Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

+ What is the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP)?

BVIP is a non-profit partnership creating a more welcoming and inclusive Bow Valley. Our members represent every sector of the community from Lake Louise to Kananaskis. We work together to improve immigrant integration so that the Bow Valley will be a place where all residents can feel they belong and participate in all areas of community life.

We help the community embrace new locals so that they can stay and feel at home here in the Bow Valley.

+ What does BVIP do?

We create change in the community in two main ways: Systemic Change and Community Impact.

We research: We listen to the community to learn about what is and not working about integration in the area, then we work together to address those issues

We collaborate: We bring together people from different parts of the community to find ways to solve integration challenges in the ow Valley.

In 2014, and again in 2018, we conducted research (an ‘Integration Assessment’) that helped us find the most pressing integration challenges at the time. We then created strategies to address those concerns. We have implemented the 2015-2018 strategy, and are now working on implementation of the 2019-2023 Bow Valley Integration Strategy. Some of the actions in our strategy are things that BVIP is doing as a group, but others are things that our member organizations are doing.

We also:

• Help coordinate services for immigrants
• Help organizations share resources to achieve common goals related to integration.
• Help people and organizations in the Bow Valley understand immigrant needs and ways to support new residents
• Promote welcoming attitudes and address discrimination, racism, or misconceptions about immigrants
• Identify new or emerging integration needs and plan ways to respond to them.

+ What is BVIP currently working on?

BVIP’s priorities for 2019-2023 are:

• Workforce Development
• Welcoming Attitudes & Behaviours
• Civic and political participation
• Community Readiness

Our members identified these priorities through a thorough research process in 2019.

+ What doesn’t BVIP do?

BVIP does not provide any direct services such as education, orientation, counselling, or referrals for immigrants or newcomers. The following organizations provide direct services for immigrants in the Bow Valley:

Settlement Services in the Bow Valley: Provides services for Permanent Residents of Canada including refugees. Learn more https://banff.ca/settlement

Foreign Worker Support Services: Offers services for foreign workers (working holiday, IEC, etc.). Learn more: https://banff.ca/

Community Connections in the Bow Valley: Matches new Bow Valley residents with long-term residents to help newcomers get to know the community, and more. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/community.connections.bv

+ How is BVIP funded and structured?

BVIP is one of about 80 Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The Partnership Council is the decision making body for BVIP and includes representatives of different sectors as well as the co-chairs of the Immigrant Advisory Group. The Immigrant Advisory Group and 5 committees provide guidance to the Partnership Council. Work groups lead projects such as planning events. The Partnership is supported by backbone secretariat staff. Contact us for more information.

+ What is a 'welcoming community'? What is 'integration'?

A welcoming community is a place where there is strong desire to include newcomers in community life, as well as the capacity to help make that happen.

The term ‘integration’ can be used to describe a person’s process after they arrive in a new country. In that case, it means the process of settling and becoming more involved in their community. It can also be used to describe a community.

In an integrated community, foreign-born residents are included in and participate in social, economic, and civic or political life equally to Canadian-born residents. Integration is often called a ‘two way street’ because for it to be successful both Canadian-born and foreign-born residents must adapt to one another.

+ What is the Immigrant Advisory Group (IAG)?

The Immigrant Advisory Group is a permanent advisory body to the BVIP Partnership Council and consists of foreign-born volunteers from Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Western MD of Bighorn, and Kananaskis. Immigrant Advisory Group members draw on their personal experiences and knowledge to ensure BVIP actions are grounded in the lived experience of Bow Valley immigrants.

Why do we have a separate group for immigrants?

The Partnership Council is made up of one representative for each organization on the council and the co-chairs of the Immigrant Advisory Group. Having a small number of members allows the Partnership Council to hold effective meetings. However, it is extremely important that Partnership Council decisions consider the lived experiences of immigrants in the Bow Valley. The Immigrant Advisory Group helps amplify the voice of immigrants in the BVIP planning process.

+ What is involved in being an IAG member?

We hold 4 meetings a year or as needed, alternating when possible between Banff and Canmore. Meetings are usually held on weekday evenings for 2-2.5 hours each time (ex. 5:15pm-8:00pm) but meeting times are decided by the group. Between meetings, members sometimes receive emails with questions for feedback, documents to review, or requests for help by sharing information to immigrants, newcomers, and the community. Sometimes, additional volunteer opportunities are available, such as helping out at multicultural events or on sub-committees. IAG members commit about 8 hours every 3 months.

We are looking for people who can commit to at least one year of participation. We ask that members commit to a minimum of 3 out of 4 meetings for the BVIP calendar year.

+ What type of work does the IAG do?

Advising on the activities of BVIP from the perspective of newcomers.(Example: Making recommendations about BVIP priorities, helping to plan activities to build a welcoming community, contributing to marketing campaigns, volunteer involvement in sub-committees to lead special projects, suggesting new partnerships, and more.)

• Sharing information between BVIP and community groups
• Assisting in recruitment of new IAG members throughout the year
• Assisting in election of IAG chairpersons and liaisons to the BVIP Council
• Promoting the work and values of BVIP through friends, community channels, and networks
• Acting as champions of welcoming and inclusive communities

+ How can I get involved in BVIP?

There are many ways to get involved with BVIP. We are always looking for committed organizations and volunteer community members to join.

You can help us achieve our strategic goals by joining a Committee, Work Group, or Task Force. You will work with other active community members by meeting regularly to discuss and respond to community needs. You can also volunteer on BVIP projects and events. Learn more: www.bvipartnership.com/join