Canadians Continue to Welcome Afghan Refugees in Their Communities
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s Efforts to Resettle Afghan Refugees
The Canadian government is committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals with urgency and safety as top priorities. Recently, 335 Afghan refugees, both government-assisted and privately sponsored, arrived in Canada via 10 commercial flights. These newcomers are settling in various communities, including Calgary, Winnipeg, and Sherbrooke. As of now, Canada has welcomed a total of 7,885 Afghan nationals.
Welcoming Communities Across Canada
The Afghan arrivals include individuals approved through Canada’s special immigration program for those who assisted Canadian operations, as well as privately sponsored refugees and those referred by international agencies like the United Nations Refugee Agency.
Since August 2021, Canadians have actively supported Afghan refugees. Over $1 million has been donated, along with over 200,000 items such as children’s toys and clothing. More than 5,000 temporary accommodations have been offered. The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) coordinates these efforts across Canada, ensuring a warm welcome for the refugees.
- The Afghan Network for Social Services in Toronto donated 62 children’s gift baskets and 200 items of children’s clothing to Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services.
- Generous donations from Newfoundland and Labrador residents, including clothing and gift cards, have grown to over $100,000, thanks to corporate contributions.
For those interested in volunteering, donating, or supporting Afghan resettlement efforts, learn more about how Canadians can help.
Media can access photos of previous arrivals and monitor Canada’s progress on welcoming Afghan refugees.
Heartfelt Words from Leaders
“It has been heartwarming to watch communities welcome Afghan refugees. Over the past several months, Canadians across the country have stepped up to provide a warm welcome to some of the world’s most vulnerable, and their generosity through donations and volunteering continues to be truly remarkable.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“For 40 years, CCIS has been honoured to play a role in Canada’s commitment to helping over one million refugees and watch them become contributing members of their communities and proud Canadians. As someone who came to this country as a refugee, I can understand the gratitude and appreciation that many Afghans and other refugees are feeling toward the generosity and kindness of Canadians.”
– Fariborz Birjandian, Chief Executive Officer, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Quick Facts
- CCIS has formed a National Afghan Steering Committee with service providers nationwide to ensure Afghan arrivals experience safe integration.
- The Association for New Canadians offers immigrant and refugee services across eight locations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services, operating in Toronto and Peel Region, coordinates entry services for Afghan refugees.
- The Afghan Network for Social Services Foundation, established in 2017, supports newcomers and provides community services in Toronto.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan
- News release: Canada continues to welcome more Afghan refugees
- Afghan Resettlement Programs
Contact Information
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
How many Afghan refugees has Canada welcomed?
As of now, Canada has welcomed 7,885 Afghan nationals with plans to resettle at least 40,000.
What is the role of the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society?
CCIS coordinates volunteer efforts and donations for the Resettlement Assistance Program service providers across Canada.
How can Canadians get involved in supporting Afghan refugees?
Canadians can volunteer, donate, or sponsor refugees. Learn more about how to help.
Meta Description: Canada is welcoming Afghan refugees with open arms, resettling 7,885 so far. Learn how communities and organizations are making a difference.
