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 – Available ‘Deportation Resources’ Could Quicken Family Reunification Process
Citing data from the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Intelligence Division, Vancouver-based immigration lawyer Richard Kurland told New Canadian Media in an interview that “the number of refugee claims have crashed by 63 per cent because of COVID-related restrictions,” leading to a higher number of “deportation resources.” “Because the resources already planned for deportation are not going to be needed, we can take the risk to let more spouses into Canada early, before their overseas permanent residence process is complete,” he explains.
Global News – Syrian Refugee Family ‘So Proud’ to Become Canadian Citizens
A Calgary refugee family was celebrating something special Wednesday, thrilled that they’ve just become Canadian citizens. “It’s a huge day for me and for my family,” Abdulfatah Sabouni said. COVID-19 restrictions meant the citizenship ceremony happened via Zoom, so Sabouni and his family became citizens at home Wednesday morning. “I am so proud and so grateful I got the citizenship,” Sabouni said.
CBC News – Glad to Escape ‘Jail for Afghan People,’ Family Faces More Uncertainty After Arriving in Manitoba
A confusing and chaotic journey has come to an end for one Afghan family after they arrived in southwestern Manitoba last week. But they now face more uncertainty, after initially being told they would be settled in Winnipeg — and instead being driven 200 kilometres west to Brandon following their arrival at Winnipeg’s airport on Dec. 29.
Toronto Star – They Say They Fought for Democracy. Border Guards Argue They Supported a Terror Group. Will They Get to Stay in Canada?
Attia Elserafy remembers taking to the streets with his family. A human rights and labour activist all his life, the 60-year-old had been encouraged, he says, by the Arab Spring and saw hope for a new and democratic Egypt. That fledgling democracy, however, was short lived — and today, Elserafy has found himself trying to justify his role and his political allegiances from that tumultuous period in Egypt so that he might start a new life a world away in Canada.
Newmarket Today – ‘Any Day Could Be My Last One’: Undocumented, But Willing to Fill Job Vacancies
Every day, when he hears his supervisor’s phone ring, Ricardo panics. He’s not afraid of being scolded or yelled at. The reason he shakes and fumbles with the wooden boards he needs to carry to yet another basement is the question continually in his head: Has there been another incident? A phone call to Ricardo’s workplace means somebody has likely complained or has been injured, and there will be more inspectors dropping by. If the confrontation gets out of hand, it is likely the police will show up.
Francopresse – Palmarès des personnalités influentes de l’année 2021
Ils sont des marathoniens de leur francophonie. Que ce soit dans leur collectivité ou dans leur discipline, les 10 lauréats du Palmarès des personnalités influentes de la francophonie canadienne de 2021 ont laissé leur marque à leur façon. Au cours des dernières années, chacun des lauréats a cru à l’engagement, au changement, à l’enracinement ou au développement de ce qu’ils sont et de ce qu’ils font. Cette année encore, Francopresse s’est associé à l’Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada et à ONFR+ pour choisir les 10 personnalités influentes de la francophonie canadienne de 2021.
