Minister Fraser Celebrates Afghan Refugees’ Arrival in Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s Commitment to Afghan Refugees
Canada, a key member of NATO, is stepping up to resettle evacuated Afghan staff. As part of this effort, Canada plans to welcome up to 472 NATO-identified Afghan staff and their families.
Today, 265 Afghan refugees, including former NATO employees and their families, were welcomed by Minister Sean Fraser at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. While about 100 will stay in Nova Scotia, others will move to various parts of Canada.
These individuals, temporarily residing in a third country after leaving Afghanistan, are included in Canada’s initiative to resettle 15,000 Afghan refugees under a special humanitarian program.
Support for New Arrivals
Government-assisted refugees can rely on organizations like the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia for support. They receive assistance with housing, job opportunities, language skills, and more.
Canadian support for Afghan refugees has been remarkable. Those interested in helping through volunteering, donating, or sponsoring can find more information on how Canadians can help.
Official Statements
“Canada is proud to welcome refugees who worked as NATO locally engaged staff in Afghanistan. To those arriving today, welcome home. Our resettlement assistance agencies and private sponsors are ready to help them start new lives here.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser
“Nova Scotia is proud to offer refuge to Afghans fleeing hardship. We are here to support them as they settle and become part of our community.” – The Honourable Tim Houston
“We are honored to welcome Afghan refugees in Nova Scotia. Our partnerships ensure a safe and welcoming resettlement experience.” – Jennifer Watts, CEO, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
Fast Facts on Afghan Resettlement
- Updated figures on Afghan refugee arrivals are available on our key figures webpage.
- The first group of NATO staff arrived in Canada on October 26, 2021, with 116 Afghan nationals landing in St. John’s.
- Canada’s special humanitarian program supports Afghan nationals without a durable solution outside Afghanistan.
- Approximately 75% of Afghan refugees in Atlantic Canada have secured permanent housing.
- Government-assisted refugees receive financial support for essential needs for up to one year.
- A commercial flight landed in Toronto with 234 privately sponsored Afghan refugees heading to Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
- The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program empowers Canadians to sponsor refugees, aiding their success in Canada.
Associated Information
- Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
- Photos: Welcoming Afghan Refugees in Halifax
Contact Information
For media only:
Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
