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.
CBC – Anti-Terrorism Powers: What’s in the Legislation?
Canada’s government on Friday introduced its new anti-terror legislation, a sweeping range of measures that would allow suspects to be detained based on less evidence and let CSIS actively interfere with suspects’ travel plans and finances. The new bill, C-51, is only 62 pages long but contains a variety of increased powers for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). […] Currently, Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act allows the government to ask the court to protect classified information in immigration proceedings to protect investigation techniques and witnesses. But that application comes at the end of a proceeding. The measure would allow the government to ask for proceedings to be sealed at any point in the process.
Calgary Herald – Stress Levels High as Thousands of TFWs Face April 1 Deadline to Return Home
Alberta could see a significant increase in undocumented, illegal immigrants as thousands of temporary foreign workers grappling with the looming loss of their work permits try to find a way to stay in the province. That’s the message from immigration lawyers and migrant worker advocates, who warn the federally imposed deadline of April 1 — the date on which any TFW who arrived in 2011 or earlier will see their contract expire — is creating a glut of panicked foreign nationals trying desperately to secure permanent residency before they are forced home. […] Jobs Minister Ric McIver said he estimates “several thousand” foreign workers currently living in Alberta will see their permits expire as of April 1, adding his office is fielding many calls from employers fearful of losing some of their best and most experienced employees. […] Holthe and Luciano [see full article] say foreign workers, many of whom came to Alberta on a correct-at-the-time assumption that becoming a TFW was a pathway to permanent residency, have had the rules changed on them mid-stream.
Hamilton Spectator – Newcomer Women Build Confidence at Power Tools Workshop
The sound of hammering echoes through the halls of the Dominic Agostino Riverdale Community Centre. The noise traces back to a small room in the centre where 20 or so immigrant women are hovered over a stack of two-by-fours, measuring out and sawing the wood. “Put the saw down a bit — try a long stroke,” coaches Sandi Tait. Tait has been doing home repairs for more than 20 years. With a lull in her renovation schedule, she sent off a one-line pitch to the local Immigrant Women’s Centre for a workshop series — why not teach other women to tackle these projects? […] When Tait offered her skills for a full series, they were thrilled. The result was a free, eight-week class for local newcomer women called the Power of Power Tools. […] “We wanted to be bold … I wanted everyone to understand what’s behind a wall before we start drilling into one,” Tait says. “I want to show them how Canadian homes are made.” From here, they’ll learn everything from patching and painting walls to replacing faucets, overhead lights and stove elements.
Le Devoir – Le CPQ met en garde contre des exigences linguistiques trop élevées
Les candidats à l’immigration ne devraient pas être contraints de maîtriser le français pour s’installer au Québec, a plaidé le Conseil du patronat (CPQ), jeudi, aux consultations en vue de revoir les politiques d’immigration. En commission parlementaire en après-midi, le président du CPQ, Yves-Thomas Dorval, a mis en garde le gouvernement contre des exigences linguistiques trop élevées qui priveraient le Québec de la richesse de la diversité. « Cela va un peu trop loin, a-t-il dit en entrevue après sa comparution. Le français ne devrait pas être le seul critère. » Devant les parlementaires, M. Dorval a reconnu que le français est un sujet « extrêmement délicat » et que « les choses doivent se faire en français au Québec ». Toutefois, miser sur une « maîtrise trop poussée » du français, au détriment de la qualification professionnelle, limiterait le bassin de recrutement des entreprises et appauvrirait la diversité de la société. « Si on se limite à la maîtrise du français, on limite nos bassins d’immigration à seulement certains pays, et à ce moment-là, on rate la richesse de la diversité pour une société », a-t-il expliqué au cours du point de presse.
Toronto Star – Government Had Warning about Foreign Workers and Youth Unemployment
The Conservative government knew the temporary foreign worker program was causing pressure on youth employment almost a year before reforming the program, documents show. In an August 2013 briefing note for Employment Minister Jason Kenney, department officials warned that industries which commonly employ young Canadians are also among the employers hiring the most temporary foreign workers. […] Critics of the temporary foreign worker program have raised concerns that employers were hiring lower-paid foreign workers, rather than Canadian workers. Kenney’s office says reforms made in June 2014, almost one year after the internal briefing, have specifically addressed the issue. […] The internal documents were obtained by the Opposition New Democrats under access to information law. According to the NDP, the documents prove the governing Conservatives were aware of problems with the temporary foreign worker program — specifically as it relates to youth employment — but took no action until media reports exposed abuse of the system. […] Kenney’s director of communications, Alexandra Fortier, disputed the opposition claims. She said the government’s June 2014 overhaul of the system directly addressed the issue of employers hiring lower-paid foreign workers over young Canadians.
The Shelburne County Coast Guard – Shelburne County Can Do More to Attract, Welcome Immigrants
Dolores Atwood, an outreach settlement officer for the YREACH program, was in Shelburne recently to talk with municipal and education officials about initiatives that could help the area become more welcoming for immigrants. One of the first things she hopes to help organize is a Shelburne County multicultural festival to celebrate the many different cultures and traditions of the people who already live here. Atwood says the multicultural festival held annually in Yarmouth has proven to be an immense draw that teaches about and celebrates the diversity of the area. At the Yarmouth festival, days of colorful activities are highlighted by entertainment, displays and an international food fair. […] For many newcomers, rural Nova Scotia life is a culture shock though and Atwood asks local people to be understanding and open-minded when dealing with new immigrants. […] Atwood hopes to partner with schools, businesses and local organizations over the coming months in an effort to develop supports for newcomers. She is also interested in helping immigrants in the area directly.
