News
Read our 2023-2024 Annual Report
The past year has been another year of growth for IEC-BC, and equally of growth in the need for IEC-BC’s work.
Announcing Our 2024-2025 Board of Directors
IEC-BC’s board of directors provides strategic vision and works closely with leadership to ensure our programs deliver maximum impact for employers and our economy. We are thrilled to announce our full board, including new members Lokesh Chaudhry, Rachel Curran, Dr.
October is Small Business Month. How are immigrants contributing to SMEs?
Making up 98% of all businesses in BC and Canada and employing many of the immigrants who make up 33% of BC’s workforce, small and medium enterprises are a very important part of our economy and our communities.
Is your small business ready for Canada’s changing demographics?
A demographic shift is here October 2024 is small business month, and this year we are calling attention to a dynamic sure to affect every small and medium sized business in the coming years.
New RFP Opportunity: #ImmigrantsWork Employer Navigator Web Platform
In partnership with World Education Services, IEC-BC was seeking proposals from qualified companies to design, develop, and launch a custom-built website for the #ImmigrantsWork Employer Navigator Program.
Read our 2023-2024 MentorConnect Impact Report
Hot off the presses: read our 2023-2024 MentorConnect Impact Report below to learn what’s new with the program and how mentorship is changing mentees’ and mentors’ careers for the better.
Op-ed: Now is not the time to lose faith in immigration because Canada cannot prosper without it
In case you missed it, IEC-BC CEO Patrick Mackenzie and TRIEC CEO Gillian Mason published an opinion-editorial in the Toronto Star on May 27 arguing that Canada cannot grow without newcomers’ skills and ambition.
National Employer Feedback Forums Aim to Transform Immigrant Talent Inclusion
IEC-BC and the Immigrant Employment Councils of Canada (IECC) National Network are excited to announce the launch of an innovative new project to deepen employer engagement, amplify employer voices, and promote the sharing of effective practices and strategies for skilled immigrant labour market integration.
Read our 2022-2023 Annual Report
IEC-BC is proud to announce the publication of our 2022-2023 Annual Report.
“What’s stopping you?” – Overcoming Barriers to Hiring Tech-Skilled Immigrant Talent in Canada
By Ryan Carter, Project Lead at the Immigrant Employment Council of BC It’s no secret that immigrants are crucial to Canada’s prosperity.
Announcing our 2023-2024 Board of Directors
Meet our 2023-2024 Board of Directors, composed of new and returning members dedicated to building BC’s economy through improved immigrant integration into the provincial labour force.
Introducing the Afghan Refugee Onboarding Toolkit for Employers
IEC-BC is pleased to announce the publication of its latest onboarding toolkit for employers.
Op-ed: Newcomer underemployment costs us all. Here’s what we can do about it.
Recently, IEC-BC’s CEO Patrick MacKenzie and New Brunswick Community College President and CEO Mary Butler penned an op-ed about the FAST program‘s impact and potential in New Brunswick.
Tech Bootcamps: the story so far—and what’s coming up
IEC-BC recently wrapped our final Tech Bootcamp, and we’re delighted to report that it was a huge success.
The Tech Bootcamps: Why Canada needs tech-skilled immigrant talent.
The Tech Bootcamps are an innovative opportunity for newcomers to adapt and upgrade their soft skills to succeed in the Canadian tech sector.
How Employers Can Help Eliminate the Income Gap for Economic Immigrants in B.C.
It takes economic immigrants five years on average for their income to match or surpass the income of the average British Columbian.
Half A Million New Permanent Residents Yearly by 2025
Thanks to Canada’s reputation as a destination of choice for immigrants, Canada has exceeded the original targets set in the current immigration levels plan for 2021-2023.
IEC-BC’s Impact in 2021-2022: Innovation and Expansion of IEC-BC’s Program to Prepare Newcomers for the Future of Work
As we look back on our progress in IEC-BC’s 2021-2022 Annual Report, workplaces have changed dramatically during this time.
