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.
Toronto Star – Ottawa Pressed to Fast-Track Immigration for Ukrainians
Pressure is building on the federal government to make it far simpler for Ukrainians to seek safe haven in Canada with provincial and local lawmakers adding their voices to demands that Ottawa remove barriers to immigration. Federal immigration officials are already expediting existing applications from Ukrainians seeking to come to Canada either permanently or temporarily. But as the invasion by Russia continues, a greater urgency is being attached not just to processing those files but accepting thousands more people.
CBC News – UN Agency Says It’s Too Early to Start Resettling Ukrainian Refugees
The Canadian representative for the United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, said it’s too early to begin to resettle the thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have fled Russian aggression. Rema Jamous said the scale of displacement from Ukraine is daunting. Roughly 500,000 people already have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries seeking safety. If trends continue, the UNHCR estimates there could be as many as four million Ukrainian refugees. Still, Jamous said most people who left Ukraine hope to return home when it is safe to do so.
Montreal Gazette – Law to Protect French in Canada Aims for More Francophone Immigrants
Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor introduced a raft of measures Tuesday to stem the decline of French in Canada and to modernize official language laws. It includes plans for a targeted immigration policy aimed at bringing more francophone immigrants to French-speaking parts of Canada outside Quebec. The bill intends to usher in greater protection for francophones in English-speaking regions of Canada, as well as for the English-speaking minority in Quebec.
Government of Canada – Additional Immigration Support for Those Affected by the Situation in Ukraine
Canada has been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine, and remains steadfast in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is taking additional steps to support Ukrainians and people residing in Ukraine, and to make it easier and faster for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their accompanying immediate family members to return to Canada.
CTV News – ‘It’s inhumane.’ African Refugees Experience Racism While Trying To Flee Ukraine
African students and residents of Ukraine trying to flee from the war are being pushed back at border crossings and trains while experiencing racism and aggression, with reports claiming they have been placed at the bottom of the priority list for refugees. Photos and videos shared online with the #AfricansinUkraine hashtag aiming to shed light on the predicament showed Ukrainian guards refusing to let a Black woman board a train to safety while letting Ukrainians on and border guards brandishing weapons at unarmed African refugees attempting to cross into safety.
CTV News – Nearly 4,000 Ukrainian Immigration Applicants Approved to Come to Canada: Minister
Nearly 4,000 Ukrainians have been approved to immigrate to Canada since conflict with Russia began, Canada’s immigration minister said Monday. The Canadian government prioritized existing immigration applications from Ukraine since thousands of people began to flee Russian aggression in the region. “We expected upon reports of a potential further invasion into Ukraine that we would see displacement of Ukrainians.
