Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent Launched
BC Chamber of Commerce and Immigrant Employment Council of BC’s new initiative will help employers recruit, onboard, and retain skilled immigrants.
The BC Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen local businesses across BC by tapping into the immigrant talent pipeline.
Running through to Spring 2026, the Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent program help businesses address workforce shortages by improving their recruitment and retention strategies for international talent already in BC. The initiative will engage local Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a suite of tools, employer programs, webinars and roundtables.
“This strategic partnership directly supports our mission to connect our members with tools and resources that can help make them more successful,” said Alex McMillan, CEO (Interim) of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to work with IEC-BC. Their expertise, insights and programming will bring real value to our members, especially those navigating labour challenges.”
“We are proud to work with the BC Chamber of Commerce,” said Patrick Mackenzie, CEO of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC. “Combining our expertise with the BC Chamber’s incredible reach across the province will allow us to help more of BC’s employers recognize and hire the immigrant talent that already lives in their communities. Canadian businesses, especially small businesses, often struggle to recruit and retain immigrant talent in roles that fully use their skills. This partnership will help more employers overcome these challenges and strengthen workforces already impacted by global uncertainty.”
Through the agreement, Chamber members will receive access to IEC-BC’s signature programs, including ASCEND for Employees, B2B MentorConnect, TalentConnect, and FAST, alongside a growing library of modular, co-branded resources.
In addition, the MOU commits both organizations to exploring areas of coordinated policy and advocacy efforts.
“At its core, this collaboration represents more than just shared programming: it’s a bold alignment of two organizations committed to building stronger, more resilient communities through inclusive workforce development,” added Mackenzie.
“Unlocking the talents of new Canadians will help grow and allow businesses in BC to flourish. Communities in every corner of British Columbia will benefit,” added McMillan.
For more information, please visit the Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent webpage.
-30-
About the Immigrant Employment Council of BC
The Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) is a not-for-profit organization that equips employers with practical tools to attract, hire, and retain skilled immigrants. Through employer collaboration and innovative programming, IEC-BC supports the successful integration of global talent into British Columbia’s labour market, fueling long-term economic growth.
About the BC Chamber of Commerce
The BC Chamber of Commerce is the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province. Representing 85 local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade and 32,000 businesses of every size and from every sector and region of the province, the BC Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to “Know What’s on BC’s Mind.”
Media Contacts
Immigrant Employment Council of BC Communications
BC Chamber of Commerce Communications