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 – Canada to Boost Presence Overseas to Attract More International Students
Canada plans to expand its presence overseas in an effort to advance classroom diversity and boost economic benefits that already amount to billions per year. The economic effects of foreign students nearly doubled between 2010 and 2016, when they reached a total of $15.5 billion in Canada for everything from tuition fees to rent and groceries, according to a federal analysis. To put that in perspective, the document says the sector supported nearly 170,000 jobs in 2016 and had greater economic impacts than Canada’s exports of auto parts, aircraft and lumber.
Global News – Feds, Lawyers Slam Ontario’s ‘Discriminatory’ Legal Aid Cuts for Refugee Claimants
Legal Aid Ontario’s funding was slashed by 30 per cent in the province’s 2019 budget, prompting criticism from lawyers and the federal government. The Doug Ford government said the cuts — which mean Legal Aid Ontario will receive $133 million less in this fiscal year than the $456 million it had anticipated — will eliminate funding for refugee and immigration law services.
CTV News – Blair Says Tories ‘Fear-Mongering’ on Immigration as Feds Move to Toughen Asylum Laws
Border Security Minister Bill Blair isn’t backing down on Liberal claims that Conservatives are “fear-mongering” on the immigration file, even as his own government comes under fire from refugee advocates who say proposed changes would strip asylum seekers’ rights. He made the comments during an interview with Evan Solomon on CTV Question Period, airing Sunday. “What we heard from some of the Conservative critics was fear-mongering and an attempt to characterize these individuals somehow [as] a risk to the safety and security of Canada,” Blair said.
Global News – Syrian Refugee, Deaf Actor From Regina Stars in New Netflix Series
Mustafa Alabssi stars in the recently released Netflix series Black Summer, an apocalyptic drama and spin-off of Z Nation. However, it’s the 19-year-old’s story that’s leaving a lasting impression on Hollywood. “My hope for the future would be that it’s not impossible for deaf [people] to be involved in shows,” Alabssi said through an interpreter. Alabssi is originally from Syria, where he attended a deaf school and learned Syrian Sign Language, but his family was forced to flee to Jordan when war broke out in the country.
CBC News – $3.1M From Provincial Nominee Fees Going to Newcomer Support Programs
The provincial government is directing $3.1 million to newcomer support services across Manitoba, it announced Friday. The money will come from revenue generated by application fees from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. In November 2016, the province introduced a $500 application fee for skilled workers, in addition to an existing $2,500 application fee for businesses. The province is distributing the funds to 17 organizations across Manitoba, including the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council.
Le Soleil – Gestes et propos racistes : condamnés à verser 11 000$ à un couple d’origine algérienne
Après la Lavalloise condamnée à verser 14 000 $ à un couple d’origine péruvienne pour lui avoir tenu des propos racistes et xénophobes, c’est au tour d’un couple de Montréalais de devoir dédommager ses anciens voisins algériens, cette fois à hauteur de 11 000 $. Le Tribunal des droits de la personne reproche à Michel Rocheleau et à Jocelyne Gagné d’avoir tenu à Feryel Hamza* et à Anas Rahmani* des propos discriminatoires fondés sur leur origine ethnique ou nationale, et d’avoir fait preuve de harcèlement à leur égard.
