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.
City News — Edmonton newcomers fall victim to ‘complex pyramid scheme’ orchestrated by Chinese crime group: police
Police say dozens of Edmonton-area residents lost thousands of dollars in a “complex” international fake job investment scam, and authorities believe there could be more victims. The Edmonton Police Service says 30 victims from the Edmonton area – including several newcomers – confirmed losses of more than $84,000 from August 2021 through May 2022. Authorities say scammers sometimes impersonated law enforcement and Canada Revenue Agency employees to instill fear in the newcomers, with many complainants choosing to remain silent “due to threats of deportation or charges.” Police believe the scam impacted more than 600 people across Canada, resulting in more than $1.2 million in losses. An investigation revealed it operated from British Columbia but was orchestrated by an organized crime group from China.
The Conversation — Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response
Despite Canada’s commitment to gender equity through human rights legislation and policies, the country ranked eighth in gender pay disparity among 43 nations in 2018. While gender wage gaps affect all women, they are particularly pronounced for those from marginalized communities. A 2015 United Nations Human Rights report raised concerns about “the persisting inequalities between women and men” in Canada, highlighting the gender pay gap and its disproportionate impact on low-income, racialized and Indigenous women. Historical data reflects the persistence of these inequalities. The 2001 and 2016 censuses reveal that labour market inequalities in Canada have remained both gendered and racialized over the past two decades.
CBC News — ‘Dreams being lost’ as many shut out of IRCC’s permanent residency pilot, consultant says
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched its latest pilot on Monday, and Lastimosa wasn’t the only one to flag serious problems with the website. Immigration experts say thousands of experienced home workers like Lastimosa didn’t have an opportunity to apply because of IRCC’s website slowdown. IRCC’s pilot invited home-care workers to apply on a first come, first served basis. On Monday, more than 45,000 people tried to apply but the limited spots filled in just over four hours, the IRCC said in an emailed statement to CBC Toronto.
National Post — Is it hard for immigrants to get jobs in Ontario?
Finding newcomer jobs in Markham can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with local hiring practices. Many job seekers submit applications without receiving responses, making the process feel discouraging. In some cases, skills that were in high demand in a home country may require additional certification in Ontario. Others may find that their experience is valued but that employers prefer candidates with a local work history. These challenges can make it harder to secure stable employment, but with the right strategies, newcomers can improve their chances.
La Tribune — La réalité des réfugiés mise en lumière au Cégep de Sherbrooke
Pour aider à financer le Programme d’étudiantes et étudiants réfugiés (PÉR), une conférence où le parcours de trois personnes réfugiées, dont le conseiller municipal Raïs Kibonge, sera présenté au Cégep de Sherbrooke jeudi. Depuis plusieurs années, le Cégep de Sherbrooke accueille un étudiant réfugié en début d’année scolaire. Le PÉR permet à l’étudiant réfugié d’être accompagné pendant une année complète, explique l’animateur de la conférence et professeur en philosophie au Cégep de Sherbrooke, Jean-Luc Filion.
City News — PLQ leadership: Karl Blackburn would increase permanent immigration
Former MNA and former president of the Conseil du patronat, Karl Blackburn, entered the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership race on Monday, emphasizing the importance of immigrants for businesses. “Withdrawal is not my cup of tea,” he said at a press conference in a Quebec City hotel, explaining his reasons for joining the race at the last minute. Former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, Charles Millard, former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez, lawyer Marc Bélanger, and farmer Mario Roy are already in the running.
