I was shocked and saddened this week when I heard the news that two long-time, devoted employees of Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) of Prince George had their contracts terminated by IMSS board members.
I have had the pleasure to work with both of these women on and off over the past ten years as they administered various settlement and English language teaching contracts.
One of them, as head of settlement services, was a tireless worker, spending hours of her own time to ensure that the office ran smoothly and her clients were given the very best service as she guided them through their settlement in Canada.
Likewise, the other woman worked tirelessly as coordinator of English language programs, the onsite daycare, and the satellite IMSS site in Williams Lake.
She is also one of the only qualified language testers in northern B.C., and the only person, locally, who can determine language levels for placement in government-funded language programs.
Both of these women spent hours researching, writing, and editing contract proposals in order to bring in the funds required to carry out the many valuable programs that IMSS offers. They carried out their duties with grace, good humour, and a high degree of professionalism.
It is hard to imagine the reasons behind the dismissal of these two outstanding women after their many years of devoted service. It is even harder to believe that they can ever be replaced.
Jennifer Little
Prince George
