Finance committee  I think that's the most important thing that we have to do. As you said, it's not just new Canadians. It's not just newcomers. Everyone struggles with housing. Our organization serves newcomers. That's why I'm bringing the newcomer perspective. Given that, in housing, there's a shortage of housing and huge competition for affordable housing, so newcomers just don't have a chance.

Finance committee  I would just note that where we are doing well as a country is that we do have an incredibly robust system on settlement supports, with organizations across the country. There is an incredible network. We are the envy of the world. I have the opportunity to go and speak at international conferences.

Finance committee  I'd be happy to respond. We need to recognize the role that employers are going to play. We can spend a lot of money on credentials recognition and training, but in the end, that piece of paper or recognition doesn't actually lead to a job. It's working with employers, changing the culture within employers, motivating them to create those opportunities and recognizing that employers do have a role in providing on-the-job training.

Finance committee  Good afternoon. My name is Olga Stachova. It's a privilege to be here today to speak on behalf of MOSAIC, a B.C.-based settlement organization. I would like to start by acknowledging that we are meeting today on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people, and I'd like to pay my respects to their elders.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you. Yes, I came to Canada 20 years ago very eager to build my life in Canada. I came with two master's degrees, a very good knowledge of English and work experience, but it took me a while to get a job. Because I knew someone who knew someone who knew someone, I landed my first job stocking shelves at Chapters.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  It would be, and it's like three levels, for example, copying the very successful core program that exists at the universities. The structure is there. It works well. It was recognized that they not only test drive talent, but they also have an obligation to help youth gain experience, and the same model or the youth employment strategy and program could be easily applicable to newcomers.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  We would have not necessarily credentials.... For example, in one of the programs we did with the BC Care Providers Association, we actually delivered it with a college that has designed with us and with the employers' program that a cohort would go through and then move into jobs where they actually apply on the job what they learned.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  When it comes to LINC, I understand that the government introduced the portfolio-based learning approach. We've seen great results in the four language centres we are running, but you're right that there are certain groups that don't work well with this. There's a lot of pressure for them to progress.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Not that—

Citizenship and Immigration committee  In B.C., we have a number of programs that support newcomers in, again, recognizing credentials, getting additional training and a pathway to jobs, even support on the job. They're called career paths. They're delivered jointly through the B.C. government and the support of the federal government.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Honourable Chair and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today on behalf of MOSAIC, a B.C.-based immigrant-serving organization. I would like to begin by acknowledging that we are meeting today on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.