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.
CBC News — ‘Dreams being lost’ as many shut out of IRCC’s permanent residency pilot, consultant says
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched its latest pilot on Monday, and Lastimosa wasn’t the only one to flag serious problems with the website. Immigration experts say thousands of experienced home workers like Lastimosa didn’t have an opportunity to apply because of IRCC’s website slowdown. IRCC’s pilot invited home-care workers to apply on a first come, first served basis. On Monday, more than 45,000 people tried to apply but the limited spots filled in just over four hours, the IRCC said in an emailed statement to CBC Toronto.
National Post — Is it hard for immigrants to get jobs in Ontario?
Finding newcomer jobs in Markham can be difficult, especially for those unfamiliar with local hiring practices. Many job seekers submit applications without receiving responses, making the process feel discouraging. In some cases, skills that were in high demand in a home country may require additional certification in Ontario. Others may find that their experience is valued but that employers prefer candidates with a local work history. These challenges can make it harder to secure stable employment, but with the right strategies, newcomers can improve their chances.
City News — PLQ leadership: Karl Blackburn would increase permanent immigration
Former MNA and former president of the Conseil du patronat, Karl Blackburn, entered the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) leadership race on Monday, emphasizing the importance of immigrants for businesses. “Withdrawal is not my cup of tea,” he said at a press conference in a Quebec City hotel, explaining his reasons for joining the race at the last minute. Former CEO of the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec, Charles Millard, former federal minister Pablo Rodriguez, lawyer Marc Bélanger, and farmer Mario Roy are already in the running.
The Gazette — Quebec is spending millions to subsidize English-speaking students with French citizenship
Quebec is spending millions to subsidize hundreds of foreign, English-speaking students through a tuition discount program meant to strengthen francophone ties and potentially attract French-speaking immigrants, The Gazette has learned. That means Premier François Legault’s government is providing subsidies to English speakers from other countries even as it targets anglophones from the rest of Canada with higher tuition fees — and complains that Concordia and McGill universities are contributing to a decline in the French language.
Tous les partis fédéraux s’entendent pour dire que le français est en déclin à l’extérieur du Québec et que le poids démographique des francophones en situation minoritaire est en chute libre. Dans la première semaine de la campagne électorale, la Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada (FCFA) a demandé des engagements pour un plan de croissance de la francophonie canadienne. Une croissance qui «passe désormais presque entièrement par l’immigration», a-t-elle statué dans une vidéo sur YouTube. L’organisme exige notamment une cible de 12 % d’immigration francophone dès 2026 et «un meilleur appui aux services d’établissement de langue française».
CTV News — Edmonton housing project for LGBTQ2S+ refugees and newcomers now open
A housing project aiming to provide safe, transitional housing for LGBTQ2S+ refugees is now open. The Ewaka housing project provides low-cost transitional housing for up to six months. Organizers say Black trans, gender non-conforming and other LGBTQ2S+ people often face barriers in obtaining safe and welcoming housing. The new project provides tailored services in an effort to make their transition into Canadian society more successful.
