Recently, there have been two exciting provincial government announcements related to life for newcomers to Northwest BC:

March 28, 2024 – Expanding multi-language support, services for newcomers

• Starting Monday, April 1, 2024, a new and expanded newcomer-services program will increase support for people to settle into their new communities, practise their English and find work. 
• The Province has more than quadrupled funding for newcomer services, from $6 million to $25.6 million per year, partnering with 30 organisations throughout British Columbia.

July 15, 2024 – B.C. sets higher standards, strengthens protections for international students

• The Province is introducing new protections for international students by setting higher standards and more rigorous requirements for institutions enrolling international students. 
• Among these protections is a new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice, which will require institutions to meet higher standards for student support and protection in order to be eligible to enrol international students.