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.
The Washington Post — Eligible for asylum in Canada, stuck in ICE detention
They trekked through a dozen countries, from Asia to South America, on horseback across the perilous Darien Gap and up through Central America to Mexico. Members of Afghanistan’s persecuted Shiite Hazara minority, the family — a man who worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, his wife and three of their children — spent months in Mexico trying to schedule an appointment with U.S. immigration authorities through the Biden administration’s CBP One app, to no avail. They hoped to travel on to Canada, where several close family members have already been granted refugee status — and where, under the terms of a U.S.-Canada immigration pact, they, too, would be eligible to seek asylum.
The Globe and Mail — Border bill would leave dissidents who visited Canada in the past at risk
Dissidents, human-rights activists and journalists being persecuted by foreign regimes could find themselves unable to get asylum hearings in Canada under planned immigration changes, refugee experts warn. They are calling on the federal government to create an exception in Bill C-2, the Strong Borders bill, so dissidents can find safe haven here. As it is currently worded, the bill would exclude dissidents and others from hearings at the Immigration and Refugee Board if they came to Canada more than a year before their claim. Many – including political opponents of authoritarian regimes – may have visited Canada to attend meetings, speak at summits or give lectures, the experts warn.
Radio-Canada — L’économie de la Côte-Nord dépend de l’immigration, soutient le milieu des affaires
La Côte-Nord est particulièrement touchée par le manque de travailleurs étrangers, selon des chambres de commerce de la région. De son côté, une restauratrice de Havre-Saint-Pierre est inquiète pour le futur des commerces de la Minganie. Dans son cahier de consultation, le gouvernement du Québec propose d’accueillir 45 000 travailleurs permanents par an d’ici 2029. La présidente de la Chambre de commerce de Port-Cartier, Asmaa Essalhi, affirme que ce nombre est insuffisant. Il ne reflète pas la réalité au niveau des besoins marché-travailleurs sur la Côte-Nord, estime-t-elle.
CIC News — Regions respond to great demand for Canada’s new rural pathway to permanent residence
Canada’s new rural pathway to permanent residence has been met with incredible demand by employers and foreign nationals in participating regions. Local economic development organizations participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) have responded with measures such as tightening eligibility criteria for employers and/or imposing caps or moratoria on intake. Regions making changes to address excess demand include North Okanagan-Shuswap, Claresholm, and Peace Liard. The table below summarizes major changes as of the time of writing.
Global News — Older Canadians want fewer legal immigrants to relocate to Canada, poll finds
More Canadians over the age of 55 think fewer legal immigrants should be allowed to relocate to Canada, compared to their younger counterparts. A new poll by Research Co. asked people across the country about their perceptions on immigration and the results highlighted a generational divide. Forty-three per cent of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly positive effect in the country, which is up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024. A smaller portion of Canadians, 39 per cent, think immigration is having a mostly negative effect on the country, while 18 per cent were undecided.
La Presse — Stress, angoisse et incertitude pour des étudiants français
À deux semaines de la rentrée universitaire, des étudiants français admis dans des établissements québécois attendent toujours leur permis d’études. Retards, frais supplémentaires et incertitude : l’angoisse monte à l’approche du jour J. Pour étudier au Québec, un étudiant étranger doit d’abord obtenir un certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), délivré par le ministère québécois de l’Immigration. Ce document est ensuite nécessaire pour demander un permis d’études au fédéral. C’est cette deuxième étape qui bloque. Les délais d’IRCC, annoncés à cinq semaines au début de l’été, ont monté à dix semaines. Et plusieurs dossiers dépassent déjà ce délai.
