See how we’re shaping our community together

The power of language learning

52 children thrived in ICA’s daycare
838 language learners supported

ICA’s language programs, from foundational literacy through Opening Doors to LINC classes tied to national benchmarks, help newcomers build the everyday skills and confidence needed for independence, from riding the bus to workplace communication. Free childminding lets parents focus fully in class.

Kherat’s story illustrates this. With her son Youssef cared for downstairs in ICA’s childminding program, she was able to attend classes regularly and is now nearing completion of LINC Level 4, feeling more confident and hopeful about her family’s future.

Building a strong Canadian workforce

88% of multi-barriered clients found employment or relevant training

Internationally trained professionals often struggle to find work matching their skills in Canada, risking a loss of valuable talent (notably in health care, where newcomers make up 40% of the workforce). ICA addresses this through employment bridging, mentorship, training, and job search support, helping nearly 3,000 clients enter or re-enter the workforce since 2021.

Daniel’s story shows this journey: a 30-year engineering veteran who submitted over 100 applications before landing a role as Project Coordinator at BC Ferries, a process that took four years and taught him to navigate Canadian hiring culture and networking.

“Rejection does not always mean you are not capable. Sometimes it means you are still learning how to translate your experience into a new market.”

–Daniel Bustamante, Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Client, ICA

Transforming workplaces and communities

5,500 people participated in ICA’s Tools for Equity programs

ICA’s equity programs draw on its long history of racial equity and community education work, helping organizations move from good intentions to concrete action. Tools for Equity offers paid training, consultation, and coaching so workplaces can recognize and respond to racism and discrimination while strengthening inclusive policies and culture.

Bystander Intervention Training builds people’s confidence to safely intervene when discrimination occurs, and has reached organizations like KIA Victoria, UBC, and the Department of National Defence. By reshaping workplaces and systems rather than just supporting individuals, these programs help create conditions where newcomers can more fully participate, lead, and belong.

“Workplaces hire us when they need practical, culturally relevant, and equity-centred services that drive systemic workforce changes.”

–Billie Tes, Manager of Employee Engagement & Equity, ICA

Community & Wellbeing

500+ workshop sessions hosted, from sewing circles to support groups

ICA has hosted more than 500 workshop sessions, each one a place to find solace and friendship. Through its partnership with Camosun College, 71 children received dental care, and roughly 130 clients and 15 staff were vaccinated at ICA’s first-ever vaccination clinic.