March 30, 2022 — Ottawa, Ontario – Today, Canada marked an important milestone by welcoming over 10,000 Afghan refugees since August 2021. The latest newcomers arrived in Toronto on a charter flight with nearly 300 Afghan nationals.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, was in in Toronto to welcome the newcomers and to show Canada’s continued dedication to supporting them and the world’s most vulnerable.
This effort is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the Government of Canada and international partners, as it works tirelessly to facilitate the safe passage of Afghan refugees. Provinces and Territories and countless domestic organizations have helped resettle refugees across the country. Canadians, volunteers, and the private and non-governmental sectors, including several veterans organizations, have also generously given their time, services, expertise, financial contributions and in-kind donations to support these ongoing efforts. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of newcomer families across the country and providing immediate and longer-term support to those who need it most.
In Ottawa, 590 Afghan refugees have arrived and have been provided settlement services by the Catholic Centre for Immigrants (CCI Ottawa).
Despite the many unique challenges, these Afghan newcomers are now beginning their new lives in Canada. From coast to coast to coast, small and large communities alike have been welcoming them to their new homes. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working directly with Resettlement Assistance Program service providers, Provinces and Territories, community organizations, Sponsorship Agreement Holders, and private sponsors to provide Afghan nationals with access to housing, childcare, language training and basic necessities such as clothing and food. Across Canada, they play a critical role in helping Afghans move to their new homes and integrate successfully in Canada.
The process of resettling in Canada is a marathon—not a sprint—and more work is needed to help Afghans integrate well into their new communities. Through our Settlement Program, IRCC works with partners to help newcomers enroll in schools, establish a permanent new home, and find a job. Their determination to succeed and the skills they possess will have a significant and positive impact in our communities and on Canada’s post-pandemic economic and social growth.