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.
Toronto Star – Mexican Human Rights Activists Appeal to Ottawa to Recognize Persecution of Civilians
The Conservative government is on the verge of passing Bill C-31, legislation that gives the immigration minister the sole right to declare a country “safe” — thereby making it virtually impossible for its citizens to gain refugee status in Canada. Federal officials did not provide details on whether a list of “safe” countries would be published or whether the minister, Jason Kenney, would decide extemporaneously. Activists fear Mexico would be near the top of the safe-country list because Kenney has criticized “bogus” claims from democratic nations.
New York Times – Detention for Immigrants That Looks Less Like Prison
On a patch of Texas farmland near the Gulf of Mexico, immigration officials on Tuesday unveiled one of the most visible results of a three-year-old plan to overhaul the nation’s immigration detention system: a brand-new center intended to provide a less penal setting for detainees. […] Human Rights First, a monitoring group, called the standards “an important step forward” for the agency, but said the guidelines fell short of prescribing “conditions appropriate for the majority of detained asylum seekers or other immigration detainees.”
Globe and Mail – Merkel Distances Herself from Sarkozy’s Fiery Appeal to Right-Wing Voters
On Monday, many Europeans were reeling from a fiery speech Mr. Sarkozy gave in Paris the previous night in which he promoted trade protectionism, and attacked immigration and Islam. Most alarmingly to Germans, he threatened to cancel one of the key planks of European unification, the Schengen Treaty which eliminates borders and allows free movement of goods and people between 26 countries.
As newcomers to Canada head north in search of money and a better life, they’re changing the face of the northern landscape. About 1,900 newcomers have come to the territories in the last 13 years, according to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and about 120 of them have come to Nunavut. Filipinos, Germans and Chinese top the list in Yukon. In N.W.T., there’s a large population from Armenia and China.
Hamilton Spectator – Complaints Dept. Still a Work in Progress at Border Services Agency
Canada’s border agency has set up an online link to make it easier for disgruntled travellers to lodge complaints — but there’s still no guarantee the grievances will get an independent look. The “comments, complaints, and compliments” portal on the Canada Border Services Agency website is intended to help the organization respond to public concerns in a more timely and consistent manner.
The Globe and Mail – Desperate for Workers, West Seeks Immigration Powers
Canada’s Western premiers are seeking to wrest control over immigration away from Ottawa to help the West manage its growing skills shortage. “We are well-positioned but we need to have a national discussion about what further tools provinces need to grow the national economy,” said B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who is leading the group, in an interview.
