Surrey LIP Blog: Facing the Future of Immigration: Advocacy, Innovation, and Community Preparedness

“As Canada adjusts its federal immigration targets in 2025, communities like Surrey face pressing questions about readiness and resilience in the face of change. Recent sweeping immigration changes, including restrictions on temporary residents and a projected 45% reduction in study permits between 2025 and 2026, will put British Columbia on the brink of population decline—a first in our province’s history. This will have far-reaching economic and social consequences,” writes Business in Vancouver (Issues to Watch in 2025: Federal Immigration Changes). 

These shifts underscore the importance of proactive dialogue and collaborative planning to support newcomers and long-standing residents alike.

The Surrey Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) invites you to a pivotal gathering to address the evolving dynamics of immigration in Canada. Join us on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the SFU Campus Surrey Central for the Community Stakeholder Forum. This year’s theme, Facing the Future of Immigration: Advocacy, Innovation, and Community Preparedness, sets the stage for an engaging and impactful event.

Why This Forum Matters

Immigration has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s identity, enriching our communities culturally, socially, and economically. However, recent shifts in immigration policies and rising anti-immigrant rhetoric pose significant challenges for newcomers and the systems designed to support them. The Surrey LIP Community Stakeholder Forum is a crucial platform for bringing together community leaders, service providers, policymakers, employers, and newcomers to critically examine these changes and develop strategies for a more inclusive, resilient future.

Objectives of the Forum

This event is more than a discussion; it is a call to action. Together, we aim to:

• Assess Local Readiness: Evaluate how well Surrey’s services and systems are prepared to meet the increasing and evolving needs of newcomers.
• Identify Service Gaps: Highlight challenges in settlement and integration services and develop innovative strategies to address them.
• Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaboration amongst settlement and community agencies, employers, and local government.
• Develop Resilience Strategies: Equip our community to adapt and thrive amidst policy changes and shifting political climates.

Key Discussion Points

The forum will explore critical questions such as:

• How can Surrey prepare for changes in immigration policies and rising political tensions?
• Are settlement services evolving to meet the needs of a diverse newcomer population?
• How can we balance the needs of newcomers and long-standing residents to ensure a harmonious community?
• What actionable steps can strengthen community partnerships and improve service delivery?

Speakers and Panelists

The forum will feature a panel of local settlement, community and non-profit leaders:

• Moderator – Neelam Sahota (Co-chair Surrey Local Immigration Partnership, CEO DIVERSEcity community resources society) 
• Katie Crocker (CEO, AMSAA), 
• Olga Stachova (CEO, MOSAIC), and 
• Zahra Esmail (CEO, Vantage Point) 

Who Should Attend?

This forum is open to:

• Community leaders and advocates
• Settlement service providers
• Employers and policymakers
• Newcomers and long-standing residents
• Anyone committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive community

A Collective Call to Action

As Surrey continues to grow and diversify, the need for thoughtful, proactive approaches to immigration and integration has never been greater. The Surrey LIP Community Stakeholder Forum is an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and prepare for the future. Together, we can ensure that Surrey remains a place where all residents—new and existing—can thrive.

Reserve your spot today and be part of shaping the future of immigration in Surrey!

To register for the Forum, go here. For more information about the Surrey LIP visit www.surreylip.ca. To connect with a member of the Surrey LIP team, email: surreylip@dcrs.ca

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