British Columbia’s population is older but has experienced growth in household income and is more linguistically diverse
It is important to ensure that working-aged immigrants are properly integrated into the labour market to offset the demographic changes associated with an aging population.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
We are saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Pandemic Worsened Employment Gaps Despite Recent Immigrants Working in Essential Sectors
According to Statistics Canada, one in three of the 4.3 million residents in British Columbia are born outside of Canada.
Choosing BC as a new home
As the first half of 2022 draws to a close, we reflect on the province’s notable achievements so far.
BC Leading the Country in Employment and New Business Growth
British Columbia has become one of the bright spots in the country’s post-pandemic recovery.
The Future of Immigrant Talent in BC’s Labour Market
Immigration is integral to Canada’s pandemic recovery.
Over A Million Jobs to Be Added to BC’s Economy
British Columbia’s economic recovery has remained strong and steady despite challenges for businesses stemming from what is called the new normal.
Statement from IEC-BC CEO on the Passing of Dr. Demetrios G. Papademetriou
The following is a message from IEC-BC’s CEO Patrick MacKenzie.
Employer Partner Spotlight: Evan Young | #SuccessStories
RBC has been a longstanding employer partner for IEC-BC.
Service Delivery Partner Spotlight: Sogol Jamali | #SuccessStories
We value our partnerships with service delivery partners (SDPs) and stakeholders with whom we work together.
IEC-BC’s Visual Impact Story
British Columbia welcomed 28,513 immigrants in 2020, despite pandemic travel restrictions.
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY: DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
We acknowledge that IEC-BC’s office operates on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples-Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh & Musqueam First Nations.
Newcomer Spotlight: Silvia Bon | #SuccessStories
Silvia is currently a Software Developer at Traction Complete and one of our past #PowerHack participants.
#BCJobConnect: A Key Resource for Advancing Employer Diversity and Inclusion in BC
British Columbia’s economy is gradually reopening following the COVID-19 pandemic and local employers are looking to strengthen their business by investing in immigrant talent.
Newcomer Spotlight: Anitha Amarnath | #SuccessStories
Anitha is one of our past #PowerHack participants and currently a Product Developer at Traction Complete.
Employer Playbook: Strategies for Immigrant Inclusion in Canadian Workplaces.
Leveraging the expertise and best practices developed by members of the #ImmigrantsWork coalition, the Employer Playbook is intended to provide easy-to-implement strategies that support your efforts to: Recruit the best candidates to see your organization through this turbulent time Add diverse perspectives that support your company’s resilience […]
IEC-BC partners with Future Skills Centre on program to fill long-term care jobs
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) and the Future Skills Centre (FSC) announce an extended partnership to help grow the Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent (FAST) program in the healthcare sector.
Diversity and Inclusion – Mentoring Success Story
Jaspreet left India and arrived in British Columbia in the spring of 2019 with six years of progressive experience in developing competency-based practical skill tests for vocational trade training programs.
#ImmigrantsWork: Mobilizing Toward Action
Following the successful launch of the #ImmigrantsWork campaign in May, IEC-BC co-hosted a second Twitter chat on July 15, 2020 to continue our national effort to crowdsource best practices for the inclusion of immigrant talent in Canadian workplaces.
#ImmigrantsWork Campaign and How You Can Support Immigrant Inclusion in Canada’s Labour Market
On May 21, over 100 contributors joined the launch of the #ImmigrantsWork campaign through a Twitter chat.
Building Immigrant Inclusion into Business Recovery Plans
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC(IEC-BC), and its partners across the country, are excited to launch the #ImmigrantsWork campaign.
Future Skills Centre Launches Six Innovation Projects and Call for Proposals
The Future Skills Centre is funding projects across the country that are testing innovative approaches to skills development, helping thousands of Canadians prepare for the future of work Toronto, April 2, 2019 – The working lives of many Canadians will be changed as existing jobs are displaced and new jobs are created with different skills […]
Growth initiative for immigrant-serving organizations
LIFT’s “Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact” to help newcomer organizations expand capacity, reach and impact Vancouver, BC – LIFT Philanthropy Partners (LIFT), with funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is pleased to announce the 10 Canadian immigrant-serving organizations selected to participate in its new Better Beginnings, Bigger Impact initiative.
