more than 60 communities throughout the province, as well as numerous refugees from other countries and refugee claimants fleeing persecution, who are building new lives in B.C.

“Our government recognizes the need to provide enhanced settlement and employment support for all newcomers, including refugees. That is why Budget 2018 is helping people to adjust to their new home by investing up to $6 million per year, over the next three years, to improve settlement and employment supports for newcomers who are ineligible for federal funding, including $1.45 million to address the specific needs of refugees and refugee claimants. This commitment represents an increase of more than 75% in annual provincial funding for settlement services – the highest level since 2014.

“This funding will enable us to provide services that will better maximize newcomer skills, create greater economic prosperity for people and the provincial economy, and provide critical support for refugee claimants accessing shelter, health-care services, and other basic necessities and trauma services.

“Every day British Columbians, from all walks of life and professions, provide support and compassion to refugees in a variety of ways, including trauma counselling, orientation and community connections, as well as language and intercultural training. The work they do is crucial, helping to support newly arrived refugees to settle quickly and smoothly into their new communities.

“On World Refugee Day, let us all come together to show the world that British Columbians welcome refugees with open arms, and are committed to helping them build a new life here in beautiful British Columbia.”

Learn More:

To learn more about services available to refugees, visit:
https://www.welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/Services-and-Support/For-Refugees