Published in Nanaimo Magazine
Welcoming Week 2022 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that ensure everyone feels welcome and belongs in their local community, no matter where they come from.
Immigrants and refugees help grow Canada’s future in different sectors and domains. Today, newcomers contribute to the Canadian healthcare sector, businesses, technology, sports, art and many other industries.
Statistics Canada (2016) states that immigrants account for one out of every four healthcare sector workers, including dentists, physicians, pharmacists, and nurses. These are all vital and valued contributions to the Canadian health care system. Similarly, immigrants provide essential opportunities for local jobs in all sectors of the economy, where 33% of all business owners with paid staff in Canada belong to newcomers. These sectors include construction, retail, food services, and other crucial economic sectors.
Newcomers enrich Canada’s economic future as well as their local communities. In 2016, one-third of newcomers volunteered, and two-thirds were members of social organizations. With the help of the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), newcomers in Nanaimo and the surrounding areas can become more familiar with their new environment- the Canadian health system, education, English language, law, and other aspects of life. Many newcomers also need help with certifications to work in their pre-arrival professions. Services include attesting their existing credentials or acquiring a new certificate in B.C.
“When I moved to Nanaimo, I needed a lot of help with my settlement, such as applying for a care card, housing and taking English classes. Whenever I called the Center, the receptionist was kind and patient. The worker listens to me well and tries to help. I feel the programs are very helpful and I feel very lucky to know the Center.“ – A CVIMS Client.
CVIMS also helps newcomer kids make new friendships and build their confidence in the new environment at schools through friendship clubs at public schools and summer camps. These activities of inclusion help newcomer kids also enjoy their academic journey. Parents of kids who are not yet of school age can join the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), where parents get the support to prepare their children of 3-5 years old for school.
There’s no cost to clients, as funding for the program is provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Government of British Columbia.
Newcomers and community members can learn more about the services the CVIMS offers and how to get involved in the community by visiting the website at www.cvims.org.
