Art Therapy
2026-02-27 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
February 27, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

A Celebration of African Cultures
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00
Everyone is welcome to Experience an interactive day of African storytelling, art and music.
With Special Guests:
Tania Amaral (Mozambique)
Karingana wa karingana: Reading African Tales with Children
Beni Rene (Madagascar)
Interactive Music and Dance Session
Saturday, February 28
1pm – 3 pm
Harbourfront Library, 90 Commercial St.
Free for Everyone
contact shaynes@cvims.org for more information

Library Youth Club
2026-03-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-10 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-17 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-24 16:30 - 18:30 | Vancouver Island Regional Library, 90 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5G4, Canada
Are you looking for a fun way to spend your free time? Join our Library Youth Club and dive into a world of creativity, games, and movies! Open to all youth ages 12-18

🎨 Art Fun: Enjoy drawing, painting, and crafting. We have all the supplies you need!

🎲 Board Games: Play cool board games with your friends. We have many games to choose from!

🎬 Movies: Watch movies with us. We have the latest films and classic favorites!

🕹️ And More: We also have special events and activities. You will always find something new and exciting!

REGISTER: CVIMS – Youth Connections
Day: Every Tuesday, from January 6 – March 24, 2026 (Excluding Holidays)
Time: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Location: Creative Commons – Nanaimo Harbourfront Library.

English Games Club
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Rd, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 2W8, Canada
Are you looking for a safe space to practice English? Join our Youth English Club, weekly sessions on Wednesdays!
Enjoy fun games, free snacks, and make new friends while using English.
Tuesdays, January 14 – March 11, 2026 (Excluding Holidays)
Lunch Time
Room C119, Wellington Secondary School
To register or for more information, contact Eutah – emizushima@cvims.org

Volunteer Appreciation Night
2026-03-04 17:00 - 19:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Join us for our Volunteer Appreciation night at our Selby office, 101-319 Selby Street.

Workplace Health and Safety
2026-03-05 11:30 - 12:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you new to working in Canada? Join this informative session to better understand your workplace rights and responsibilities so you can feel confident and protected on the job. Knowing your rights and how to respond to safety concerns is essential for creating a safe and respectful work environment.
Stay informed. Stay safe. Work with confidence.
In this session, you will learn:

Your basic rights as a worker in Canada
Your responsibilities at work
What to do if you feel unsafe at work
Who to talk to if you have a safety concern

To Register Email workshops@cvims.org
In person and Online
101-319 Selby Street Room 23

CIBC Career Paths
2026-03-11 16:30 - 17:30
Join us for a CIBC Career Paths Information Session to learn about career opportunities in the banking sector. Learn:
• What the CIBC Career Paths Program offers
• Career pathways and roles within CIBC
• Skills and qualifications needed
• How to apply
In Person and Online
To register Email workshops@cvims.org

LinkedIn
2026-03-12 11:00 - 12:30
Do you want to learn how to use LinkedIn effectively for job search?
A practical workshop on how to use LinkedIn for job searching.
Participants will learn how to create a strong profile, use job search tools, and build a professional network to connect with employers.
In person and Online
To register email employ@cvims.org
Event Registration
Location: 155 Skinner St #201 Classroom 1

Credential Evaluation
2026-03-19 11:00 - 12:30
Come and learn about the process
organizations who offer this and what they
mean when completed.
In person and Online
Location: 155 Skinner St #201
To register email employ@cvims.org

Youth Art Therapy
2026-03-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Bastion CVIMS, 103 - 235 Bastion Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R 3A4, Canada
Come join this safe and welcoming space where creativity meets healing! Whether you are an experienced artist or new to the creative process, you can be part of this session where you will have the opportunity to create, reflect, and heal through art. Navigate emotions and promote personal growth, connect with yourself and like-minded individuals.
No previous art skills are required – just an open mind and a desire to explore.
Ages: 19 – 25
Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 7:00pm
REGISTER: HERE

Art Therapy
2026-03-20 10:00 - 13:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Art therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing through guided creative expression. Join Amélie Blanchard, a Registered Art Therapist and Pauline Goh, Clinical Counsellor help you explore and express your emotions through creativity in a safe and supportive environment. The Art Therapy workshop is a safe group open to all skill levels.
March 20, Room 9 & 10
Time: 9:45 0am – 1:00 pm
Interested? Event Registration

Indigenous Storytelling
2026-03-22 10:00 - 11:30
Listen to Uncle Randy share traditional tales and adventures from Tseshaht First Nation culture.
Sunday, March 22nd
10-11:30 am
Literacy Central Vancouver Island – 19 Commercial Street
For children 5-10 years old (accompanied by parents)
REGISTER HERE

