Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we pause to reflect on both the progress made — and the work that still lies ahead.
At Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC), diversity is not an abstract concept. It is our lived reality. Every day, we work alongside colleagues and clients representing more than 150 nationalities. Our offices are filled with different languages, cultures, faiths, and lived experiences — and that is one of our greatest strengths.
“Having lived and worked in different parts of the world myself, I have experienced firsthand how powerful inclusion can be — and how harmful discrimination can feel. True belonging does not happen by accident. It requires intention, courage, and accountability.”
– Niloofer Balsara, Chief of People, Culture, and Inclusion at issOFbc
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to:
- Building equitable workplaces where every employee feels respected and valued
- Challenging racism and discrimination in all its forms
- Creating programs and services that are inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive
Eliminating discrimination is not only about policies — it is about daily actions. It is about how we speak to one another, how we make decisions, whose voices we amplify, and how we show up for our communities.
To our staff and partners: Thank you for the compassion and leadership you demonstrate every day. And to the communities we serve: your resilience, culture, and contributions make British Columbia stronger.
Together, we will continue building a workplace — and a society — where everyone belongs.
Please check our website for further tools and resources on anti-racism: https://issbc.org/tools-resources/anti-racism-awareness-reports-and-reading-recommendations/
