Minister Fraser Engages with Afghan Newcomers and Settlement Organizations in Alberta
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
The Canadian government is committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals swiftly and safely. To date, over 9,400 Afghan refugees have been welcomed, with more arriving weekly.
Recently, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, visited Alberta. He met with Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations, Afghan newcomers, and human rights defenders. This visit highlighted the efforts of key partners in integrating Afghan refugees into their new communities.
In Calgary, Minister Fraser explored a point-of-entry hotel where Afghan refugees initially stay. He observed the check-in process and visited a temporary medical clinic. He also met Fariborz Birjandian, CEO of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). The CCIS plays a crucial role in helping Afghan refugees settle by providing essential services during their first weeks in Canada. Discussions included CCIS’s support for refugees, such as airport welcomes, school system integration, and employment assistance.
In Edmonton, Minister Fraser engaged with Afghan human rights defenders who arrived earlier this year. Canada’s human rights defenders immigration stream, introduced in July 2021, complements special measures for Afghan nationals. Canada is among the few nations offering a permanent immigration program for human rights advocates.
While in Edmonton, Minister Fraser participated in a soccer match with Afghan children and met newly arrived families. Photos of Afghan arrivals can be found on Dropbox. Follow Canada’s progress on welcoming Afghan refugees.
Quotes
“I would like to thank Albertans for their warm welcome and for the opportunity to hear the joys and challenges of the incredible work that communities and businesses are doing to support newcomers to Canada. I was especially happy to have met Afghan newcomers in person and welcome them home, and I was inspired by the stories of how they overcame so many obstacles and are now building a new life in Canada.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick Facts
- Over 1,600 Afghan newcomers have settled in Alberta between August 2021 and February 2022.
- Recently, 294 privately sponsored Afghan refugees arrived in Toronto, and 330 government-assisted refugees arrived in Calgary.
- The CCIS established a National Afghan Steering Committee to ensure smooth integration for Afghan newcomers through their Afghan Resettlement Programs.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan
- News Release: Afghan human rights defenders arrive in Canada
- IRCC Settlement Program initiatives
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aidan.Strickland@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs on Afghan Resettlement in Canada
How many Afghan refugees has Canada welcomed so far?
Canada has welcomed over 9,400 Afghan refugees, with numbers increasing weekly.
What support does the CCIS provide to Afghan newcomers?
The CCIS helps refugees integrate by offering airport welcomes, school integration, and employment support.
What is the human rights defenders immigration stream?
This program, launched in July 2021, aids those who protect human rights, complementing special measures for Afghan nationals.
Meta Description: Minister Fraser meets Afghan newcomers and settlement organizations in Alberta, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to resettling 40,000 Afghan nationals. Read more about the integration efforts and support provided.
