The Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and the risks it poses for many vulnerable Afghans. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought many Afghans to Canada—and our teams there, here and across the world are working around the clock to bring as many people as possible to safety.
Settlement services are crucial to a newcomer’s success in Canada. They help new Canadians get work, learn English or French, find a place to live and, more broadly, succeed in this country. With the pandemic exacerbating the already challenging process of beginning a new life in a new land, settlement services have never been more critical.
Over the past years, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have worked together closely to help more newcomers choose, settle and thrive in the province. Central to these efforts is the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Immigration Agreement. First signed in 2016, the agreement sets out joint objectives and lays a blueprint for federal-provincial cooperation on immigration.
While Canadians should continue to avoid non-essential travel worldwide, the Government of Canada recognizes that proof of vaccination credentials will support the re-opening of societies and economies.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping every woman and girl in Canada reach her full potential. A central part of this is addressing and overcoming the unique barriers that can sometimes stand in their way. These barriers can be particularly significant for racialized newcomer women, and have increased since the onset of the pandemic and its disproportionate impact on women.
The Government of Canada is committed to the full and equal participation of all women and girls, which is essential to Canada’s economic growth and prosperity. That’s why Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making it easier for racialized newcomer women to find a job by providing the support and services they need to succeed.
Today, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, concluded a successful visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.
Canada is one of the top destinations in the world, with millions of people from across the globe hoping to come here every year to settle, visit or work. To navigate the immigration system, many people turn to consultants or other services for help. While nearly all operate honestly, unscrupulous actors can exploit the system and take advantage of people. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking meaningful action to root out immigration fraud and protect those who wish to come here.
The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement:
The Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met virtually today to discuss the future of immigration in Canada as the country looks towards growth and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic created some disruptions to Canada’s immigration system, Ministers in attendance had an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and to reaffirm their commitment to a federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) relationship that supports timely and meaningful partnership and collaboration.