Immigration and Integration

Press Release: All Party Group Calls for Honorary Canadian Citizenship for Detained Russian Dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza

Senator Ratna Omidvar and Irwin Cotler Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights June 1, 2023 Citizenship, corruption, Democracy, human rights, Ukraine

Senator Omidvar hosted a press conference with Irwin Cotler and the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Caucus for Freedom for Vladimir Kara-Murza.

What is the Government Doing to Prevent the Exploitation of International Students?

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada March 29, 2023 education, immigrants, immigration, international students

Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold what the government is doing to prevent the abuse of international students.

WATCH: 75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Canadian Citizenship Act

Senator Ratna Omidvar SEE Change Magazine March 17, 2023 Citizenship, immigrants, immigration, newcomers

Senator Omidvar joined the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and Nahid Kazemi to reflect on their journeys to becoming Canadian citizens.

Canadian Citizenship by Individual Click? That’s Not a Good Idea

Senator Ratna Omidvar and Andrew Griffith The Ottawa Citizen March 7, 2023 Citizenship, immigration, integration, voting rights

In this op-ed, Senator Omidvar and Andrew Griffith argue that allowing applicants to self-administer the citizenship oath would undermine the significance of becoming a Canadian citizen.

WATCH: Islamophobia Study

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada January 18, 2023 Canada Revenue Agency, charities, immigration

During the RIDR Committee's Islamophobia Study, Senator Omidvar asked about the unfair treatment of Muslims by the RCMP and CBSA, online hate speech, and if the CRA should collect data on religious charities.

WATCH: Migrant Workers Study

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada January 18, 2023 employment, essential workers, immigration, seasonal agricultural workers, SOCI, temporary foreign workers

During the SOCI Committee's Migrant Workers Study, Senator Omidvar asked about open-sector work permits, language tests, the caregiver program, and more.

WATCH: United Nations ‘Orange the World’ in Iran

Senator Ratna Omidvar January 17, 2023 frozen assets, human rights, immigration, Iran, ViolenceAgainstWomen, women

Senator Omidvar participated in a panel discussion hosted by the European Union’s diplomatic community in Toronto, the Diaspora Film Festival, and the Iranian community.

Canada Can do More to Help Iran’s Imprisoned Protesters

Senator Ratna Omidvar and Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne The Globe and Mail and La Presse January 12, 2023 frozen assets, human rights, immigration, Iran, women

In this op-ed, Senator Ratna Omidvar and Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne urge the Canadian government to increase pressure on the Iranian regime.

Bill C-242: Family Reunification Helps Immigrants Succeed

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada December 16, 2022 immigrants, immigration, integration, permanent residents

Senator Omidvar spoke to Bill C-242, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (temporary resident visas for parents and grandparents).

Climate Change Will Produce a Knock-On Effect in Creating Mass Displacement

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada November 16, 2022 climate change, immigration, migration, refugees, World Refugee Council

Senator Omidvar spoke to Senator Coyle’s inquiry on the importance of finding solutions to transition Canada’s society, economy and resource use in pursuit of a fair, prosperous, sustainable and peaceful net-zero emissions future.