BC Premier John Horgan, Minister for Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson and Minister of Jobs, Trade, and Technology Bruce Ralston welcomed two refugee families from Iran and provided words of encouragement for their new lives in BC. This was all part of a tour of ISSofBC Welcome Centre today to showcase how the unique model of integrated housing and wrap-around support services is easing the settlement journey for newcomer immigrants and refugees.
The group also dropped by a LINC classroom where students shared questions related to affordable housing and childcare. The group also met with staff at Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society, VAST, SOS, Vancity and the Legal Advocacy program to learn how the centre, opened in June 2016, offers streamlined access to services to newcomers provided by ISSofBC and co-located partners.
