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.
Globe and Mail – Rural Canada is Critical to Our Economic Prosperity
Despite the country’s a growing urban population, there isn’t much evidence that rural Canada as a whole is in any sort of broad-based decline. From the census we know the total population living in rural areas across the country increased by a healthy 2.7 per cent from 2001 to 2006. Using data from Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, we can track trends in rural and small town employment since 2006. Nationally, total employment (urban and rural) increased by 3.8 per cent from 2006 to 2010 as the economy made back the lost jobs during the 2007/2008 recession.
Exchange Magazine – Moving Beyond the Canadian Experience
On Friday a broad group of business, corporate, and community leaders met with academics to ensure that diverse talents from immigrant communities are contributing to corporate success, and according to former Ontario PC leader John Tory, the meeting couldn’t come at a better time. “We need immigrants,” says Tory. ”We need them in our workforce, we need them to sustain and expand not only the labour market, but our consumer market as well. And they want to be here. But there are still significant hurdles to overcome, and we need to come together to find a solution quickly.”
Daily Gleaner – Newcomers to Canada Embrace Volunteering
On Monday, the Greater Fredericton Volunteer Centre will shine a spotlight on the volunteer contributions of the many immigrants in the Fredericton community as part of International Volunteer Day. Endorsed by the United Nations, International Volunteer Day began in 1985 as a way to recognize and thank volunteers for their efforts and contributions to society. According to the 2004 Canadian Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, in 2003, about 12 million Canadians volunteered almost two billion hours, the equivalent of one million full-time jobs. Of those 12,000,000 volunteers, immigrants made up 41 per cent.
The Hamilton Spectator – Perimeter Deal Will Help Catch Cheating EI Claimants
Canada will gain enhanced powers to track unemployment insurance recipients who skip the country and landed immigrants who don’t spend enough time here to meet residency requirements under the new perimeter security deal with the United States. The increased muscle will come with a $1-billion price tag, says a former Canadian diplomat who has spoken to negotiators of the Beyond the Border deal that is to be announced on Wednesday when Prime Minister Stephen Harper travels to the White House.
UFCW Canada is offering 20 scholarships for the children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews of migrant workers. Each scholarship is C$500. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2011.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Parent and Grandparent Super Visa Takes Flight Today
The first applications for the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa will be accepted today, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced. The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is one element of Phase I of the Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification, announced in November. The Super Visa will allow applicants to remain in Canada for up to 24 months at a time without having to renew their status.
