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 – Diversity Working Group Announces Series ‘Humanizing Our Differences’
The equity, diversity and inclusion working group is developing a panel series to engage with rural audiences about racism. Immigration Partnership Coordinator Kristin Crane presented a report to Huron County councillors on Dec. 16, updating them on the immigration partnership initiatives as they work towards actively challenging racism. The four-part panel series is to increase awareness of equity, humanize differences rather than ignore them, and understand what it means to be inclusive.
Global News – Toronto Health-Care Worker Denied Residency, Could Be Deported Because She Had a Baby
Idayat Saka did exactly what her doctor told her to do to protect herself and her baby. The 33-year-old mother of four who lives in Toronto stopped working at the beginning of her third trimester of pregnancy due to “high-risk” complications from prior cesarean births. What Saka couldn’t have known at the time was that her decision to stop working when she did – on March 18, 2020 – would later be used by an immigration officer to deny her permanent residency in Canada.
CBC News – From Refugee to Champion Bodybuilder, Canmore Man Finds New Life at Gym
A man who came to Canada as a refugee from Zimbabwe rediscovered his zest for life after he joined a gym and transformed himself into a champion bodybuilder. Andrew Mabidi had to leave his country in 2010 when he discovered that there was a plot against him and that his life was in danger. “The only thing I had was the clothes I was wearing and my wallet, and I just had to leave,” he said.
CBC News – Montreal Collective Seeks to Empower Immigrant Women Through Food
In a converted kitchen space on Ste-Catherine Street East, Carina Albuquerque talks animatedly about Brazilian cuisine. Albuquerque works with the non-profit organization Food’elles, which offers meal delivery and culinary workshops as part of its mission to promote cultural diversity and empower immigrant women. The organization was founded earlier this year and is run by several women, all immigrants, who want to create spaces for social integration.
Global News – Afghan Refugee and Journalist in Halifax Fears for Those Who Couldn’t Escape
An Afghan refugee and journalist who recently arrived in Halifax is glad to have a safe place to live, but he can’t stop thinking about his friends and colleagues suffering back in his home country. Mahboob Elahi Mahzooz, 32, along with his wife and two children, arrived in Halifax earlier this month, along with about 100 other refugees fleeing violence and unrest in Afghanistan.
CBC News – Grassroots Support Helps Fill Gap in Services for Afghan Newcomers in Waterloo Region
For many Afghan newcomers to Waterloo region, what they miss most about their beloved home country is the family they were forced to leave behind. As they work to rebuild their lives by resettling into unfamiliar spaces, navigating social services, learning a new language and replacing essential items — they hold on firmly to the memories of lovers, parents, children and now abandoned homes. But what helps mend their broken hearts and fill a gap in services is compassionate neighbours who have since become like family.
