The past year has been another year of growth for IEC-BC, and equally of growth in the need for IEC-BC’s work. As the country’s population grew by over one and a quarter million people in 2023, at 3.2% the fastest growth in 66 years, 2024 brought renewed concerns around public support for immigration and the capacity of the economy to integrate so many workers.
New Provincial funding kicking into gear in the 2023-2024 fiscal year has generated more impact for employers, newcomers, and the economy. Service provider partners across the country continue to adopt IEC-BC developed programs like FAST and ASCEND for their clients, broadening their impact, while programs like MentorConnect connect even more newcomers with experts in their field at inclusive employers for career guidance. Opportunities at FAST and ASCEND are now open to international students and newcomers with open work permits, increasing both their reach and the ability of employers to access, retain, and develop skilled talent.
Read the report in single-page and double-page format.