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.
National Post – B.C. Man, Linked to Elaborate Human Smuggling Operation that Exploited International Park, Pleads Guilty
A Vancouver man accused of being involved in an elaborate operation that may have helped smuggle hundreds of Chinese migrants across the Canada-U.S. border by exploiting lax oversight at an international park pleaded guilty to several offences Monday, just before his trial was set to begin. In a twist, however, court heard one of the outstanding counts was still in dispute and may yet proceed to trial.
Globe and Mail – Canadian Embassy in Cuba Reinstates Some Services Suspended Over Diplomat Injuries
In a statement Monday, the Immigration Department said Cuban residents will again be able to pick up visas, drop off passports and get fingerprinting and photos required for applications at the Canadian embassy beginning on Thursday. The services were temporarily suspended after the government halved the number of Canadian staff to eight from 16 earlier this year.
ICI – Alberta – Non, les réfugiés ne reçoivent pas plus d’aide que les Canadiens
Une nouvelle étude de l’École de politique publique de l’Université de Calgary déconstruit l’idée reçue selon laquelle les réfugiés et les demandeurs d’asile seraient mieux traités que des Canadiens dans le besoin. Son auteur, Robert Falconer, a pris comme cas type une famille de quatre personnes pour démontrer, chiffres à l’appui, que les réfugiés et les demandeurs d’asile n’étaient pas mieux lotis que des citoyens canadiens bénéficiant de l’aide sociale.
Global News – Former Interpreter Issued Deportation Order for Russian Espionage
A Russian woman has been issued a deportation order after Canadian officials successfully argued that information she passed to Russia’s intelligence service amounted to espionage. Elena Crenna, 57, “has engaged in acts of espionage contrary to Canada’s interests,” the Immigration Appeal Division ruled in a 27-page decision obtained by Global News. The case, which stemmed from Crenna’s contacts with Russia’s FSB Federal Security Service in the 1990s, revolved around the definition of espionage contrary to the interests of Canada.
Toronto Star – New Immigration Program Opens Door to Undocumented Construction Workers in GTA
Ottawa has unveiled a new program that will offer both an immigration pathway for undocumented construction workers in Greater Toronto and help to address a labour shortage in the city. The pilot has spots for 500 workers — plus their family members — and will open for application on September 3 through the Canadian Labour Congress, which will pre-screen and refer qualified candidates for final assessment by the immigration department. “It’s a very small project for us but a very important project to initiate,” said Hassan Yussuff, president of the labour congress.
Toronto Star – Bernier’s Campaign Promise to Slash Immigration Is ‘Stoking the Politics of Division and Fear’, Liberal MP Says
“It’s designed to sow the seeds of division amongst Canadians,” Navdeep Bains (Mississauga-Malton), who’s also the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, told the Star Thursday afternoon. “He is stoking the politics of division and fear, and Canadians deserve better. They need leadership that speaks to how we can bring people together.” Bernier’s right-wing party is currently polling at just three per cent support ahead of the October federal election.
