We were delighted to welcome Tracey Maullfair, the Canada Representative, and Darcy Knoll, Senior Communications Officer, from UNHCR Canada, to ISSofBC in Vancouver for an important discussion on the changing realities facing refugees in Canada and the future of humanitarian settlement support.
As BC’s largest refugee resettlement provider, ISSofBC supports approximately 80% of government-assisted refugees arriving in British Columbia through Vancouver and Surrey. Today, we serve around 20,000 newcomers each year — but our roots in refugee support go back decades.
ISSofBC first began welcoming refugees fleeing Uganda in 1968, laying the foundation for more than 50 years of refugee and newcomer support in British Columbia.
During the visit, we shared insights into the changing demographics of refugee arrivals, the growing pressures facing the settlement sector, and the importance of protecting Canada’s humanitarian commitments during an increasingly challenging global environment.
We also highlighted our award-winning Welcome Centre — the first purpose-built refugee centre of its kind in the world — designed to provide integrated housing, settlement, language, employment, and support services under one roof for newcomers rebuilding their lives in Canada.
The conversation reinforced the importance of sharing refugee stories alongside the data. Behind every number is a person, a family, and a journey of resilience, contribution, and belonging.
Thank you to UNHCR Canada for visiting ISSofBC and for the continued collaboration in supporting refugees and displaced people worldwide. Thank you also to our Board Vice-Chair, Krista Thompson, for joining us too.
