Recognized for its responsive programs, SOICS was invited in 2012 to a roundtable meeting with the Immigration Task Force chaired by John Yap, Minister of State for Multiculturalism. One notable outcome of this meeting was the shorter processing time for BC Provincial Nominee Program applications. This benefited both employers wishing to retain skilled workers and for the foreign workers wishing to immigrate and settle in the region. The Minister returned to the South Okanagan to visit both the Penticton and Oliver centres and participated in active discussions with clients and recognized our achievements at SOICS.