40 Years. Building a Stronger North Island Together.
For 40 years, NIEFS has had the privilege of walking alongside the people, businesses, and communities that make the North Island such an incredible place to call home.
Since 1986, we've been part of thousands of stories. Stories of first jobs, career changes, growing businesses, new beginnings, community partnerships, and moments that changed someone's path.
As we celebrate this milestone, we're taking the opportunity to not only reflect on where we've been, but even more importantly, to celebrate the people who have made the journey possible.
That's where you come in.
Whether you found your first job through NIEFS, hired an incredible employee, partnered with us on a community project, or simply shared a conversation that made a difference, your story is part of ours.
Throughout our 40th anniversary celebration, we're inviting our communities to share those memories. Visit our Campbell River or Port Hardy location to leave a note in our anniversary memory boxes, or email your story to [email protected].
Every message—big or small— will help us tell the real story of the last 40 years.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
We can't wait to see where the next chapter takes us.
Read the official press release.
A Message from Our Board Chair on Our 40th Anniversary
In 2026, we celebrate NIEFS’ 40th year supporting North Island workforces and communities.
In that time, we have been led by three remarkably capable Executive Directors – Doug Preston (founder), Val Meaney, and Shannon Baikie. We’ve had just four Board Chairs – Jim Harris, Urb Patrick, Gloria Heisterman, and myself.
Having just three EDs and four Board Chairs in 40 years has provided leadership continuity that allows for uncommon stability and impact, with the building of deep trust relationships.
Board and management at NIEFS have excelled in their dedication to long-term stewardship. Mission-driven governance has allowed us to maintain our focus on the community
It all began in August 1986 when the organization that grew to become NIEFS was founded by Doug Preston. At that time, it was called The Job Project, a project of the Strathcona Employment and Economic Development Society (SEEDS). The purpose of the project was to serve youth with significant employment barriers.
By 1994, The Job Project became Campbell River Employment Foundations Society (CREFS) – incorporating as an independent non-profit, and not long after registering as a charitable not-for-profit. Jim Harris, who had supported Doug from the very beginning, was the Founding Board Chair.
In the late 90s, this organization helped the North Island’s businesses and workforce move through the downsizing of the Pacific Coast fisheries and the need for forestry workers to transition to new occupations. CREFS became NIEFS (North Island Employment Foundations Society) with employment centers in Campbell River and Port Hardy, and was the largest provider of forestry transition services in BC.
In that same period, NIEFS was the first organization in Canada to pilot the delivery of the federal Skill Development Employment Benefit service, delivered out of Courtenay. Our delivery of that service grew to serve Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Hardy, Port Alberni and Powell River in those years.
As new programs and services became available, NIEFS took them on, often leading in innovation. We piloted on-line employment and skill development services for rural and remote communities on northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.
We went on to lead the development and implementation of BC’s first community-based accord on workforce development to link labour market information and occupational skill development with the human resource needs of employers and skill development needs of the workforce. We expanded our ability to work with individuals with disabilities and with immigrants.
NIEFS continues to look forward and to evolve in our service to the community.
We can do this thanks to the leadership of our current and past Executive Directors and the many community members who have served on NIEFS’ Board with dedication, intelligence, insight, and true stewardship.
Our community partners and funders are, of course, an essential part of our success. We appreciate the long-standing relationships and cooperative efforts.
However, none of this would be possible without the skill and enthusiasm of those who have worked for NIEFS. They deserve our sincere appreciation for all that they have given and continue to give.
Please join us in celebrating this milestone year – 40 years of service!
Nickie Polson, Board Chair