Home »
CBAL gets $107k from Welcoming Communities Program
The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy in Cranbrook is getting $107,000 from the provincial government as part of its more than $8.5 million Welcoming Communities Program.
Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced Feb. 18 that 51 new community projects being funded will increase the capacity of communities to support the integration of immigrants in B.C.
“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,” Bell stated.
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.
For more information on WelcomeBC: www.WelcomeBC.ca.
e-KNOW
