IMSS paints colourful inspirational hopscotch to spread joy

“The people who are walking on the sidewalk, I want them to play and then walk from there. It’s fun for them and at the same time, they’re learning inspiring words as well.”

IMSS has been in Northern BC for nearly 43 years, helping new immigrants to integrate themselves into the Canadian culture.

While Canadians are facing the reality of a global pandemic, new Canadians come with their own struggles amidst mandated social distancing.

Right now because of COVID-19, Saxena says they are struggling with face-to-face services.

“We are getting a lot of inquiries about finding jobs right now. It’s a very tough situation. For international students, they are struggling in understanding how to get their money from the government,” said Saxena. “The government has provided everything to them, but like how to get there and access it. We are providing every service from home, and the language is a big challenge that we are facing. Some of the people who are newcomers, they’re finding difficulty to schedule doctors appointments and how to apply for funding.”

While their office is closed due to the pandemic, IMSS continues to provide their services virtually, a change from their regular face-to-face interactions.

According to Statistics Canada, an average of 178 immigrants came to Prince George per year between 2013 and 2017.

by Ethan Ready

IMSS paints colourful inspirational hopscotch to spread joy

What's Trending