Citizenship Numbers from 2018
Read this valuable analysis of IRCC data on residency after the implementation of Bill C-6 written by a former Director General at the Department of Citizenship and Immigration.
Immigration and Integration
New Impaired Driving Laws and Canadian Permanent Residents
There are tough new laws in effect against impaired driving all part of the change that swept in when cannabis became legal, but for newcomers committing that crime could mean they have to leave the country.
Germany: Migration Bolsters Innovation, Patents
"Nearly one in 10 patent applications in Germany were filed by inventors with a non-German background, a study has revealed."
OPINION: Permanent Residents Need to Follow Impaired Driving Act Law Carefully
One month after the passage of Bills C-45 and C-46, Senators Omidvar and Jaffer are looking for important solutions for Canada's permanent residents. Read more about how these new laws impact this group of immigrants.
1,000,000 new immigrants by 2021: Canada to open doors, but is it good for the country?
In November, Senator Omidvar was interviewed by Johnathan Rumley of Yahoo News on proposals to increase the number of newcomers to Canada by more than one million by 2021. Read an excerpt of the article.
WATCH: Cities across Canada are diverse, but are they inclusive?
In November 2018, Senator Omidvar joined a panel at Evergreen's Future Cities Canada Summit to discuss inclusive, sustainable and just cities.
WATCH: Senator Ratna Omidvar on Migration, Cities and Universities
"I believe that cities and their local institutions such as universities have an inherent advantage. It is far, far easier for cities to come together, to beg, borrow and collaborate around good ideas from each other than it is for national governments to do so."
SPEECH: Minister Hussen’s Commitment to Address Unintended Consequences of Bill C-45 for Immigrants
"We argued in committee and in the chamber, I believe, that it was not simply unfair but also against the principle of the bill, which is decriminalization. Instead, as a knock-on effect, there is an over-the-top impact on just one class of residents, and that is permanent residents, while others follow a different path to rehabilitation."
Ratna Omidvar Named an RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant for 2018
This month, Senator Ratna Omidvar was named one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants for 2018 by Canadian Immigrant and RBC. Below you will find an excerpt of her profile for the awards along with a video message thanking Canadian Immigrant …
Debate Highlights: Amending the Impaired Driving Act to Address Unintended Consequences for Permanent Residents
"Honourable senators, the amendment that Senator Jaffer has proposed is a very sensible one. It will not reduce the penalties for anyone who is charged with DUI. It will not provide special consideration or exemption of any kind for anyone who drives under the influence. It will, however, remove the severe, harsh, unintended impact on just one class of residents."