Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP)
Good policy leads to caring, supportive communities that are inclusive of everyone. That’s why the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership focuses on making sure policies impacting governance, education, health care and housing in our community are a top priority. Led by the ICA, this partnership consists of a diverse and well-rounded representation of newcomers, community organizations, government agencies, institutions, businesses and business organizations that work together to develop strategies for improving the participation, belonging, and inclusion of newcomers in Greater Victoria.
GVLIP’s team-based approach includes:
- Partnership Council:The council helps set strategic direction and consists of community leaders who represent different sectors (e.g., government, public services, education, business, health care, housing, and settlement);
- Immigrant Advisory Team:This team includes a diverse group of newcomers who advise the council and sector tables;
- Sector Tables: These are sector-specific working groups that help implement GVLIP action plans and work to foster changes in the community on the ground.
Strategic Priorities
- Cultivating belonging and learning
- Supporting meaningful employment opportunities
- Promoting good health and well-being
- Improving access to housing and the community
STRATEGIC VISION
Greater Victoria is a welcoming, anti-racist, inclusive, equitable, and well-connected community in which everybody has opportunities to thrive, learn, live, work, and play in safety. In its vibrant economy, employers and businesses fully realize the benefits of immigration, newcomers are economically integrated, and their skills and expertise are recognized. Culturally competent health services effectively work in collaboration with community partners to ensure that everybody is healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Everyone, regardless of their background, has access to suitable, appropriate, and affordable housing in a community that has well-connected and thriving neighborhoods with adequate access to basic services, transit, green spaces, and the area as a whole.
Tools for Equity
We are proud to support residents of the Capital Region to learn practical anti-racism skills. ICA's Bystander Intervention Training will provide participants with tools and skills to interrupt and address incidents of racism and support racial justice in the region.
Current Partners
African Heritage Association of Vancouver Island (AHAVI)
Bayanihan – Filipino Community Centre
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
BC Construction Association – Integrating Newcomers
CRD Housing
City of Victoria
Continuing Education & Contract Training – Camosun College
Community Engaged Learning – University of Victoria
Epicure
Faculty of Social Sciences – University of Victoria
Francophone Immigration Program
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Greater Victoria Public Libraries (GVPL)
Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA)
Island Health
James Bay New Horizons
Saanich Parks and Recreation
School Districts 61 & 63
School of Access – Camosun College
School of Business – University of Victoria
School of Nursing – University of Victoria
School of Social Work – University of Victoria
The Inclusion Project (TiP)
VanCity
Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR)
Victoria Hospice
Victoria Innovation Advanced Technology & Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) Victoria Multicultural Business Connector (VMBC)
Westshore Chamber of Commerce
WorkLink BC
We are always looking for more organizations to join us. Please let us know if you are interested in participating.
Contact Us
Florentien Verhage, GVLIP Coordinator
Email: fverhage@icavictoria.org
Phone: 250.388.4728 Ext. 183
Reports and Resources
GVLIP Strategic Plan 2020-2025
This strategic plan is a collaborative effort based on community consultations, the insight of local experts, the consideration of national and local research into immigration trends, and most importantly, the lived experiences of newcomers sharing the successes and challenges they have faced in this community.
GVLIP Racism Survey: A Community Report
This report addresses four significant findings about racism in Victoria. It examines racism, how it harm, how it creates barriers to inclusion and what action is needed to combat racism at all levels.
Download Racism in Victoria Report
GVLIP Flyer
This short document summaries the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership Model. Use this to learn about its strategic priorities and guiding principles.
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) are funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to support locally informed approaches to innovate and optimize newcomer integration and belonging.There are currently 80 such coalitions in Canada. For more information about Local Immigration Partnerships, see the following resources:
Want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you!
Tools for Equity
We are proud to support residents of the Capital Region to learn practical anti-racism skills. ICA's Bystander Intervention Training will provide participants with tools and skills to interrupt and address incidents of racism and support racial justice in the region.
Ways To Give
Your tax-deductible donation helps ICA welcome, support and provide much-needed services for immigrants as they settle into the local community. There are many ways to give a gift to ICA that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of newcomers. Donate or volunteer today!
Community Partnership Network (CPN)
The Community Partnership Network (CPN) is a group of more than 300 local agencies, businesses, and institutions committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities in Greater Victoria.