Province Boosts Supports For Newcomers Arriving In B.C.

Newcomers, including international students and foreign workers, will soon receive enhanced support to help them thrive in their new communities as they make the move to BC.

“As an immigrant myself, I know how important it is to have access to services and supports upon arrival. Newcomers are incredibly important to our past, present, and future,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“The experience, skills, and cultural perspectives they bring enrich the lives of everyone in B.C. When newcomers thrive, our communities become stronger. The steps we’re taking today will help ensure that newcomers receive the services they need to flourish in B.C.”

The province is boosting funding for settlement services from $6 million to $25.6 million annually.

The services are meant to empower temporary residents and naturalized citizens to successfully integrate into their new communities, find meaningful employment, access education and health care, and contribute to the social fabric of their new community.

The expanded settlement program will launch in spring 2024 and is expected to serve more than 40,000 clients per year.

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, the program helped more than 26,000 newcomers.