The BRICK Connects with Skilled Immigrants at Joint Event with IEC-BC
What are the current openings across the Lower Mainland and how can you advance professionally within the company - these were some of the questions discussed at the Connections Networking event co-hosted by IEC-BC and The Brick on August 21, 2018, for 18 newcomers in Canada who are interested in pursuing careers in the retail industry.
New Publication Offers Employers Strategies to Fill Labour Shortages
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 14, 2018 – Vancouver, BC – With almost a million job openings expected in BC, employers need to do more to find and hire the talent they need.
IEC-BC Launches Research Partnership with Carleton University
IEC-BC and the research team of Professor Martin Geiger (Carleton University) are asking for input from HR Professionals, Hiring Managers, and business leaders employing or seeking to employ top in-demand tech professionals for a joint research project “British Columbia in the Global Race for Talent."
EAG Discusses Measurement-based Approach to Diversity and Inclusion
What are the critical factors to help organizations address unconscious bias and how can IEC-BC increase the capacity of BC employers to achieve their diversity & inclusion goals?
IEC-BC Kicks Off New Round of MentorConnect Program with City of Vancouver
With over 75 percent participants finding meaningful employment in their field of expertise, IEC-BC’s partnership with the City of Vancouver (COV) in the MentorConnect Program has been a high-impact strategy helping new Canadians integrate in their new home country.
IEC-BC Celebrates 10 Years with a Packed Open House
Over 150 guests attended IEC-BC’s Open House, as the organization officially launched its 10-year anniversary celebrations on May 9, 2018.
IEC-BC Partners with Starbucks Canada to Offer New Career Choices to Refugee Youth
It is often through meaningful employment that new immigrants integrate into their new homeland, and 29 new Canadians, most of whom had arrived here as refugees, had a chance to discover what it was like to work for Starbucks in Vancouver.
Canadian Immigration Summit 2018
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC is pleased to support the Canadian Immigration Summit 2018 hosted by The Conference Board of Canada on May 30-31, 2018, in Ottawa.
IEC-BC Releases New Report on Employer Challenges in Integrating Immigrants in Tech
By 2021, there will be an anticipated shortfall of over 30,000 skilled workers to fill tech-related jobs in the province; as Canada’s leader in tech, British Columbia must find a way to meet the industry’s growing demand.
FAST Helps Immigrants Make Meaningful Connections
Barely a year since its expansion, the Facilitating Access to Skilled Talent (FAST) Program is seeing positive results; this IEC-BC initiative helps skilled immigrants prepare for their Canadian career – even before they arrive here.
Facilitating Your Access to Global Talent
Facilitating Your Access to Global Talent: Programs and Supports for Employers" FREE WEBINAR Wednesday, March 21, 10:00 - 11:00 PDT
Immigrant Engineers Learn How to be Effective in Finding Canadian Employment
What is the difference between project management practices in Canada and in other countries ; how can you become a professional engineer in BC and what are the ways to get Canadian experience - these were just some of the questions that participants in IEC-BC’s “Connections Event for Engineers” were eager to find the answers to.
IEC-BC Celebrates Mentoring Month, Welcomes 15 New MentorConnect Mentors
IEC-BC ushered in 2018 by participating in the Mentoring Month, a campaign that celebrates mentoring and the positive effect it can have on the lives of others.
On International Migrants Day Let’s Have an Honest Conversation about Immigration
Each December 18, the United Nations invites us to observe International Migrants Day; with immigration so firmly ingrained in “Brand Canada,” it is an opportunity to re-visit the public conversation about its impact and, maybe, even dispel a few myths.
IEC-BC Year in Review
As this year comes to an end, it is a good opportunity to celebrate our successes and build excitement for 2018 – IEC-BC’s 10-year anniversary.
Innovative Event Marks New Chapter in IEC-BC, TELUS Partnership
How can you help Canadian employers understand what skills you bring to the table and how do you tell your professional story in a way that makes it relevant to the local context?
IEC-BC Teams Up With Surrey Board of Trade In Diversity, Inclusion
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) and the Surrey Board of Trade (SBOT) signed a memorandum of understanding to equip Surrey businesses with the tools, resources and workable solutions they need to connect with the refugee and immigrant talent.
