The Smithers Community Services Association is leading the efforts of a new program directed at helping newcomers to Canada resettle in Smithers.

The local immigration partnership, LIP, aims to work with stakeholders in rural communities be better prepared to help resettle immigrants and refugees to local communities.

Through the English Language and Multicultural Services department, Senior Program Manager, Petra Kost and LIP coordinator Anne Desplanches are hoping to build a LIP council in Smithers that would help direct a community strategy to local immigration.