May 30, 2024, Unceded Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Burnaby, B.C. — The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of British Columbia (AMSSA) is proud to announce the publication of the report, “A Collaborative Vision for Newcomer Integration in British Columbia: Enhancing Partnerships in Immigration and Inclusive Community Development.”
This comprehensive report provides a strategic framework for enhancing the settlement, integration, and inclusion of newcomers across the province, promoting a robust, cohesive approach that benefits all British Columbians. Compiled with extensive input from community partners and guided by insights from Indigenous leaders, the report addresses the critical roles that immigration and effective newcomer integration play in strengthening our communities economically and socially.
Despite the ongoing debates regarding optimal immigration levels and strategy for Canada, the economic and social well-being of communities nationwide are closely linked to the successful settlement outcomes of newcomers.
In the next decade 653,000 workers are expected to exit the provincial workforce, while only 483,000 young individuals are projected to enter it. Immigration is a cornerstone of B.C.’s cultural, economic, and social landscape. Without newcomers, B.C., and other provinces across Canada, face the potential of having an inadequate working-age population to meet future labour demand. Newcomers also play a significant role in enriching local civic and cultural spaces. Looking specifically at B.C.’s art, culture, recreation and sport sectors, 28% of people working in these spaces are newcomers.
At this critical moment, society is gaining momentum in exploring innovative measures to address challenges in affordability and public services. However, the tendency among governments to treat settlement, health, and housing as separate policy areas risks missing opportunities to include newcomers. Collaboration across all levels of government and ministerial portfolios is crucial to link agendas and involve a wide range of partners in developing comprehensive initiatives that ensure inclusivity.
Immigration benefits private sector entities not only by addressing labour shortages but also by the diversification of skills and perspectives, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Key highlights of the report include:
- Strategic Insights: Offering a detailed analysis of BC’s current immigration landscape, the report presents practical recommendations for fostering successful integration and community development.
- Collaborative Framework: Establishing a blueprint for collaborative partnerships across government, public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, the report emphasizes the importance of unified efforts to support newcomers, enhancing their ability to contribute to BC’s economy and cultural richness.
- Focus on Indigenous Collaboration: Acknowledging the significance of conducting integration efforts on unceded Indigenous lands, the report advocates for respectful and inclusive practices that align with the truths of decolonization and reconciliation.
Katie Crocker, CEO of AMSSA, states, “With growing concerns around housing, healthcare and the cost of living, people have increasingly felt a need to find a reason behind these systemic issues and newcomers, despite facing these same issues, have unwittingly found themselves to be a convenient scapegoat. This mounting frustration being lobbied against newcomers is as frightening as it is misplaced.”
AMSSA is committed to the ongoing development of policies and practices that support the integration of newcomers in a way that respects and honors the traditional and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
The organization looks forward to working with everyone to implement the strategies outlined in the report, building a stronger, more inclusive future for all residents of the province.
The full report is available here.
AMSSA invites all interested parties, including media representatives, to explore the findings and join in the conversation about the future of immigration and community development in British Columbia.
About AMSSA
The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of British Columbia (AMSSA) is the provincial umbrella association for agencies serving newcomers. The organization strengthens over 90 member agencies, as well as hundreds of community agencies that serve newcomers and build culturally inclusive communities, with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to fulfill their mandates.
About the IICC Committee
The Immigrant Integration Coordinating Committee (IICC) is a network of not-for-profit, community-based agencies offering services to support the settlement and integration of immigrants and/or refugees across British Columbia. The IICC provides strategic input and advocacy towards improving service delivery, effective consultation, and community-centred policies in the areas of immigration, settlement, diversity and anti-racism.
About the Speakers of the Media Event of May 30th
Watch the launch of the report below.
