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For over 25 years, the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. (ISS) has played an important role in the settlement, training and integration of immigrants and refugees from the day they arrive in Canada.

ISS, a not-for-profit organization, had its beginning in 1968, when MP Harold Winch recognized the need to start an organization to help government-assisted refugees coming to Canada's west coast and organized a group of hardworking volunteers who began to create a vehicle for change. In 1972 ISS became officially registered as an organization designed to support immigrants and refugees as they settle into Canadian society.

Pioneered by the volunteer spirit of a few individuals, ISS has now grown to be the largest immigrant serving agency in western Canada, assisting over 29,000 immigrants and refugees each year from all over the world.

ISS offers assistance in many ways. Our Settlement Services office provides orientation, counselling, referrals, housing, translation and public education. While informing newcomers about basic services and resources, ISS enables immigrants to become increasingly independent.

The only facility of its kind in BC, ISS' Welcome House provides temporary accommodation for refugees. Each year, it receives over 1,500 new Canadians.

ISS also works with immigrants to encourage their full participation in the workplace, the neighbourhood and in civic responsibility. The ISS Training Institute offers a wide range of language and training programs and employment assistance services. This includes our English as a Second Language classes and the Adult and Continuing Education Program.

The Host Program, initiated in 1986 to match volunteer Canadian hosts with refugees, seeks to ease the difficulties faced by newcomers.

Today, with more than 25 years experience, ISS continues to provide services to new Canadians to help them meet the challenges and opportunities now, and in the future.