Latest news with #RefugeesandCitizenship
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada invests in services to support economic integration and fill labour market shortages Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Canada's new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting the best talent in the world and filling key labour shortages. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more than $3.2 billion over three years across more than 520 organizations outside Quebec to improve the integration of newcomers, including into the job market, and to reduce labour shortages. Settlement services are essential to filling vacancies in high-demand sectors such as health care and skilled trades. With increased economic integration, newcomers can apply their skills quickly, fill critical labour gaps and boost productivity. Funding will be provided to local organizations to deliver tailored services that recognize regional considerations and needs, instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Services will include support with getting a licence or certification in a regulated profession providing job-specific and general language training in English and French supporting French-speaking newcomers to integrate into Francophone communities outside Quebec These services will help newcomers build successful lives in Canada by supporting their economic, social and cultural integration into communities across the country. With an outcome-focused approach, Canada will attract a strong workforce and build one unified Canadian economy—the strongest economy in the G7. Quote: "Canada is focused on building more homes, better infrastructure and a clean economy—and newcomers are essential to making that happen. This investment is about giving newcomers the skills and opportunities they need to build their lives here and help build Canada at the same time. When newcomers thrive, our communities grow stronger, and we all move forward together." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: As of April 1, 2025, more than 520 organizations received funding to deliver settlement and resettlement programs and services across Canada. Organizations were chosen following a competitive national call for proposals. All applications were carefully reviewed to confirm they met eligibility requirements, were aligned with program priorities, provided good value for money and offered services that met newcomer needs. Under the Canada–Quebec Accord, the Government of Canada provides the province of Quebec with an annual grant for the delivery and administration of reception services and of services to support the linguistic, cultural and economic integration of immigrants who settle in that province, including resettled refugees. From April 2014 to January 2025, 47% of all permanent residents outside Quebec and 93% of resettled refugees accessed at least one IRCC-funded settlement service in Canada. Associated links: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Calgary Herald
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
New citizens get white hat treatment at Stampede ceremony
The ceremony may have opened with a request to remove caps, but it ended in a sea of fresh white hats as 19 new Canadians took their last steps to citizenship on Stampede grounds. Article content Freshly sworn citizens were given gifts of cowboy apparel, alongside passes to spend the day on the midway. Article content Article content 'It was just a beautiful moment and honorable moment for us,' said Hardikakaur Singh, one of the newly sworn-in citizens. 'I would say we got chance to meet so many VIPs, but here in Canada, they are not VIPs, like other countries. They are like you. They treat you like VIPs.' Article content Article content Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab spoke at the proceedings, alongside a host of other prominent figures, including Calgary Stampede president Stuart O'Connor and Mayor Jyoti Gondek. Article content Article content Shreys Sureja was sworn in alongside his wife, Niharika, and their son. He got his master's in computer science in the U.S. but came to Canada to put down real roots. The Stampede commemoration was exciting, but he was even more excited to culminate the long road to citizenship. Article content 'It's been like three, three-and-a-half years since we moved to Canada,' Sureja said. Article content The family will be attending the evening Grandstand Show, where they'll be invited on stage alongside the other new Canadians who choose to take in the spotlight. Before the show, they're celebrating swearing their oaths by hitting the midway, and say they're most excited to watch the motocross. Article content Article content Singh says her favourite thing on the grounds is watching other people take the rides. 'It's so horrible. It's scary, actually watching those rides. And you can't dare to be in those rides, you know?' Article content Article content Article content A citizenship ceremony is held by the Calgary Stampede annually. Diab said that she's attended many ceremonies since her first in 1996, but that this still marks a new and exciting occasion for the federal immigration minister. Article content 'What is also very special is to be here for the very first time to attend the Calgary Stampede,' Diab said. 'It started in 1912, so a long history, and a long proud tradition. This is a special, special occasion, of becoming a Canadian. But it's also special given the scenario we're at today.' Article content Citizenship Judge James Clover presided over the proceedings. At several points throughout the ceremony, he was brought to the point of tears.
Cision Canada
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - Minister Diab to participate in a citizenship ceremony in Calgary Français
CALGARY, AB, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 20 of Canada's newest citizens from four countries. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge James Clover. Notes for media: Media must register in advance by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with [email protected] by Wednesday, July 9, at 5 p.m., Eastern time. Please include "RSVP for July 10 citizenship ceremony" in the email subject line. Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. (Mountain time). Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony. SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Cision Canada
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Statement by Minister Diab on Canada Day Français
HALIFAX, NS, July 1, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement on Canada Day: " Canada Day is a time to reflect on who we are as a country and to celebrate the people, cultures and values that bring us together. From coast to coast to coast, Canadians can mark this day with pride in our shared commitment to democracy, equality and building a better future. "Canada's story did not begin with Confederation when Canada became a country. It began with Indigenous Peoples who cared for their land and territories since time immemorial. We celebrate the Canada we know today, but we must also honour and acknowledge the enduring contributions made by the First Peoples of this land, and learn more about their histories, traditions and cultures. Let's continue working together towards a future built on mutual understanding, respect and justice. "Today, I am honoured to attend a citizenship ceremony at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Many similar ceremonies will take place this year—powerful moments that demonstrate the resilience, hope, and dreams of those who choose Canada as their home. As a proud Lebanese Canadian and the daughter of immigrants, I know firsthand the courage it takes to build a new life in a new home. I encourage you to attend a citizenship ceremony in your community and share in the pride and joy of these milestones. "Being Canadian is more than a passport or status. It means actively participating in our communities, embracing our diverse cultures, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and standing together with a common purpose. Whether through volunteering, voting, or simply welcoming a neighbour, every act strengthens the fabric of our nation. "This Canada Day, let's celebrate the values that unite us and recommit ourselves to building a Canada where everyone belongs and can thrive. For information about Canada Day celebrations near you, visit the Canadian Heritage website. "Happy Canada Day to all who call this wonderful country home!"
Cision Canada
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Minister Diab to participate in a Canada Day citizenship ceremony in Halifax
HALIFAX, NS , June 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, in her first ceremony as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 51 of Canada's newest citizens from 18 different countries at a special Canada Day citizenship ceremony. Citizenship Judge Joan Mahoney will preside over the ceremony. The ceremony will be available for live viewing on YouTube. Notes for media: Media are asked to register in advance to attend in person, by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with [email protected] by Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m. ET. Please include "RSVP for Canada Day Citizenship Ceremony" in the subject line of the email. Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. AT. Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony. SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada
