As we reflect on CVIMS Fiscal Year 2025/2026, we recognize this as a year of strategic growth, sector leadership, and strengthened community impact. Grounded in our mission and guided by collaboration, this year positioned CVIMS not only as a regional service provider, but as a respected voice within the provincial and national newcomer-serving sector.
In April, we launched the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) as a new initiative under a three-year IRCC agreement. The introduction of LIP marked an important milestone for Central Vancouver Island. As a community-wide planning table, LIP brings together municipality, service providers, employers, educational institutions, and community leaders to identify gaps, coordinate responses, and advance welcoming and inclusive communities. Establishing this framework strengthens long-term integration outcomes and ensures shared responsibility for newcomer success across the region.
Throughout the fiscal year, CVIMS also demonstrated leadership at both provincial and national levels. Our team attended and presented at numerous conferences and sector gatherings focused on Case Management, Resettlement, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS), and at the national Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) and Metropolis conferences. Through these engagements, CVIMS contributed to advancing best practices, strengthening professional standards, sharing tools and resources, and participating in sector-wide dialogue that shapes newcomer services across Canada.
We were also proud to host the first-ever Settlement Service Providers Conference on Vancouver Island, welcoming 150 participants from across the Island. This landmark gathering created space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strengthened regional alignment among organizations serving newcomers.
Locally, we continued to foster connection and belonging through community initiatives and partnerships. From sector convenings to youth engagement and community celebrations, our work remained rooted in collaboration and responsiveness to evolving newcomer needs.
This fiscal year also marked a leadership transition. We extend our sincere appreciation to outgoing Executive Director Mikaela Torres for her dedicated service. I am honoured to step into the role of Executive Director and to continue advancing CVIMS’ strategic vision alongside our skilled team and committed partners.
None of this progress would be possible without the sustained support of our funders and donors. Your investment enables innovation, strengthens partnerships, and ensures newcomers across our region receive coordinated, compassionate, and high-quality services.
As we step into the new fiscal year 2026–2027, we do so with confidence and clarity of purpose. We remain committed to deepening partnerships, advancing best practices, and strengthening our collective impact — locally, provincially, and nationally.
