News
Find the latest news articles related to Canada’s immigration programs, advocacy work, immigrant culture, employment trends, and much more!
More than 150 affordable homes coming to Burnaby
May 10th, 2024
Indigenous and non-Indigenous families and individuals, seniors and people living with disabilities will soon have access to more than 150 affordable rental homes in Burnaby.
“By investing in affordable homes, we are ensuring that communities remain livable with affordable options for growing families and individuals working in the area,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “Burnaby is one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. and we’ve stepped up to meet that demand with our commitment to build 1,500 new affordable homes by 2026.”
Construction is underway on 130 new affordable rental homes at 6488 Byrnepark Dr. and 25 additional new affordable rental homes will be opening at 7898-18 Ave., Burnaby.
The building at 6488 Byrnepark Dr. will be six storeys and contain a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units for Indigenous and non-Indigenous families and individuals with low or moderate incomes.
Rents will be a mix of rent geared to income where residents pay 30% of their income for rent, market rates, and deep-subsidy rates for people on income assistance. Construction is expected to be complete in 2026.
Expanded mental-health, addictions support coming for South Asian community
May 4th, 2024
South Asian people who are struggling with mental-health or addictions challenges in greater Vancouver now have access to expanded services provided by the South Asian Community Hub Society (SACH).
SACH is a primarily volunteer-run non-profit organization based in Surrey. Launched in 2020, it helps people in South Asian communities who are struggling with mental-health and addictions challenges connect with tailored and in-language services, including counselling, harm-reduction and victim- and income-assistance services.
“People of South Asian heritage who want to reach out for support often face significant barriers, like stigma, language, racism and lack of culturally appropriate care,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Through peer support, SACH helps provide that much-needed connection to make it easier for South Asian people to connect to the programs and services that meet their specific needs. This way, people get the right kind of supports on their path to wellness and to a better quality of life.”
Recent policies that may make home ownership more affordable for eligible newcomers to Canada
May 4th, 2024
On April 11, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced several new housing affordability measures designed to help first-time buyers and current homeowners.
In light of the federal restrictions on foreign home buyers last year (more on that later), newcomers to Canada may be curious if they are eligible for any of the recently announced housing affordability measures.
This article outlines how policies implementing increased RRSP withdrawal limits and extended mortgage terms can benefit newcomers to Canada, making it easier to purchase their first home.
We also provide a clear guide on what these changes mean and discuss how newcomers, especially temporary residents such as international students and foreign workers, can pursue them.
How an ECA can help you immigrate to Canada
May 4th, 2024
Many newcomers who want to immigrate to Canada will require some proof of their education level, and what equivalent it holds within the Canadian education system, to prove their eligibility.
This is where an education credential assessment (ECA) serves a critical function for newcomers, helping to contextualize a candidate’s educational achievements for the Canadian immigration system. However, ECA’s can also do much more than prove your eligibility for immigration.
What is an ECA?
An ECA is a document that assesses a newcomer’s international education credential and determines its Canadian equivalent. Newcomers can order ECAs from organizations that are designated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess foreign education credentials.
There are several kinds of ECAs offered by many of these organizations, including ECAs for professional licensing and certification, employment, education, and immigration purposes (among others). Choosing the right ECA for your needs is crucial.
New legislation aims to remove systemic barriers for Indigenous, racialized people
May 4th, 2024
Indigenous and racialized people in B.C. will face fewer barriers when accessing public programs and services with new legislation aimed at removing systemic racism from provincial institutions.
With this legislation, government will take action on systemic racism uncovered through race-based data collection and lived experiences of Indigenous and racialized communities. Building on the 2022 Anti-Racism Data Act, the anti-racism legislation was co-developed with Indigenous and racialized communities. It fulfils Action 3.6 of the Declaration Act Action Plan, which commits the Province to introducing anti-racism legislation that addresses Indigenous-specific racism.
“For too long, too many people have faced racial barriers when trying to access government services, just because of their identity,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “This historic legislation is about changing the system and making sure everyone in B.C. can equitably access the programs and services they need with the safety, dignity and respect they deserve.”
The legislation requires the Province to strengthen checks and balances in its programs and services in hospitals, schools, courts and other public spaces. A new anti-racism committee will draw up a whole-of-government action plan to address systemic racism and, for the first time, public institutions will be required to critically evaluate day-to-day operations and remove policies and practices that harm Indigenous and racialized people. It will also advance the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of Indigenous, Black and racialized public servants to ensure that public sector workers in B.C. reflect the population they serve.