About
For more than 50 years, the Inter-Cultural Association (ICA) has supported the full integration of newcomer immigrants and resettled refugees into the social, economic and civic life of the Capital Region of British Columbia.
Helping Newcomers
Newcomers make our communities stronger: economically, culturally and socially. To ensure their success, ICA plays a critical role in helping immigrants get a positive start on their new lives in Canada by providing the services and resources they need to thrive.
Our organization takes a holistic approach to helping set up newcomers for success. We are honoured and proud to have helped more than 100,000 individuals and families as they transition to a new life in Canada.
Making a Difference
ICA makes a difference in the lives of newcomers through multiple programs that help them find housing and employment, navigate the health care system, learn English, and support students in their new schools. We help immigrants form community bonds and friendships that reduce isolation and foster positive connections. Serving more than 2,000 newcomers annually, ICA’s work ranges from guiding immigrant entrepreneurs as they create small businesses, to supporting vulnerable newcomers by helping them increase their skills and confidence to become healthy, contributing members of our community.
Our Philosophy
At ICA, we believe no one who joins our community should ever feel vulnerable or alone. In partnership with more than 600 community partners and generous donors and volunteers, ICA serves as a helping hand, a listening ear, and a tireless advocate for immigrants and refugees. Through our efforts, Greater Victoria grows stronger as an accepting, vibrant and diverse community. By empowering newcomers to share their skills and talents they bring to Canada, ICA will continue to have a positive impact on the community for years to come.
Our Impact
Over the past year, ICA has supported thousands of newcomers to Greater Victoria. Here are a few examples of the support we provide:
- 600 students enrolled in English language classes
- 12,000 direct client services including assessments, orientations, employment services, skills training and workshops
- 500 students and parents receive support in the schools through ICA’s Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program
- 200+ displaced Ukrainians welcomed and assisted since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine
Each year, ICA works with more than 2,000 newcomers to help them learn English, find housing and employment, and access healthcare is critical to them becoming fully engaged members of the community each year.
