February 16, 2009 -Parksville, BC – As a wrap up to its Welcoming & Inclusive Communities & Workplace Programs Project focusing on a Regional Immigrant Integration Strategy for Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance VIEA in partnership with the Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce and Tigh-Na-Mara will host a wine & cheese reception on March 31, 2009 5:30-7:30pm at Tigh Na Mara in Parksville.

 

A panel will speak on the experiences of immigrants, business owners and how to be a more welcoming & inclusive Vancouver Island. The project results, which is about determining and coordinating key sustainable partnerships and collaborations with government, business, not for profit, labour and other organizations, will also be discussed.

 

In the past, British Columbia’s economy has placed high demands on its labour force resulting in critical skills shortages across the province. “Although there has been a downward turn in economic conditions, this will change, and we need to be ready when things shift. Now is the time to be proactive on a regional immigrant integration strategy for Vancouver Island” says Russ Hellberg, Chair, VIEA.

 

An Increase of $3 million in funding for Labour Market and Immigration programs, including the Provincial Nominee Program, worker training programs and international job fairs was announced in the Provincial Budget February 17, 2009.

 

The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) is a not for profit, membership driven organization which represents the businesses on Vancouver Island with a focus on developing a model that will allow Vancouver Island to compete effectively for investment and skills attraction in a global market.