Good Friday (CVIMS Closed)
2026-04-03

Easter Monday (CVIMS Closed)
2026-04-06

World Earth Day
2026-04-22 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Interactive Workshop for Newcomers in Nanaimo
Learn. Practice. Feel Confident. Make a Difference.
Are you new to Nanaimo and unsure how to manage your household waste? Join our interactive workshop designed to help you understand local waste sorting rules and build confidence in your daily routine.
What You’ll Learn
Sort Waste the Right WayLearn how to correctly separate recycling, compost, and garbage according to Nanaimo’s guidelines.
Understand Local RulesGet familiar with local waste management practices and avoid common mistakes.
Reduce Household WasteDiscover simple and practical ways to minimize waste at home.
Support a Cleaner CommunityContribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable Nanaimo.
Build Everyday ConfidenceFeel confident managing your waste and navigating daily life in your new community.
For more information contact workshops@cvims.org

Interim Federal Health Program info session
2026-04-28 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
What You’ll Learn
Stay informed about upcoming updates to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). This session will help you understand what’s changing and how it may affect you.
Key Topics:
What’s Changing:An overview of important IFHP updates taking effect on May 1, 2026
Impact on Your Coverage:How these changes may affect your current health benefits and eligibility
Covered Services:A clear breakdown of which services will continue to be covered—and which may no longer be included
What You Need to Do:Steps you should take to ensure your coverage continues without interruption
April 28, 2026
4:30pm – 5:30 pm
Selby Office, Room 10
Register at: workshops@cvims.org

Emergency Preparedness
2026-04-29 16:30 - 17:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Are you ready for emergencies? You should always be prepared for whatever might come!
Join this information session and learn what and how to prepare for emergencies specific to living on Vancouver Island. Understand local risks and learn how to respond with confidence.
In this workshop you will learn common emergencies, what to include in a household emergency kit, how to create an emergency plan, staying informed, and more! Special Guest: Evan Lloyd, Emergency Manager of City of Nanaimo.
Come and learn, be prepared!
REGISTER: workshops@cvims.org
Date and time: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, | 4:30 – 5:45pm
In-person and online!

Job Search Strategies
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:30
Learn how to boost your job search through better applications, networking and hidden job opportunities.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
1pm – 2:30 pm
201-155 Skinner St – Cliff Centre Classroom 1
Register at: Event Registration
for more information contact employ@cvims.org

Victoria Day - CVIMS Closed
2026-05-18

Work permit extension for refugee claimants info session
2026-05-20 16:30 - 18:00
In this session, you will:

Get guidance on how to complete the IMM5710 form
Learn how to create and use a GCKey account
Upload required documents correctly

This is an informational session only. Immigration advice will not be provided.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
4:30 pm – 6 pm
101-319 Selby Street, Classroom 23
Register: Event Registration
for more information contact employ@cvims.org

Resumes
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:30 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
In this workshop you can expect to:

Learn what Resumes are and what information to include to target the job you are applying for.
Learn tips and tricks to make you stand out
Get feedback on your own resume

Thursday, May 21, 2026, In person
201-155 Skinner street
REGISTER: Event Registration
for more information contact employ@cvims.org

Canadian Citizenship
2026-05-26 17:00 - 18:00
Learn about

Eligibility and Requirements
Process
Necessary documents and fees
What is on the test and how to study

In person or via Zoom
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
5 pm -6 pm
You can email workshops@cvims.org to register.
(spots are limited)

Workplaces that Thrive
2026-05-28 10:00 - 11:30
Workplaces that Thrive: Learning from Newcomer Voices
May 28th from 10:00-11:30 AM
ONLINE!
Newcomers AND employers (clients and community members welcome)
Register at Meeting Registration – Zoom (Registration in advance is required)

Social Prescribing
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00
Social Prescribing Information Session for Seniors
When: June 9, 2026 | 10:00–11:00 AM or 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Oliver Woods Community Centre, 6000 Oliver Rd, Nanaimo
Who Can Join: Adults aged 55+ and their family members or loved ones
Learn about free and low-cost programs and services available to seniors in Nanaimo. Social Prescribing connects older adults with community activities and supports that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
CVIMS clients will have the opportunity to meet with our Health Navigator and staff to explore local resources that help seniors stay healthy, active, and socially connected.
Register with your settlement worker, case manager, or send an email to workshops@cvims.org .

CRA Tax Clinic
2026-06-09 10:00 - 15:00 | CVIMS, 101-319 Selby Street, Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 2R4, Canada
Taxes? Got questions? Make an appointment to attend the CRA Tax Clinic and get one-on-one guidance, assistance and answers to your questions regarding taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Get assistance on:

Taxes
Government Benefits and Credits
GST/HST Guidelines
Pension Plans and Retirement Savings
CRA My Account Assistance

Contact your Settlement Worker to register
APPOINTMENTS ARE LIMITED

Cover Letter & Job Application
2026-06-11 13:00 - 14:30
When: June 11 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Where: 155 Skinner St, Suite 201, Classroom 1
Learn how to create a strong cover letter and improve your job application skills. This workshop covers cover letter formatting, customization, highlighting your skills and experience, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for successful job applications.
Participants will also have the opportunity to practice improving their own cover letters during the session.
Register here Event Registration – Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
Email employ@cvims.org for any questions.
