Michelle Stillwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation, came to MOSAIC’s office on December 7th to announce funding for three new programs related to the creation of employment opportunities for refugees and newcomers. The event was emceed by Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.
Over 60 people turned out to hear the announcement, including graduates from the pilot project of “Hope To Work“, one of the three programs included in the funding announcement. Rita Koujian, a Syrian refugee who participated in the first cohort for the new program, gave a moving speech about how the program has helped her to focus, and that it did give her “hope” for her future in Canada.
For more information, please click here to view the government’s press release.
Hope to Work (H2W) is a two-week program that helps refugees to Canada set career goals and plan how to achieve them. The program is part of a research project where 60 individuals will be recruited, and 30 out of 60 will be randomly selected to participate in the program. To learn more, please visit mosaicbc.org/h2w.
Notable quotes
Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation:
“We are committed to finding new and innovative ways to help unemployed immigrants and refugees find good-paying jobs that will provide them a secure future in British Columbia. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of each of these unique projects as they develop and help newcomers move into meaningful, full-time work.”
Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour:
“By 2025, B.C. is expecting nearly one million job openings. We want to ensure all British Columbians are first in line for those opportunities and that includes those that are under-represented in the workforce such as women, persons with disabilities and refugees and immigrants. These investments will help newcomers become job ready and help employers get the talent they need to stay competitive.”
Joan Andersen, MOSAIC’s Director of Employment and Language Programs:
“Newcomers arrive here wanting to build successful lives in their new country and all too often, they face challenges finding good jobs. That’s why MOSAIC is pleased to be offering employment programs such as Hope To Work and Fast Track to IT, which focus on improving employment prospects for newcomers and work towards fulfilling MOSAIC’s mission of empowering newcomers to fully participate in Canadian society.”
