Forty-three million dollars over two years has been earmarked by the British Columbia (BC) provincial government to help immigrants find work in their fields and better integrate into their new communities. From improved English language training programs to employment, education, health and recreation services, ‘Welcome BC’ aims to ensure that the province remains an attractive destination for new immigrants.

Last fall’s Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Cooperation on Immigration, under which the $43 million was negotiated, is cited as “the best agreement this province has ever had with the federal government” by the provincial minister responsible for multiculturalism. The federal funding from the agreement, along with provincial funding will translate to a $217 million investment in immigrant support in BC over the next two years.

British Columbia welcomed over 42,000 immigrants last year, the second highest province after Ontario. With over one million new jobs anticipated in the next 12 years, BC estimates that it will need to attract 350,000 newcomers to the province over that time period to meet labour force needs.

A recent Business Council of BC study is calling for more action on foreign credential recognition in the province. It cites the need for a common provincial qualifications framework to be used by prospective applicants, employers, immigrants, credentialing bodies, and educators. The study also calls for the acceleration of employer accreditation by facilitating access to permanent and temporary worker programs.