Perhaps your business is a cultural diversity leader? Have you adopted a noteworthy policy or initiated a new program you would like to share?

Whether your business is big or small, based in Surrey or not, there are awards that recognize the efforts and innovations of employers working to build inclusive workplaces and to support newcomers enter and be successful within the local labour market. Learn about these awards here; consider putting your company forward or making a nomination.


DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society Employer Engagement Awards

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s Employer Engagement Event celebrates employers and local businesses in Surrey who are champions and partners in their commitment to the successful integration of newcomers into the labour market. DIVERSEcity recognizes that excellence, engagement and strong partnerships are the cornerstone to our commitment to meet the needs of our growing newcomer populations settling into Surrey and the surrounding communities.

2018 Employer Award Recipients

Mosaic Millwork  
This organization has gone above and beyond as an employer by demonstrating flexibility, growth and accommodation for a client with language barriers: They found creative ways to work around barriers and to connect with a mentor who patiently taught our client in his first weeks on the job as well as offered to sponsor our client’s pursuit of an apprenticeship.

CIBC 
This organization demonstrated flexibility and accommodation. Originally the CIBC branch manager was hiring for Richmond location but the client mentioned about the challenges of being a new immigrant without a vehicle or driver’s license. To accommodate the client’s needs, the branch manager recommended him for available positions in Surrey locations that resulted in the client successfully securing a position in one of the Surrey branches.

Canada Health Solutions
This organization demonstrated commitment to growth and advancement by providing full-time opportunity and overtime options to supplement income. The client’s previous education and experience was recognized for providing advancement opportunities. The client got promoted from a call center position to an accounts and auditing position.


Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards

The Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards started in 2003 to recognize the best practices of Fraser Valley organizations, initiatives and businesses in recognizing the diversity of our community. The Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity is organized by the Abbotsford Community Services (a non-profit organization in British Columbia) in partnership with the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Mission Community Services, Chilliwack Community Services and Crosspoint Communications.


British Columbia Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards

British Columbia Multicultural Awards recognize multicultural champions – individuals and organizations who go the extra mile to promote multiculturalism, address racism and help build inclusive communities in our province.

There are five categories open to showcase those who promote multiculturalism and inclusion in their communities. The categories are individual, business, organization, youth and multicultural excellence in government.

Check out past award recipients.


Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award

The Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award recognizes an outstanding new Canadian who has started a successful business in B.C. This individual has overcome adversity, exhibits leadership both in their community and within their business, and has strong track record of business growth.

The Best Immigrant Entrepreneur Award is managed by Small Business BC and is sponsored by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Business Immigrant Integration Support.


Canada’s Best Diversity Employers

Canada’s Best Diversity Employers recognizes employers across Canada that have exceptional workplace diversity and inclusiveness programs. This competition examines a range of diversity initiatives, including programs for five major employee groups: (a) Women; (b) Members of visible minorities; (c) Persons with disabilities; (d) Indigenous peoples; and (e) LGBT+ peoples.

Winners for 2019


Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards

This national annual award is a peoples’ choice award that recognizes inspirational immigrants who have come to Canada, achieved success and made a positive difference living here. Whether it’s a community advocate or volunteer, a successful entrepreneur or a cultural icon, this Canadian national award recognizes immigrants’ achievements from all walks of life. There is also a subset award for Settlement Agency Award of the year.

Visit canadianimmigrant.ca/rbctop25 


Leadership Recognition Awards

The Leadership Recognition Awards recognizes the innovation, leadership and commitment of partners, employers, immigrant serving organizations and professional member organizations in supporting and promoting the employment of skilled immigrants in BC.

In recognition of these individuals and organizations, IEC-BC held its first Leadership Recognition Awards event on April 9, 2015 in Vancouver.

Click here for profiles of IEC-BC Leadership Recognition Awards recipients.