Unlocking the Diversity Dividend in BC
Employers across Canada now have concrete proof of the many advantages of hiring newcomers; the Diversity Dividend: Canada’s Global Advantage report, which was launched for BC audiences on October 30, 2017, outlines specifics on how Canadian businesses are benefiting from hiring immigrants.
IEC-BC Explores Innovative Ways to Connect Newcomers, Employers in IT, Finance
IEC-BC continues to seek out new ways to connect skilled immigrants with companies that are interested in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.
IEC-BC Brings BC JobConnect to #SurreyNEW
On October 22, IEC-BC welcomed skilled immigrants and refugees to Surrey City Centre Public Library to learn about a new online tool that seeks to connect employers to job-ready newcomers.
The Chance To Succeed
Surinder Bhogal oversees nine libraries in one of Canada’s fastest growing cities; her successful career started over 20 years ago when she first arrived in Greater Vancouver and struggled to find a job.
Surrey Entrepreneur Proves Anything is Possible with the Right Education and Drive
Dr Amrik Sidhu is the proud owner of a tax and accounting firm in Surrey – a dream he couldn’t have imagined 40 years ago while recovering in hospital after a devastating accident and with his marriage on hold.
A Chance To Re-Invent Yourself
Juggling family and school in an unfamiliar city, while learning about a new culture and dealing with financial hardships – these are the issues that many immigrant women face upon arrival.
Mentoring Immigrants Helps Organizations Build Better Leaders
By all accounts, Raegan Paul’s journey in Canada has been both exciting and rewarding.
Shifting Perspectives – One Success Story at a Time
“Passionate” is a word Giuliana Loza uses a lot. The Global Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Stantec’s Vancouver office is passionate about her work and about making a difference in people’s lives.
IEC-BC Releases 2016-2017 Annual Report
In 2016-2017, IEC-BC worked to empower BC businesses to succeed in attracting global talent and reaching new markets.
Giving Back to Your Professional Community
With years of experience in civil and environmental engineering, and advanced degrees from the Philippines and Belgium, Ariel Estrada was ready to jump start his career in Canada when he moved here 16 years ago.
It’s About Finding the Right Spirit, Energy and Attitude
By 9 am on a week day, Wayne Marsden will have reviewed his emails, interviewed a few candidates for current openings, and met with site supervisors regarding their manpower needs.
IEC-BC to Present Webinar with Conference Board of Canada
IEC-BC will be sharing best practices and solutions that are putting immigrant and refugee talent to work in the Canadian labour market during a 60-minute webinar in November.
IEC-BC Creates Employer Advisory Group
In an effort to help BC employers find innovative solutions to tap into immigrant talent to meet the province’s labour-force needs now and in the coming years, IEC-BC has created an Employer Advisory Group.
IEC-BC to Create an Advisory Group
Recent employer sector dialogues, roundtables and focus groups have highlighted the deeper challenges that employers face when attracting, hiring, onboarding and retaining newcomers.
Homegrown Program Puts Global Skills to Work in BC
IEC-BC's FAST Program has been expanded to include pre-arrival services for immigrant workers in 35 skilled trades, 16 occupations in IT and Data Services, and 17 occupations in Biotechnology and Life Sciences.
6th Mentorship Program with City of Vancouver Launched
They are City of Vancouver Engineers, Architects, Urban Planners, Business Analysts, HR, IT and Finance Specialists; and each of these 119 people has made a difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada.
500 Mentors and Counting!
A huge ThankYou to each of our 500 mentors who have generously shared their knowledge, expertise, local insights, and connections - helping newcomers to our country prepare for success in the Canadian labour market.
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO: Let’s Not Overlook the Big Picture
With immigration discourse coming to the fore – both nationally and internationally - we have a unique opportunity to re-affirm our country’s leadership and re-assert our “Canada brand.”
New CEO Announcement
IEC-BC thanks Kelly Pollack for 8 years of vision, leadership and inspiration, welcomes Patrick MacKenzie as new CEO effective April 3, 2017.
