an alliance of university, community, and government partners dedicated to fostering welcoming communities and promoting the integration of immigrants and minorities across Canada
The Media Roundup provides links to recent and archived articles, in both English and French, on immigration and diversity appearing in the national and local news. Some international content is also included. Articles are updated weekly.
Radio-Canada – La réduction des soins de santé aux demandeurs d’asile viole la Charte
La Cour fédérale juge que la réduction, par Ottawa, de la couverture de soins de santé dont peuvent bénéficier de nombreux demandeurs d’asile viole la Charte des droits et libertés et constitue un traitement cruel. Sitôt la décision rendue, le gouvernement de Stephen Harper a annoncé qu’il irait en appel. La Cour juge que les modifications à cette couverture, apportées en 2012, peuvent compromettre en particulier la santé, la sécurité et même la vie des enfants qui ont été emmenés au Canada par leurs parents. En vertu de cette décision, le tribunal donne quatre mois au ministère de la Citoyenneté et de l’Immigration pour rétablir le programme initial. C’est que la juge Anne Mactavish estime que les modifications qu’a apportées Ottawa au Programme fédéral de santé intérimaire (PFSI) sont inconstitutionnelles, en ce sens qu’elles violent les articles 12 et 15 de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés.
Times Colonist – California City Becomes Latest Flashpoint in Escalating US Immigration Debate
Rumours had swirled among anti-immigration activists near a U.S. Border Patrol station in Southern California that the agency would try again to bus in some of the immigrants who have flooded across the U.S.-Mexico border. By Friday afternoon, dueling anti- and pro-immigration rallies had assembled. […] It was not certain, however, that any buses would arrive on Friday. Because of security concerns, federal authorities have said, they will not publicize immigrant transfers among border patrol facilities. […] The city has become the latest flashpoint in the intensifying immigration debate when a crowd of protesters waving U.S. flags blocked buses carrying women and children who were flown from overwhelmed Texas facilities amid an influx of immigrants. In recent months, thousands of children and families have fled violence, murders and extortion from criminal gangs in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. Since October, more than 52,000 unaccompanied children have been detained.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada News Release – Minister Alexander Travels to India Promoting the Strong Economic Ties Between Canada and India
Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander will travel to India, visiting New Delhi and Mumbai from July 5 – 10, 2014. During his visit, Minister Alexander will meet with senior government officials, entrepreneurs, students, and business leaders in the information technology and entertainment industries. He will highlight the many pathways to immigrate to Canada through diverse economic immigration programs, the launch of Canada’s Express Entry system in January 2015, and programs that facilitate the arrival and integration of immigrants to Canada, such as the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program. […] Minister Alexander will deliver a speech to members of the Confederation of Indian Industry Young Indians where he will focus on the important role of a strong and responsible immigration system in Canada’s successful economic development as well as Canada’s new Start-Up Visa for entrepreneurs.
CBC – Syrian Refugees Glad to be in Winnipeg, but Struggle to Feed Kids
They fled the violence and turmoil of their home in Homs, Syria. And while two families, the first Syrian refugees to arrive in Winnipeg, are grateful to be safe, they are struggling to feed their malnourished children. […] Speaking through a translator, Tarek Habash of the Syrian Assembly of Manitoba, Shhade Al Mansour said they first fled to Lebanon, then to Winnipeg. […] Al Mansour’s family has a two bedroom apartment as temporary housing. They have been given about $5,500, but it’s supposed to last until they have permanent housing. And there are concerns about this children’s health – a medical check found they are malnourished. And there isn’t enough money for prescriptions and food. The family’s lack of English is also weighing heavily on them, especially Houriyeh, whose pregnancy has been difficult.
CBC – Federal Government to Appeal Ruling Reversing “Cruel” Cuts to Refugee Health
The federal government will appeal a court decision overturning its cuts to refugee health-care funding, Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said today. Earlier Friday, the Federal Court released a decision giving the government four months to change federal cuts to refugee health care. The court threatened to strike down the changes. […] Judge Anne Mactavish ruled the federal cabinet has the power to make such changes and that the procedure was fair, but that the people affected by the changes are being subjected to “cruel and unusual” treatment. […] Mactavish wrote in her ruling that there is “no persuasive evidence to show that the changes to the eligibility and coverage provisions of theIFHP have served to deter unmeritorious claims, thereby reducing the cost of the program.”
Radio-Canada International – Il faut bien traiter les travailleurs saisonniers au Québec
Les producteurs agricoles du Québec vont bénéficier du coup de main d’environ 8 500 travailleurs saisonniers cet été. Plus de 700 entreprises québécoises vont employer ces travailleurs venus principalement du Mexique, du Guatemala et des Antilles. Le recours aux travailleurs des pays d’Amérique centrale et des Antilles est courant en période estivale, et la façon dont ils sont traités est parfois discutable, sans compter les accidents de travail dont ils sont victimes dans certains cas. D’où la mise en garde de la Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CSST) aux employeurs pour qu’ils respectent leurs obligations à l’égard de ces travailleurs qui peuvent être confrontés à la barrière linguistique. L’organisme gouvernemental québécois dont la mission est d’appliquer la loi sur la santé et la sécurité au travail et d’indemniser les victimes d’actes criminels ou de civisme, rappelle aux employeurs qu’ils ont l’obligation de former et de superviser ces travailleurs étrangers.
