“I joined ISSofBC as an individual, but…I became part of a cohesive, supportive community along with my friends… These skills have extended beyond the training room and have become the threads weaving a stronger and more compassionate society.”
– ISSofBC client
Canada’s National Non-Profit Day offers an opportunity to recognize the organizations that keep our communities together.
The non-profit sector is more than a network of charities; it’s an economic and social pillar. In 2023, it’s estimated that non-profit institutions contributed 8.3% of Canada’s GDP – about $182 billion, and employed 2.8 million people – roughly one in ten workers.
For the immigration sector, the connection is even stronger. Nearly half of non-profit workers are immigrants, and non-profit employees are more than twice as likely to be newcomers compared to other industries. For immigrant women, these roles are especially significant: 50% of new Canadian women employed in Canada work in non-profits, making the sector a critical pathway to economic independence and integration for women.
Resilience and results
At ISSofBC, we understand both the challenges facing the sector and the value of our work.
For over 50 years, we’ve been supporting refugees and immigrants in British Columbia to build a life for themselves and their families.
Despite funding changes and growing international hostility towards immigration, we continue our work of reassuring and empowering newcomers so they can feel safe and valued.
In 2023–24, we served 26,313 unique clients across British Columbia:
- 86% improved their English proficiency
- 95% gained a greater understanding of Canadian society
- 83% became job-ready
- 69% entered the job market.
Behind these statistics are powerful personal stories of newcomers who want to improve their lives and contribute to their local community.
The 2024 Stories of Impact from our Annual Impact Report gives a hint of how valuable ISSofBC services are to newcomers in BC.
What can be done?
As we celebrate National Non-Profit Day, it’s clear that a strong, well-resourced non-profit sector is essential to building inclusive communities and a strong and resilient Canada.
At ISSofBC, we believe in a Canada where everyone is welcome and can thrive. It is also a future that we are fighting for, along with over 180 non-profits, businesses, and organizations from across Canada through our Canada We Believe In campaign.
To add your voice to calls for a renewed vision for Canada’s immigration sector, visit the Canada We Believe In page.
