Under the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Cooperation on Immigration last fall, the Province negotiated an additional $71.5 million in federal funding, over two years, for services for the province’s growing immigrant population and $1.573 million for anti-racism and multiculturalism services. Other programs are being developed in consultation with immigrant settlement service providers, using available funding.

Over the next two years, WelcomeBC will provide:

• $9 million to reduce wait lists for beginner English language services for adults (ELSA);
• $12 million to expand intermediate (level 4 and 5) ELSA classes;
• Another $2 million to expand intermediate ELSA courses for immigrants entering or in the labour market outside of the Lower Mainland;
• $8 million to increase information and settlement services such as health care access, employment and recreation services to help immigrants adjust to living in British Columbia;
• $11 million for settlement workers to assist new students in schools in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Greater Victoria; and
• $1.6 million for improved information and outreach services for immigrants facing multiple barriers.

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Pacific Century Scholarships to Draw Top Grad Students

British Columbia is investing $10 million to create the province’s first-ever graduate scholarship program to attract the best and brightest students to B.C.’s four research universities.

The Pacific Century Graduate Scholarship program provides 1,000 scholarships, worth $10,000 each, over the next four years to master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral students at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria and the University of Northern B.C. The universities will administer the scholarship competitions and recipients will be called Pacific Century Scholars.

The first awards will be made to graduate students enrolled in programs in September. Each university will set its own deadlines and specific awards criteria. In addition, the universities will ensure the core criteria are met regarding the amount and duration of awards, student eligibility, eligible programs, award frequency, and award reporting and accountability.

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Province Backs Quest to Unlock Mineral Potential

Geoscience BC is launching the $5-million QUEST project in central B.C.’s Mountain Pine Beetle infestation area to help unlock the province’s mineral potential and stimulate new economic activity.

The QUEST (Quesnellia Exploration Strategy) project will include airborne electromagnetic and airborne gravity surveys and geochemical sampling over an area of 40,000 square kilometres extending from Williams Lake north to Mackenzie during summer months. The project will also include collecting over 2,000 lake and stream sediment samples and reanalyzing over 5,000 existing samples for base and precious metals.

Geoscience BC is an industry-led, industry-focused, non-profit organization established in 2005 with a $25-million grant from the Province. Its mandate includes the collection, interpretation and delivery of geoscience data and expertise to promote investment in resource exploration and development in British Columbia.

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