Our History
Many organizations have worked long and hard to help immigrants secure meaningful employment in BC. The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) has taken over the work of the Employment Access Strategy for Immigrants (EASI), and is also building on the recommendations of a City of Vancouver initiative – the Mayor's Task Force on Immigration.
Progress
1999 | The first written report in BC detailing the issues immigrants face while trying to integrate into the local labour market. From this report the Looking Ahead Initiative was formed. Members worked to develop solutions to the issues.
2003 | The Employment Access Strategy for Immigrants (EASI) worked from 2003 to 2008 to further the work started by the Looking Ahead Initiative. EASI made progress on the issues through a series of learning dialogues, research reports and strategic plans.
2005 | The City of Vancouver created the Mayor’s Task Force on Immigration to examine immigration issues, including labour market integration, at a local level.
2008 | Immigrant Employment Council of BC, supported by funding from the Province of BC, launched at the Metro Vancouver Leaders Summit on Immigrant Employment. Vancouver Foundation was named to oversee the administration and operation of the Council, which took over the intellectual property and assets of EASI and will continue to build on EASI's accomplishments.
2008 | Metro Vancouver Leaders Summit on Immigrant Employment in October, hosted by Vancouver Foundation and the City of Vancouver. About 150 leaders from business, labour, education, immigrant service providers and government attended and joined the Leadership Council for IEC-BC. They determined the Council’s priorities for action.
2008 | Several influential Vancouver business leaders, government, education and community leaders join the Council's Board and BC Hydro President and CEO Bob Elton agreed to be Chair.
2009 | Immigrant Employment Council of BC working groups established to address the priorities identified at the Leader's Summit.