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.
Hamilton Spectator – Medical Workers to Rally Against Refugee Health Cuts
Health-care workers, medical students and community members will gather at Bayfront Park Saturday to protest federal cuts to health care for refugee claimants. Dr. Tim O’Shea, a Hamilton internist, says participants will call on doctors and health-care providers to ignore the cuts and provide care to all refugees. […] Refugees who come from countries deemed to be “safe” by the federal government have no health coverage whatsoever, except for issues that would affect public safety (such as tuberculosis). This doesn’t take into account any factors surrounding the refugee claim, such as domestic violence or homophobia.
The Guardian – New Project Seeks to Integrate Francophone Immigrants into Work Force
Prince Edward Island is looking to find a solution to the problem of finding work for new francophone immigrants. Thanks to a seven-month project from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, RDÉE, the provincial francophone economic development council, will first develop promotional tools, programs and partnerships to assist these immigrants. The project is aimed specifically at supporting those who have attained the status of “permanent resident” and who are legally allowed to work in Canada, explains Christian Gallant, the RDÉE economic development officer overseeing the project.
The movement of Latin Americans to Manitoba has brightened the province’s multicultural mosaic. They seem to have glided effortlessly into mainstream Manitoba. But many arrived in waves after political and economic catastrophes in Latin America. They’re victims of physical torture from Chile with lessons to offer in democracy. They’re young couples afraid of crime in Ecuador who want to dance until the early hours of the morning in safety. They’re young folks from all over Latin America with stories of love and wanderlust fulfilled in Friendly Manitoba.
Toronto Star – New Language Rules to Kick In for Citizenship Applicants
Starting Nov. 1, prospective Canadian citizens must provide proof of language proficiency such as test results in English or French before they can even put in an application. The new regulation will only affect candidates between the ages of 18 and 54, who are currently required to show they can communicate in one of the official languages during the application process. […] Kenney stressed that the new regulation will not raise the language level required, which remains at the Canadian language benchmark Level 4 in speaking and listening, but simply change the way citizenship applicants demonstrate their language ability.
The Globe and Mail – Spurred by Immigration in the West, Canada’s Population Growth Fastest in G8
Canada’s population is growing faster than any other G8 country, driven largely by immigration, Statistics Canada says. And Saskatchewan has become a magnet for newcomers, with immigration fuelling a larger share of its population growth than any other province or territory. […] Net international migration was responsible for two-thirds of the increase for the year ending June 30, Statscan said in its report on population estimates.
Calgary Herald – Integrated Women’s Mentorship Program Helping Deal with Labour Shortages
With growing concerns about a looming labour shortage in Alberta, a unique program by Immigrant Services Calgary is helping to re-establish careers for skilled immigrant and refugee women by connecting them with established professionals in the same or related occupations. The Integrated Women’s Mentorship Program was established as a pilot project in April 2008 and today has about 360 active participants each year with about 60 mentors each year as well.
