NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
2010ALMD0051-001207

Oct. 6, 2010

Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

IMMIGRANTS RECOGNIZED AT B.C.’S FIRST WELCOMEBC DAY

VANCOUVER – Immigrants and the contribution they make to B.C.’s economic, social, cultural and political life were formally recognized today with the proclamation of Oct. 6 as WelcomeBC Day, announced Stephanie Cadieux, MLA for Surrey-Panorama on behalf of Moira Stilwell, Minister for Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

The first annual WelcomeBC Day was celebrated with a ceremony and reception in Vancouver. Cadieux and fellow MLAs Kash Heed and Richard T. Lee were joined by members of B.C.’s immigrant community and service-provider agencies.

“British Columbia’s story is one that includes the many immigrants that have come to B.C. and how we as a province welcome and include them in the creation of a prosperous, inclusive 21st century society,” Cadieux said. “The Province is proud to proclaim today as WelcomeBC Day in British Columbia, in honour of our immigrants and the communities who welcome them.”

WelcomeBC brings together a strong network of settlement programs and services across the Province for newcomers and immigrants to access free language training, settlement and labour market services – the tools immigrants need to fully participate and succeed in their new adopted communities. WelcomeBC’s settlement framework also assists B.C. communities to be welcoming and inclusive. WelcomeBC sends a clear message that the province welcomes newcomers and their families to live, work and thrive in British Columbia.

Through WelcomeBC programs, the ministry plans to invest over $100 million in 2010-11 in English language training, labour market participation and community inclusion programs to assist in immigrants’ settlement and integration process. Funding has more than tripled since 2006 as a result of increased federal funding under the Canada-BC Immigration Agreement.

“British Columbia prides itself on how as a province we welcome immigrants, accept difference and help create a society with a wide culture of inclusion,” Stilwell said. “I’m proud that government is celebrating immigrants and their contributions to our beautiful province with the first annual WelcomeBC day.”

During today’s celebration, the first annual WelcomeBC award was given to the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table (BIPT). There are numerous forms of innovative partnerships in many communities in B.C. working hard to connect newcomers to the labour market and their community. BIPT demonstrated outstanding partnership creation, built comprehensive and innovative solutions and engaged multiple partners in Burnaby to assist newcomers settle and feel welcomed in their community. BIPT is showcasing the very best of WelcomeBC.

“For fifty years I've witnessed Burnaby's transformation to one of Canada's most diverse and thriving cities,” said Jeanne Fike, executive director of Burnaby Family Life and BIPT co-chair. “I’m proud to participate with 25 community agencies in dedicated, purposeful action to make Burnaby a welcoming and inclusive community.”

The ministry assists in the attraction, selection and settlement of immigrants with the skills and experience in shortage in the B.C. workforce – and the diverse cultural and social benefits they bring to the province. Through the successful Provincial Nominee Program, the ministry expedites the immigration process for workers and entrepreneurs and their families, helping to ensure that B.C. employers and communities have the skills and businesses needed to support economic development and to maintain our enviable quality of life.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping immigrants succeed,” said Alice Wong, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism on behalf of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. “Settlement services are instrumental in helping immigrants succeed in the Canadian economy and integrate into their communities.”

WelcomeBC is the Province’s strategic framework for the delivery of settlement services and welcoming communities programs. Settlement is a two-way process that involves commitment on the part of immigrants to adapt to life in B.C., and on the part of B.C. to welcome and adapt to new peoples and cultures. WelcomeBC is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

For more information on programs please visit: http://www.welcomebc.ca/

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