In September 2021, fifteen BC LIPs began holding informal monthly virtual check-ins to discuss challenges and opportunities related to engaging key partners during the pandemic. These meetings provided a space to share best practices, offer mutual support, and problem-solve together. Despite the limitations of building trust online, participants leveraged their shared commitment to community well-being, along with their experience and networks, to collaborate effectively.
Recognizing the value of these connections, BC LIPs concluded that meeting in person would further strengthen the network. The goal was to learn from each other’s work and experiences, identify opportunities for alignment, and share resources. From the outset the Networking Event was a collaborative project with coordinators from Abbotsford LIP, Burnaby Intercultural Learning Table, Langley LIP, South Okanagan Similkameen LIP, Surrey LIP, Welcoming Communities Coalition coming together to discuss objectives for the event.
Through funding from IRCC through the Surrey LIP, the networking event was held from 2022 to 2024, with the first annual event being held on October 13 and 14, 2022, in Surrey. Starting in 2023 a third day was added by the RIF C.B. to focus on Francophone initiatives, address relevant issues, and foster connections between LIP coordinators and the Francophone network.
Following consultations with members to confirm mandates and priorities, the Abbotsford LIP, South Okanagan–Similkameen LIP, and Surrey LIP submitted a proposal to IRCC in January 2024 to formalize the network. In April 2025, the BC and Yukon LIP, RIF, and ZIP Network was “relaunched” with funding to support network activities, including an annual networking event.
The BC-Yukon Operations Team includes:
- DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (Delta & Surrey LIP)
- South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services (South Okanagan–Similkameen LIP)
- Archway Community Services (Abbotsford LIP)
The network’s objective is to strengthen BC-Yukon LIPs, ZIPs, and RIFs by enhancing their capacity, improving communication, advancing collaboration, and supporting coordination. This collective effort aims to increase the settlement sector’s ability to deliver more inclusive and equitable services for diverse newcomer communities, while also helping to build more welcoming and inclusive communities where newcomers can thrive.
Regional Representation | 2024 | 2025 |
Kootenay | 1 | 2 |
North/ Yukon | 2 | 3 |
Okanagan | 3 | 4 |
Vancouver Island | 2 | 4 |
Metro Vancouver | 11 | 13 |
RIF | 2 | 2 |
Total | 21 | 28 |