Recently, there have been two exciting provincial government announcements related to life for newcomers to Northwest BC:

March 28, 2024Expanding multi-language support, services for newcomers

  • Starting Monday, April 1, 2024, a new and expanded newcomer-services program will increase support for people to settle into their new communities, practise their English and find work. 
  • The Province has more than quadrupled funding for newcomer services, from $6 million to $25.6 million per year, partnering with 30 organisations throughout British Columbia.

July 15, 2024B.C. sets higher standards, strengthens protections for international students

  • The Province is introducing new protections for international students by setting higher standards and more rigorous requirements for institutions enrolling international students. 
  • Among these protections is a new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice, which will require institutions to meet higher standards for student support and protection in order to be eligible to enrol international students.
Residents' Stories
Life in NWBC

Northwest Stories – The Zaitouni Family

Near the northern tip of Kaien Island in the city of Prince Rupert, in a metal-roofed building overlooking the ocean and Seal Cove Salt Marsh, there is a unique restaurant run by an inspiring family.  The restaurant is Arabisk, and the family are the Zaitounis: dad Khaldon (Steve), mom Tehama, their sons Tamim and Obie, and the brothers' partners, Sara and Shayna. 

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