CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
Capilano University signs five-year contract to deliver language and settlement services for newcomers in the Sea-to-Sky region and on the Sunshine Coast

Capilano University (CapU) is deepening its connections in the Sea-to-Sky corridor as the recognized provider of language support and settlement services in the region. The university's Community Development and Outreach (CDO) department will offer the BC Newcomer Services program providing one-to-one settlement services for individuals and families, group orientation and information sessions, and language training to support those who are new to living and working in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet, Sechelt, Gibsons and Powell River. CapU's new service contract in this region runs for a five-year period, ending in 2029.

"CapU is proud to be a BC Newcomer Services provider for the Squamish community and beyond," says Brad Martin, dean, Faculty of Education, Health and Human Development. "The university's Community Development and Outreach team has deep experience and connections to assist new residents in integrating and contributing to the region quickly." 

For more than 10 years, CapU has delivered settlement services programs in a variety of locations in the Sea-to-Sky & Sunshine Coast regions. In Squamish, the CDO department will continue to support clients and community-based initiatives through the new BC Newcomer Services program. 

This new contract with WelcomeBC Settlement Services comes as result of a recent announcement by the provincial government about new and expanded newcomer services programs in B.C. Through the BC Newcomer Services program, CapU's CDO team expect to support approximately 200 residents in the Squamish area and up to 455 people across the region each year. 

The BC Newcomer Services program assists newcomers to Canada with information to settle into daily life in their new community. This assistance includes support for understanding employment rights and services, school registration processes, healthcare services, and BC driving regulations. The program also connects established residents with newcomers through conversation circles, helps newcomers build social networks, and facilitates cultural sharing between newcomers and established residents. CapU delivers the BC Newcomer Services program in partnership with ISS of BC and Lift Community Services Immigrant Welcome Centre in Powell River.

"Serving as the BC Newcomer Services provider aligns well with the social and educational purposes of Capilano University to cultivate learning and help build strong, healthy, and resilient communities in collaboration with local partners," said Martin.

Thanks to separate funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), CDO will support new permanent residents as they settle into Sea-to-Sky and Sunshine Coast communities. Through this additional program, CapU will support upwards of 200 residents annually by providing information about applying for Canadian Citizenship, referrals to Career Pathway programs, and more.

Partnering with 30 organizations throughout British Columbia, the Province has increased the funding for newcomer services from $6 million to $25.6 million per year. This annual support includes $13.4 million through the new BC Newcomer Services program and $12.2 million through the Safe Haven program. Combined, these new programs are expected to serve more than 40,000 people per year, compared to 26,000 in 2021-2022.