Settlement Organizations Facilitate Afghan Refugees’ Transition to Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Resettlement Efforts in Canada
The Canadian government is committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals swiftly and securely. So far, 14,485 Afghan refugees have arrived, with more reaching Canada weekly.
Throughout the country, Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations (RAP SPOs) offer essential support to newcomers, including Afghan refugees, to help them integrate into their new communities.
Supportive Initiatives Across Provinces
In Ontario, the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association has welcomed nearly 100 Afghan newcomers since August 2021, offering vital services like information and orientation.
An Afghan refugee, Mr. Eid Mohammad Sultan, now serves as a language interpreter, greatly aiding his fellow refugees. The Association has also helped Afghan families secure employment and enroll children in school.
- Since August 2021, Catholic Social Services in Edmonton has received over 500 Afghan refugees, including 170 human rights defenders. They provide language training and support for community integration.
- The Association for New Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador has collaborated with local groups to collect donations, aiding over 275 Afghan refugees.
RAP SPOs play a crucial role in the resettlement of newcomers, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada continues to collaborate with them to welcome Afghan nationals.
For media use, photos of Afghan refugee arrivals are available. Track Canada’s progress in welcoming Afghan refugees.
Voices of Support
“Canada’s resettlement service providers offer Afghan refugees critical assistance for building new lives. Their services are vital for newcomers’ integration, and I extend gratitude for their ongoing support.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“The Thunder Bay Multicultural Association is honored to help Afghan refugees settle in Thunder Bay. We’ve seen family reunifications and community integration, which is challenging yet rewarding.”
– Cathy Woodbeck, Executive Director, Thunder Bay Multicultural Association
Key Facts
- The Resettlement Assistance Program offers immediate support for government-assisted refugees, including temporary housing and help enrolling in essential programs.
- Government-assisted refugees are settled in communities with IRCC-funded resettlement SPOs. Quebec offers similar services through separate funding.
- Privately sponsored refugees reside in the same community as their sponsor.
- In January 2022, Canada announced a $35 million investment to expand settlement services in small and rural communities, adding nine RAP SPOs.
- Recently, about 300 privately sponsored Afghan refugees arrived in Toronto.
Related Resources
Contact Information
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 About Afghan Refugee Resettlement in Canada
How many Afghan refugees has Canada welcomed so far?
Canada has welcomed a total of 14,485 Afghan refugees, with more arriving weekly.
What support do Afghan refugees receive upon arrival?
Refugees receive immediate support, including temporary housing, language training, and enrollment in essential programs.
How are privately sponsored refugees accommodated?
Privately sponsored refugees settle in the same community as their sponsors, receiving support from them.
What efforts are being made for refugee resettlement in smaller communities?
Canada has invested $35 million to enhance settlement services in smaller towns, including opening new RAP SPOs.
Where can I find more information on Canada’s response to the Afghan situation?
More information is available here.
For further details on Afghan refugee resettlement, read our immigration guide.
