PIRS’ Childcare Leadership Group turns lived experience into action for a stronger, more equitable childcare system.
Vancouver, BC – March 4, 2026 — As British Columbia continues implementing significant childcare reforms, families and educators navigate the system in different ways. For immigrant and refugee women in particular, barriers such as language gaps, unclear processes, limited workforce stability, and challenges in credential recognition can shape how policies translate into daily life — influencing access to employment, education, and full participation in society.
“Families like mine shouldn’t have to choose between survival and stability. We came here with hope — and with the right support, we can contribute fully to our communities,” shared a participant of PIRS’ Childcare Leadership Group.
Through the Building a Child Care System project, PIRS supports immigrant and refugee women in bringing their lived experience into policy dialogue — not only as service users, but as leaders, educators, and contributors to system improvement. At the centre of the initiative is the Childcare Leadership Group (CLG), comprised of women who navigate childcare both as mothers seeking care and as early childhood educators and assistants working within the sector.
Over a 14-month leadership journey, participants engaged in facilitated workshops, peer learning, and community-based research. They met with advisory bodies and elected officials, participated in broader childcare discussions, and shared lived experiences. The resulting report outlines community-informed recommendations to improve equitable access, strengthen career pathways, and support workforce stability.
The report was presented during a PIRS-hosted event that brought together government representatives, policymakers, advocates, and community members.
“Childcare policy works best when it reflects the lived realities of the families and educators who sustain the sector,” said Mariam Bouchoutrouch, Executive Director of PIRS. “PIRS was one of the first organizations to deliver child care alongside language learning programs, recognizing that care is essential infrastructure for immigrant women to fully participate in their communities and the workforce. When access is equitable, the result is a stronger, more inclusive system that benefits and contributes to Canada’s economy.”
For many participants, the initiative marked a shift from navigating systems to shaping them.
“Before joining the Childcare Leadership Group, I saw every day in my work as an educator how policy decisions impact immigrant and refugee families,” shared one participant. “Through this program, I gained the confidence to bring that experience into policy conversations and contribute to shaping solutions at a systems level.”
Sunita Dhir, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vancouver–Langara, participated in the event, underscoring the importance of sustained collaboration between community organizations and public institutions in strengthening inclusive childcare systems.
“Empowering women, strengthening leadership pathways, and bringing community insights into childcare policy make our system stronger,” said MLA Sunita Dhir. “Our government understands how essential childcare is to building strong, thriving communities — especially for newcomer women and families who often face additional barriers.”
The Childcare Leadership Group is part of PIRS’ multi-year initiative Building a Childcare System that Works for Immigrant and Refugee Women 2.0, supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). Since 2022, more than 65 immigrant and refugee women have participated across four cohorts, bringing practical, lived expertise into policy conversations at municipal, provincial, and national levels.
About Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS)
Founded in 1975, Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee women and their children to build meaningful, fulfilling lives in Canada. Through trauma-informed programs and strong partnerships, PIRS works to reduce systemic barriers, advance inclusion, and strengthen communities across the Lower Mainland. To date, PIRS has supported more than 28,000 women and children, recognizing lived experience as a vital source of leadership, resilience, and social change.