Funding helps people new to B.C. find in-demand jobs

More newcomers to the province will be able to find rewarding, skilled jobs in their communities through several new and innovative programs offered through the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC).

“We want newcomers to find good jobs here, and we want employers to have an easier time finding workers,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “This is why my ministry is funding $7 million to the Immigrant

With more than 900,000 new job openings projected through 2027 and a low unemployment rate, employers throughout the province, especially those in urban areas, struggle to fill their staffing needs. The programs offered by IEC-BC removes the guesswork for employers from small to large businesses and gives job seekers a platform to shine.

Immigrants bring skills, diverse perspectives and international connections to their roles, making them an to identify glucose trends and adjust medications, activity and food intake. leading cause of blindness, end-stage kidney disease and non-traumatic amputation.

An FGM system uses an externally worn glucose sensor that is inserted under the skin of a person’s upper arm. When the sensor is “flashed” or scanned with a reader device or smartphone, it transmits the real-time glucose reading and information to the user. A sensor can be worn continuously for as many as 14 days.

Similar to the Dexcom G6, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) covered by PharmaCare since June 2021, the FreeStyle Libre 2 helps people living with diabetes better manage their blood-sugar levels without having to prick their finger multiple times a day to test manually. Some people may prefer how the FreeStyle Libre 2 is applied or its reduced frequency of sensor replacement.

PharmaCare continues to improve access to the medical devices and prescription drugs that people in B.C. need. In January 2019, B.C. made a $105-million investment over three years to reduce and/or eliminate Fair PharmaCare deductibles and co-payments for British Columbians with lower incomes.

Employment Council of BC to support B.C. newcomers.” attractive talent pool for employers looking to fill in-demand jobs. People new to the province may need supports so their skills can be applied in different ways to make meaningful contributions to the organizations they join.

With this grant, IEC-BC will provide extended mentorship to under-employed and unemployed immigrants that will help them understand and adapt their skills and experience to the Canadian labour market. This grant will benefit newcomers and businesses across the province.

The new funding has enabled a new research initiative, Tech Connect Plus, which brings together employers and newcomers for interviews and hiring opportunities and to identify and address factors that affect newcomer employment.

IEC-BC is a not-for-profit organization that provides B.C. employers with solutions, tools and resources to attract, hire and retain talented and skilled people new to the province. They support the integration of skilled people in the labour workforce through their programs and training to ensure that global talent can actively participate in the growing economy and building a stronger B.C.