Campbell River was recognized by the Province of B.C. at the WelcomeBC Day celebration on Nov. 6 in Vancouver. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, Pat Bell and Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, John Yap presented this year’s award to two individuals and two communities for their outstanding contributions to services and programs for new immigrants.
Representing Campbell River were the Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island (also known as Immigrant Welcome Centre), North Island College’s ELSA (English Language Services for Adults) and the CR Community Literacy Association.
“It is an honour to be accepting this award on behalf of Campbell River”, says Rachel Blaney, Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre, “and to be acknowledged for the many services and programs the organizations provide for newcomers. Campbell River should be very proud to be recognized by Ministers Bell and Yap. By providing a welcoming community, people from around the world are choosing to live here. It is important that we recognize the assets of immigrants and how their skills and diversity will contribute to the economy and future growth of our area.”
The Immigrant Welcome Centre has been providing settlement services and programs since 1992 and opened an office in the Comox Valley in 2011.
Over 600 clients have been served in the past year, as immigration continues to bring innovative and skilled newcomers to the community.