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Expanding immigration will not erase racism in Canadian society

Themrise Khan Policy Options February 13, 2023

In its latest immigration plan, the federal government says it hopes to welcome almost 1.5 million new permanent residents between 2023 and 2025, up from approximately one million in the immigration targets for 2020-22. The economic benefits of increased immigration aside, there remains a major elephant in the room that Canada is still not ready to address – racism and discrimination against “visible minorities” – code for non-white immigrants.

Grassroots organization seeking local housing supports for Ukrainian families

Brent Cater City News February 13 2023

It's been nearly a year since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine - and the number of refugee families fleeing the fighting has continued to grow.

Finding homes for these families has become increasingly challenging as hundreds look to find safety in Canada and locally in Waterloo Region.

Regina, Ottawa to partner on more 'deeply affordable' rapid housing units

Jessie Anton · CBC News · Posted: Feb 13, 2023

The federal government has announced it's providing the City of Regina $6.6 million from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to put toward another rapid housing initiative project.

Asylum seekers using well-organized system for crossing irregularly into Canada

Marisela Amador City News The Canadian Press

Moments after a Greyhound bus from New York City pulls into a gas station bus stop in Plattsburgh, N.Y., Friday at 5:25 a.m., several minivan taxis swarm the vehicle.

About a dozen passengers descend from the bus — mostly single men, but also several couples and a family with three young daughters. They are greeted by four pushy taxi drivers.

Kept apart for years, Iranian couples decry Canada's heartbreaking immigration delays

Priscilla Ki Sun Hwang · CBC News · Posted: Feb 13, 2023

One spouse in Canada, the other overseas — for years.

For a group of Iranian nationals, the wait to live with — let alone hug and kiss — their partners has been painfully long as they wait years for Canada to process their permanent residency (PR) applications.

Expanded refugee program for Afghans now expected within weeks

Stephanie Levitz The Star Wed., Feb. 8, 2023

OTTAWA — An expanded refugee resettlement program for Afghans will be in place within weeks, government officials confirmed Wednesday, following a settlement in a human rights complaint filed by four Afghan-Canadians who deployed with the Canadian military to Afghanistan during the war.

After deadly earthquake, N.S. advocate urges government to bring Syrian refugees to Canada

CBC News · Posted: Feb 09, 2023

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey earlier this week, a Nova Scotian refugee support group is urging the government to step in and expedite the process for Syrians living in Turkey to come to Canada.

New ODSP income limits

Steps to Justice has updated information on how much someone can earn without it affecting their ODSP. People can now make up to $1,000 a month before their ODSP is reduced.

Canada may fast-track immigration applications from people in earthquake zone

The Canadian Press Feb. 9, 2023

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser signalled this week that Canada may fast-track applications to come to Canada from people in the earthquake zones of Turkey and Syria.

Two major earthquakes rocked southwestern Turkey and northwestern Syria in a matter of hours on Monday, destroying thousands of buildings.

The confirmed death toll keeps rising, with more than 19,800 people killed and at least another 64,000 injured.

OCASI Welcomes Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia

February 6, 2023 / Toronto