Immigrant Advisory Team
The Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP) always welcome new members with lived experience as an immigrant or refugee in Greater Victoria. If you have a passion for improving immigration and newcomer experiences in a collaborative environment, you will be an asset at our table! We encourage you to apply.
What is the Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP)?
The Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership – also known as the GVLIP – is a community-based partnership designed to strengthen local capacity to attract, welcome, and integrate newcomers. It brings together a broad coalition of individuals, agencies, and institutions focused on improving the settlement outcomes of new immigrants and offers a framework through which innovative actions can be generated to optimize the welcoming and inclusive nature of our region.
The main areas of GVLIP participation include:
Partnership Council provides leadership, direction, and support to the GVLIP as a whole to develop a coordinated, comprehensive, and strategic approach to immigration and integration that fits the needs of our region.
Immigrant Advisory Team ensures the ongoing participation and perspectives of immigrants and newcomers in the GVLIP and encourages their contributions to building its vision.
Sector Tables form working groups that focus on specific sectors, such as health, housing, etc. They work to suggest and implement changes in the region.
What does the Immigrant Advisory Team (IAT) do?
The Immigrant Advisory Team seek to build Greater Victoria as a welcoming community. They bring much-needed first-hand understanding of the challenges and issues that are faced by newcomers to the region. Participating in the IAT makes sure that the voices of immigrant communities are heard. It brings together immigrant perspectives and encourages their contribution to building the vision of the GVLIP.
The Immigrant Advisory Team meets up to five times per year. Co-chairs of the IAT also attend Partnership Council meetings, and IAT members may voluntarily join a Sector Table where appropriate.
The Immigrant Advisory Team includes representation from a range of countries of origin, length of time in Canada, occupational backgrounds, age, and gender.
Roles and responsibilities of the IAT include:
- Provide feedback on the GVLIP and its work;
- Participate in community consultations and review research findings;
- Provide data and insight to further shape the strategic plans and actions;
- Reach out to ethno-specific communities to encourage participation in GVLIP work;
- Act as champions for the GVLIP.
Members are selected for two-year terms with the option to renew for consecutive terms.
How can I become an Immigrant Advisory Team member?
Contact Hanna Kontomyrova, Greater Victoria Local Immigration Partnership (GVLIP) Coordinator
Email: hkontomyrova@icavictoria.org
GVLIP is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
