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.
The Globe and Mail – As Refugee Arrivals Begin, Syrian Canadians Look to Rebuild Their Community
Across Canada, even in famously multicultural Toronto, there’s little perceptible Syrian diaspora. Expat Syrians tend to scatter wherever they resettle, and they explain their estrangement from each other in two ways. They come from a cosmopolitan trading hub and tend to feel quickly at ease in new cultures. At the same time, the long-time surveillance and oppression of the Assad government has made them wary of each other, maintaining aloofness even after decades in Canada.
The Globe and Mail – Medical Community Across Canada Mobilizing Health Care for Refugees
Tucked behind the food court of a mall in northeast Calgary, the Mosaic Refugee Health Clinic cares for between 800 and 1,000 patients a year, making it one of the busiest in the country. In the coming months, as many as 2,500 Syrians are expected to arrive in Calgary, a wave of new patients that would swamp Mosaic’s resources. So, its staff members are making an offer, asking their colleagues in Calgary to add Syrian patients to their practices, and in return promising to share their expertise on refugee health.
National Post – Idea that Syrian Refugees Not Interested in Canada is “Crazy,” Immigration Minister Says
The idea that there are many refugees who don’t want to come to Canada is “crazy,” said federal Immigration Minister John McCallum on Thursday, in response to reports that only a small percentage of Syrian refugees are interested in relocating to this country. McCallum had just returned from visiting a refugee camp in Jordan, where he said there is “huge enthusiasm — a great hunger to come to Canada.
CTV News – Quebec is Ready for Syrian Refugees, says John McCallum
Federal Immigration Minister John McCallum says he feels that Quebec is ready to welcome Syrian refugees. McCallum met Thursday with Quebec’s immigration minister and community groups that will help the refugees once they arrive. It’s part of a tour of Canadian cities he is undertaking in order to find out just how prepared each city is to welcome the refugees. He’s already visited Toronto and Calgary.
CBC – Where and When? Sask. Still Waiting for Details on Refugees
Saskatchewan officials are still waiting for details on where, when and how many refugees, who have fled Syria, will arrive in the province. Jeremy Harrison, the provincial minister for immigration, said Friday that Saskatchewan has been planning for the arrival of 850 people. He recently met with federal ministers to learn more, but said he did not get many firm details.
Metroland Media Kingston Region – Kingston Groups Focusing on Communication and Education in Preparation for Refugees
As Canada prepares for 25,000 incoming Syrian refugees over the next year, communities throughout the country are also looking at what they can do to prepare. In Kingston, community groups are focusing on communication and education.
