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.
Winnipeg Free Press – Lawyer Works to Give Tamils Freedom Here
Winnipeg’s globe-trotting human rights lawyer David Matas is trying to help thousands of Sri Lankan refugees stuck in limbo in Indonesia and Malaysia, including a dozen families hoping to come to Winnipeg. “If you had to start somewhere, I’d say get the kids out of jail and let them go to school,” said Matas […] who went with fellow Winnipegger Sam Ratna, a member of the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam. They’re trying to find a safe, permanent home for 200,000 displaced people. The Tamils can’t go back to Sri Lanka and they’re not welcome to stay where they are now, Matas said in a 42- page report.
Globe and Mail – Shafia Crimes Horrify Afghan Community
If Mr. Shafia had been born in Canada, nobody would use him as an example of mainstream Canadian thinking, argues Adeena Niazi, a godmother to the burgeoning Afghan community in and around Toronto. She wryly points out that nobody suggests convicted sex killers Russell Williams and Paul Bernardo represent Canadian culture.
Meadow Lake Progress – New Group Gets Immigrants Talking
A woman who came to Meadow Lake from the Philippines 18 years ago is now helping other immigrants feel at home in Canada. Flora Krause, manager of A&W, has started a multicultural society, which meets at the restaurant every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. “You can give back to the community,” Krause said.
Fort McMurray Today – Age Groups Split on Immigration
Younger Canadians are more likely to support immigration and the idea of a cultural mosaic over older Canadians who favour the melting pot philosophy. A poll, conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, questioned more than 1,000 Canadians between Jan. 26 and 27, ultimately finding that the lines are drawn on Canada’s immigration stance with 39% feeling it has a positive effect on the nation and 39% feeling the impact has a negative effect.
Globe and Mail – Kenney’s Office Apologizes for “New Canadians” Stunt on Sun News
Six federal bureaucrats were drafted to pose as new Canadians for a citizenship reaffirmation ceremony broadcast on the Sun News network, an event requested by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s office. […] When a bureaucrat sent Sun News a list of possible citizenship ceremonies to cover in Ontario, a network employee suggested another scenario. “Let’s do it. We can fake the Oath,” reads an email from a (at)sunmedia.ca email address, the name blacked out of the document.
Globe and Mail – Immigrant Guide Warning Over “Smelly Foods” Pulled from Shelves
Following complaints from local residents, the 16-point values guide has been ripped from the shelves for review. No timeline has been set for completion, the CBC reports. Released Nov. 28, the guide aims to “help newcomers integrate into local society and learn how to interact in a new environment.” Gatineau’s city council reportedly did not sign off on the original wording but will be involved in the revision, the CBC says.