IEC-BC’s Mentoring Program Helps Immigrant Land City of Vancouver Job
Zhila Pirmoradi got matched with her City of Vancouver mentor shortly after she arrived from Iran, and now 18 months later she works as an analyst in the City's Continuous Process Improvement Program.
We Must Commit to Connecting Refugees to Jobs
IEC-BC's Kelly Pollack penned an OpEd in The Vancouver Sun on the need for concerted strategies and actions to connect refugees to meaningful employment.
Video: We Have Big Dreams
Hear first-hand from 6 new Canadians who arrived in BC as refugees about their big dreams for a new life here, and learn from innovative BC employers who realized early enough that tapping into this talent pool is a win, win.
Event Media Coverage: Tapping Into New Talent
Our recent event "Tapping into New Talent: Opportunities for BC Businesses" has generated interest among BC's news organizations, and you can access top stories and interviews here.
Tapping Into New Talent: Opportunities for BC Businesses
Some 90 leading BC employers came together on February 10, 2017 to discuss how to leverage BC’s refugee talent to strengthen our social fabric and contribute to the success of our businesses and our province.
Webinar for Employers: BC Refugees JobConnect
Register here for this free webinar on February 22 to receive a step-by-step overview of our new online tool and a demonstration of how it works from an employer's perspective.
Celebrating National Mentoring Month
January is National Mentoring Month – a great opportunity for IEC-BC to celebrate the inspiring partnerships forged through its MentorConnect program over the past six years, and share stories, tips, and best practices from its many participants.
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO: Building Our Canada Brand
Together with the rest of the world, on December 18 Canada marked the International Day of Migrants - an opportunity to reflect on our "Canada brand" and ways to build on its advantages.
New Project To Map Refugee Skills, Engage Employers in Surrey, Abbotsford
December 7 marked the launch of our new project aiming to connect BC employers to the new talent in BC – that of refugees.
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO – November 2016
Just because we set higher immigration targets doesn’t necessarily mean that people will come to Canada; considerations such as cost of living, smooth pathways to permanency, and effective labour market attachment will all come into play as we compete for the best and the brightest.
IEC-BC’s Kelly Pollack Speaks at Top Employer Summit in Vancouver
On November 15, Kelly Pollack spoke about the way immigration mitigates the current demographic challenges and is a key to our country’s economic growth and innovation.
Leveraging Diversity for Business Edge, Economic Growth
On October 24, leaders from business, finance, education, and the not-for-profit sectors gathered in Vancouver for a roundtable to explore ways to leverage diversity to gain a business edge and stimulate economic growth.
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO – October 2016
According to Statistics Canada’s latest population scan, there were 6 million people of retirement age compared to 5.8 million children; Canada is aging fast, with significant implications for its economy and social fabric.
Surrey: Connector Program Helps Promote City’s Sustainability Vision
With a population of over 500,000, approximately 1,000 new residents every month, and the largest number of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) than any other community in British Columbia, Surrey is consistently demonstrating leadership through various initiatives to welcome and integrate newcomers to Canada.
IEC-BC partners with Urban Futures to provide views on immigration
Together with Urban Futures Inc, IEC-BC has participated in this year’s National Conversation on Immigration.
IEC-BC Webinars
IEC-BC regularly offers free webinars to provide additional learning opportunities to employers and boost their capacity to find, hire and retain skilled immigrant talent.
Networking Event Brings Together Vancouver Tech with New Immigrants
Designed to increase employers’ awareness about the skilled immigrant labour pool in BC while helping those who are new to our city learn about the growing technology sector.
Making mentorship work at Telus – A conversation with Cindy LaPorte
TELUS is Canada’s fastest-growing national telecommunications company, with more than 43,000 employees.
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO – June 2016
On Monday June 13, the Conference Board of Canada released its quarterly economic report with a short-term outlook for the Provinces.
Celebrating Partnership with City of Vancouver
The City of Vancouver was our first employer partner, and now it is having a very special anniversary!
A Message from Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO – May 2016
Vancouver is becoming a truly global city, with major demographic and cultural shifts happening everywhere.