GVLIP Healthcare Resources
GVLIP works on various aspects of healthcare for newcomers in Greater Victoria. You can find more resources below:
Newcomers Navigating Healthcare: A Community Dialogue for Health Practitioners
On April 14th, 2023, the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP) and Refugee Readiness Team Vancouver Island (RRT-VI) hosted an in-person event that examined equitable access to healthcare for newcomers in Greater Victoria. Designed by our Health Sector Table, ‘Newcomers Navigating Healthcare: A Community Dialogue’ included short panel presentations and scenario-based learning.
The event workshopped stories of newcomers experiencing our healthcare system for the first time, interpretation/translation challenges, navigating through pregnancy, mental health distress and the Interim Federal Health Program. The scenario-based learning that transpired resulted in greater understanding among attendees of the many challenges faced by newcomers navigating a healthcare system that is currently in crisis. Ultimately, we hope this community dialogue results in tangible outcomes that improve the patient-provider experience for newcomers in Greater Victoria.
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants
The CPSI program helps newcomer professionals to find meaningful career employment that aligns with their pre-arrival education, training and experience.
Refugee oral health and dentistry
Data shows disparities between the oral health of immigrants in their first years of settlement in comparison to their Canadian counterparts, partially due to the unique challenges they face such as cultural and language barriers, as well as financial constraints. Poor oral health results in pain, poor nutrition, social barriers, and lower quality of life (BMC Oral Health, 2019). By adopting Interim Federal Health (IFH), dentists can make a difference and support refugee access to oral health. In 2020 GVLIP contributed to research on dentists’ uptake and use of the Interim Federal Health Program for oral health.
Dentist IFH Survey Results summarizes dentists’ feedback on the use and application of the IFH program for refugees.
A Dentist’s Quick Overview of Interim Federal Health helps dentists understand this program in order to encourage its use for their eligible patients.
External Healthcare Resources
The Provincial Language Services (PLS) provides interpreting services in more than 200 languages. Interpreting services are available at Island Health and various other health care services 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provided at no charge to B.C. patients and/or their families. Contact your health care provider if you are a patient and/or their designate.
National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4)
N4 is a national network for the diversity of providers who assist newcomers in navigating the complex Canadian healthcare and social service systems. We provide opportunities for professional development, education, virtual discussions, networking, and the sharing of data and resources. We aim to promote best practices in the field of newcomer navigation, with the ultimate goal of improving the experience of newcomers to Canada.
GVLIP Employment Resources
Want to create an inclusive workplace? Find helpful resources here.
GVLIP Partners
GVLIP partners are people and organizations in the community who advise on Employment, Equity, Health, Housing and newcomer integration. Contact us to find out more!
ICA Stories
ICA stories reflect the diversity of our community. This section profiles stories of newcomers' challenges and successes, including people who have just arrived and others who have built their lives in Greater Victoria.