Canada’s Commitment to Afghan Refugee Resettlement Gains Momentum

Ottawa, Ontario — As of May 27, 2022, the Government of Canada is intensifying its efforts to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, prioritizing both speed and safety. To date, Canada has successfully welcomed 14,485 Afghan refugees, with more arriving each week, thanks to a robust national effort.

Nationwide Support for New Arrivals

From coast to coast, Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations (RAP SPOs) are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that Afghan newcomers find a warm welcome in their new communities.

Thunder Bay Multicultural Association: A Local Success Story

In Ontario, the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association has embraced nearly 100 Afghan newcomers since August 2021. The association offers vital services such as information dissemination, orientation, and referrals which are crucial to the integration process. To accommodate the recent influx, the association hired Eid Mohammad Sultan, an Afghan refugee and former interpreter for the Canadian Armed Forces, as a language interpreter. Mr. Sultan's contribution has been invaluable, allowing other refugees to access essential services in English. His successful integration into Thunder Bay is mirrored by the association's assistance in securing full-time employment for two Afghan parents and enrolling their six children in school, leading to job promotions and educational stability.

Other Notable RAP SPO Initiatives

• Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Edmonton, Alberta: Since August 2021, CSS has welcomed over 500 Afghan refugees. Among them, 170 human rights defenders and their families have been supported with language training, orientation, housing, and other resources. These defenders are now collaborating with local museums to document and share their experiences of human rights abuses in Afghanistan through the arts.

• Association for New Canadians in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: This organization has facilitated the arrival of over 275 Afghan refugees. By partnering with local businesses, churches, and community members, they have collected essential household items, toys, clothes, and financial donations. In a notable collaboration, they worked with the 1620 Electrical Workers Union, which raised over $30,000 to privately sponsor an Afghan family resettling in the province.

A Continued Commitment

RAP SPOs across Canada are integral to the successful resettlement of all newcomers. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) remains committed to partnering closely with these organizations to welcome Afghan nationals to Canadian soil.

For media use, photos of Afghan refugee arrivals are available on Dropbox. Progress on Canada's initiative to welcome Afghan refugees can be monitored through official channels.

As Canada continues to open its doors, the collective efforts of government bodies, local associations, and community members underscore a national commitment to providing hope and opportunity for Afghan refugees seeking a new beginning in their adopted homeland.