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.
Globe and Mail – Canadian Safe Houses Still Operational for Interpreters, Families Stuck in Kabul
Since so many people didn’t make it out of the country before the Taliban took control of the Kabul airport last month, there are still 2,000 people in the Afghan capital being supported by this humanitarian effort to keep them safe. Volunteers are working to provide supports for another three months, by which time they hope they can get people out of Afghanistan. However, a lack of clarity on government process, as well as a lack of funds, are making these efforts uncertain.
Radio-Canada – Réfugiés afghans : la nouvelle vie et les défis, après la quarantaine
Alors que plusieurs centaines de réfugiés poursuivent leur quarantaine dans des hôtels de la région de Toronto, certains ont déjà atteint leur destination finale dans la province et au pays, et commencent le long processus de démarrage de leur nouvelle vie. Quelque 500 Afghans ont déjà été réinstallés dans des collectivités ontariennes, selon Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada.
Global News – Interpreter Pleads for Canada’s Help to Evacuate Afghanistan: ‘I Feel Like I’m in Prison’
Calls continue to mount for the federal government to expedite its efforts to evacuate more Canadians and Afghans from Afghanistan after the Taliban swiftly took over the country last month. “I am scared for myself because if I am not alive with my family, what will they do?” said John, a pseudonym Global News is using to protect the identity of the former language assistant. John’s ties to Canada have him afraid for his wife and children.
Radio-Canada – L’arrivée des Afghans retarde le traitement des autres demandes en immigration
L’arrivée des réfugiés afghans au Canada, jugée prioritaire, a pour conséquence de ralentir les services d’immigration de toutes autres natures. Des centaines de familles canadiennes doivent encore patienter avant d’être réunies pour de bon. Avant la crise, il fallait entre 12 et 16 mois pour obtenir une résidence permanente. Les délais moyens oscillent maintenant entre 18 et 36 mois.
CBC News – As Canada Grapples with Islamophobia Concerns, Muslims in Thunder Bay Share Ideas on Path Forward
On the heels of the killing of four members of the Afzaal family in London, Ont., in an attack police said was motivated by anti-Muslim hate, and just days before Ottawa hosted a July 2021 national summit on fighting Islamophobia, the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) demanded action from all levels of government. The national organization issued 61 recommendations, seven of which were directed toward municipalities.
Toronto Star – With Ottawa’s Afghan Evacuation Flights Ended, Former Interpreters and Staff Are Stuck En Route to Canada
The evacuation of the Afghans hasn’t ended — it’s just become harder. In a news release Friday, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said there are 470 Canadian citizens who currently remain in Afghanistan, as well as 260 permanent residents and 500 family members, adding that a network of embassies and consulates is providing assistance “wherever” they are.
