Welcoming Newcomers in a Time of Change: ISSofBC’s 2024–25 Annual Impact Report 

In an era of shifting immigration policy and mounting complexity, ISSofBC remained steadfast in its mission: to support newcomers in building lives of opportunity, belonging, and dignity. As CEO Jonathan Oldman and outgoing Board Chair Alec Attfield reflect in their message, this past year has been one of significant transition — marked by national policy changes and reduced immigration targets — yet also one of resilience, collaboration, and renewed commitment.  

The external landscape underscores the critical importance of this work. Immigration drives all of British Columbia’s net population growth, and projections show that nearly 50 per cent of BC’s labour needs in the coming years will be filled by newcomers. At the same time, an estimated two million temporary residents are expected to depart Canada by 2026 — the largest outflow in decades — which will intensify pressures on retention and integration systems. Amid rising public debate and policy uncertainty, ISSofBC has called for a renewed, values-based vision for Canadian immigration: one built on clear, responsive programs and goals, coordinated government action, and a commitment to humanitarian and equitable pathways.  

Despite the headwinds, the outcomes in this year’s report speak to what is possible when systems, services, and people align. ISSofBC supported over 24,000 unique clients through its programs, including newcomers, refugees, temporary foreign workers, and international students: 

• In Settlement and Refugee Services, we supported over 12,000 clients. Highlights included launching climate-readiness resources, expanding refugee-claimant supports via BC SAFE HAVEN, and forging stronger partnerships with health authorities to embed medical services in newcomer reception. 

• In our English language LINC programs, 2,617 students enrolled in our classes, with 85 per cent reporting that they can now use English to function in Canadian society. Highlights include delivering 83 hybrid and online English language classes across six locations in the Lower Mainland, Squamish, Sea to Sky Corridor, and Sunshine Coast. We also established ourselves as a leader in online learning, offering online classes through Moodle, supported by a skilled team to maintain high-quality Portfolio Based Language Assessment (PBLA) aligned instruction and practical student assessment. 

• Our employment and entrepreneurship programs supported newcomers across the immigration journey—from refugee claimants and temporary foreign workers to permanent residents and citizens. We offered tailored services at different stages of job searching, focusing on outcomes such as job readiness, employment, qualification recognition, trauma recovery, and business development. We supported 4,297 clients, and 1,480 found new jobs.
• The Language & Career College (LCC) achieved a 90 per cent program completion rate, and 80 per cent of co-op students found employment through its placements; student satisfaction remained exceptionally high (98–99 per cent).  

Behind each statistic lies a human story: from a single mother rebuilding after trauma, to newcomers pursuing careers or growing roots in Canada. These narratives, from Stories of Impact, remind us that impact is ultimately measured by the transformed lives it brings.  

And, of course, as well as our fantastic staff, volunteers, clients, and partners, our work would not be possible without the generous support of our funders.  

As you explore our 2024–25 Annual Impact Report, we invite you to witness how, even in times of uncertainty, ISSofBC and its community of staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters continue to turn challenges into possibilities and intentions into impact.