Canada Strengthens Ties with Latin America to Support Migrant Integration

August 16, 2022—Ottawa — In Canada, diversity stands as one of our greatest assets, fostering a robust commitment to inclusion and the welcoming of others. This ethos not only enhances our understanding and respect for human rights but also brings significant economic, civic, and cultural benefits.

Shared Values, Shared Challenges

Inclusion is a core value that Canada shares with its partners across Latin America. However, the region faces significant challenges due to increased human mobility. Refugees and migrants often encounter unfair recruitment practices, lack social protection, and struggle to find adequate employment opportunities. Moreover, they frequently endure xenophobia, gender-based violence, and anti-migrant sentiments.

Canada’s Commitment to Migrant Integration

In light of these challenges, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has reaffirmed Canada's dedication to addressing these issues. As a champion of the Global Compact for Migration and a staunch advocate for the Global Compact on Refugees, Minister Fraser commends the International Labour Organization (ILO) for completing its first Canada-supported capacity-building project. This initiative aims to enhance the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants within Latin America.

New Initiatives Announced

Building upon this foundational work, Minister Fraser announced the launch of two additional capacity-building projects designed to improve the quality of life and job prospects for migrants and forcibly displaced persons.

Project 1: Enhancing Regional Collaboration

The first project targets regional collaboration to advance fair recruitment practices and the integration of migrants and refugees into local labor markets in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Honduras. Key aspects of this initiative include:

• Reviewing and updating labor codes
• Supporting skills certification
• Enhancing access to professional training
• Providing technical assistance to public and private sectors on fair recruitment

This project seeks not only to bolster labor market integration and independence for refugees and migrants but also to safeguard them against human trafficking and forced labor.

Project 2: Socio-Economic Integration of Venezuelans

The second project aligns with a regional strategy to integrate Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia and Panama. It focuses on:

• Improving skills and employment opportunities
• Facilitating access to decent work
• Establishing a network of public employment service providers
• Implementing a regional scheme for recognizing and certifying skills

Technical support will be furnished to public employment service providers and career training institutions to develop or enhance programs specifically for refugee and migrant workers.

A Path Toward Economic Contribution

Collectively, these projects aim to integrate migrants and refugees into local labor markets by supporting skill certification and simplifying access to necessary training across various sectors. This approach not only enables migrants and refugees at all skill levels to contribute positively to the economy but also equips them with transferable skills and invaluable life experiences.

As Canada continues to champion these initiatives, the nation reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive society that values diversity and strengthens international cooperation for the betterment of human rights and economic prosperity.