In a year of change, newcomers continued to build new lives, new connections, and new futures across B.C. — and ISSofBC was there to create pathways to possibility.
Canada’s immigration landscape is changing. Arrivals levels have been reduced, policies are shifting, and funding pressures are reshaping the settlement sector. For newcomers, these changes can add another layer of uncertainty to the already complex experience of starting a life in a new country.
At ISSofBC, we remain anchored in our mission: Together with newcomers and diverse communities, we foster belonging, inclusion, and success— building a stronger Canada for all.
Our 2025–26 Annual Impact Report (AIR) captures what that looks like in practice — through the stories of the people we serve, the dedication of our teams and volunteers, and the generosity of the funders, donors, and partners who make this work possible.
Behind every number is a story
This year, 17,142 unique clients accessed ISSofBC services. Yet, the number only begins to describe our impact.
For a young refugee from Myanmar, we provided a pathway to pursue a dream of becoming an architect while building a new life in Canada.
“The support I received helped me understand my options and gave me the confidence to plan my future. I now feel ready to pursue my career in architecture and take the next steps with clarity and purpose.”
For Fatuma, a mother from Somalia, English language classes and settlement services gave her the tools to navigate life in Canada and pursue her goals — including reuniting with her three children who remained overseas. Today, her family is together in Canada.
“I arrived in Canada as a single mom with no English skills. I didn’t know where to start, but with support, I have achieved so much and can now access resources on my own.”
For one newcomer from China, participation in our programs became a journey from building her own confidence to contributing to the community. After joining English conversation groups and volunteering, she became a tax clinic volunteer and eventually a lead tax filer, supporting other newcomers.
For Ruchika, a cybersecurity professional, the Career Paths program provided the clarity and connections needed to relaunch her career in Canada. Navigating a new job market felt overwhelming at first, but personalized guidance, mentorship, mock interviews, and Occupation Specific Language Training helped her rebuild her professional confidence, strengthen her skills, and expand her industry network.
“When I joined ISSofBC’s Career Paths program, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about restarting my career in Canada. From feeling lost to now being in a place of direction and hope, the Career Paths program changed my life.”
These stories show what the numbers cannot: settlement is not simply about accessing a service. It is about gaining confidence, connections, and opportunities to build a life — and eventually creating those opportunities for others.
Meeting change with purpose
ISSofBC continued to adapt its services throughout the year as newcomer needs, and the broader immigration landscape evolved.
From language learning and employment services to refugee services, community programs, leadership opportunities, and new curriculae such as Discover the True History of Canada and Climate Readiness for Newcomers, our teams continued creating pathways for newcomers to learn, connect, contribute, and thrive.
Through The Canada We Believe In national coalition, we also continued advocating for an immigration system grounded in inclusion, opportunity, unity, and belonging.
Building strong communities means more than navigating systems. It means creating the conditions for newcomers to participate, contribute, and shape the communities they now call home.
Made possible by our community
None of this work happens alone.
ISSofBC is grateful for the continued commitment of our public funders, including the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and local governments, as well as the foundations, corporations, community organizations, and individual donors who invest in newcomer success. Please visit our funders page for a complete list.
Their investment gives ISSofBC the capacity to respond to changing needs, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for newcomers to thrive.
Stewarding the resources entrusted to us
Our impact is also a commitment to accountability.
In 2025–26, we reported approximately $43.2 million in operating revenue, with resources invested in settlement services, language and career programs, employment services, and the operations needed to deliver them.
We continued to carefully manage resources while maintaining the capacity to serve newcomers and investing in organizational resilience.
For us, financial stewardship is part of our responsibility to our clients, funders, donors, partners, and community.
Anchored in purpose, looking ahead
The landscape will continue to change. But the stories in this year’s report remind us of what remains constant.
A newcomer can find the confidence to speak a new language. A parent can reunite their family. A refugee can pursue a lifelong dream. And someone who once participated in a program can become a community leader creating opportunities for others.
That is the impact behind the numbers.
We invite you to explore the full 2025–26 AIR and discover the people, partnerships, and possibilities behind ISSofBC’s work.
