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.
Feministing – The [U.S.] Draft Immigration Reform Bill is a Mixed Bag for Women and LGBTQ Folks
In the wee hours of the morning yesterday, after much anticipation, we finally got a first draft of the immigration reform bill the Senate has been working on for the last few weeks. […] Undocumented folks will be able to apply for Registered Provisional Immigrant status, which will allow them to work and stay in the United States legally. To get this, though, folks will have to pay a pretty hefty fine and go through a stringent background check, meaning that even immigrants with a few minor run-ins with the cops will be completely barred from this process. […] While this may seem reasonable to some at first glance, it’s important to remember that these things play out pretty clearly along lines of race, class, and gender. […] During the long path from RPI status to citizenship, low-income immigrants aren’t eligible for public assistance, like Medicaid or food stamps.
The more diverse Saskatchewan’s population becomes, the more economic growth will be stimulated, says a new report by the Conference Board of Canada. […] The report, The Influence of Immigrants on Trade Diversification in Saskatchewan, was published for the Leaders’ Roundtable on Immigration and the Saskatchewan Institute. The analysis showed a one per cent increase in the number of immigrants living in Saskatchewan is associated with increases of approximately $30 million in imported goods and $41 million in exported goods.
Toronto Star – Catholic Children’s Aid Responds to Rise in Abused Youth Who Aren’t Legally in Canada
The reality is that children who lack legal residency in Canada aren’t immune from abuse and neglect, and can be even more vulnerable because of their precarious status. Child welfare officials are seeing a growing number of children coming into their care whose status in Canada is an issue, said Ronal Ibarra. Ibarra is the child protection immigration specialist at CCAS, the first and so far only children’s aid society in Ontario to create such a position. Last year alone, front-line colleagues referred 50 new cases to Ibarra involving children who needed help to obtain permanent resident status or citizenship.
Edmonton Journal – Federal Court Backs Government in Immigration Suit
The rights of would-be immigrants were not trampled when the Conservative government closed their files and refunded their application fees to get rid of a massive backlog, the Federal Court has ruled. The court’s decision came out as the Tories pushed ahead with plans to reopen the federal skilled-worker program to a select group of in-demand occupations that includes engineers of all stripes, medical professionals and computer programmers.
The Globe and Mail – Where Canada Stands in the Global Race for Talent
Businesses from industries such as information technology, manufacturing and construction have grown increasingly vocal over what they say is a growing shortage of skilled workers. According to a recent C-suite survey, two-thirds of Canadian executives say they are having trouble finding qualified workers, and one-third say this is slowing the growth of their business. […] Employers from developed nations are now searching abroad in hopes of filling their ranks. Policy makers in many countries have been responding with targeted immigration systems that place less emphasis on family and humanitarian migration, and more on the recruitment of people with valued skill sets.
Prince Albert National Park is hoping to teach new Canadians how to camp this summer. Parks Canada is working with different immigration and outreach associations to invite new immigrants and young families to participate in an event that will teach the basic camping skills. People will learn how to set up a tent, cook outdoors, what to pack, along with other valuable tips.
