Chris Friesen
Chris Friesen has been at the forefront as a key settlement sector leader, media spokesperson and academic research collaborator on the shifting immigration and refugee resettlement movements in BC, Canada and internationally for over 30 years. Besides his current role as Chief Operating Officer for one of Canada’s largest settlement agency, ISSofBC, Mr. Friesen was recently the Interim Co-Executive Director of the Canadian Immigrant Settlement Sector Alliance (CISSA-ACSEI) and a founder/ co-chair of the first year of Operation Ukrainian Safe Haven. For over 10 years, Chris was the Co-Chair of Canada’s National Settlement and Integration Council. Mr. Friesen was also an instrumental member of the concept and design of the ISSofBC Welcome Centre facility for newcomers in Metro Vancouver. During Operation Parasol, Chris was a key sector leader involved in on going national discussions with the federal government advocating for greater sector role in the post arrival phase. He is the recipient of the 2024 National Metropolis Service Provider Award of Excellence.