In The News

News Release: Senators Urge Governments to Better Manage Canada’s International Student Program

The Honourable Sabi Marwah, Senator Ratna Omidvar, Senator Yuen Pau Woo, and Senator Hassan Yussuff September 20, 2023 immigration, international students

To help strengthen the integrity of Canada’s international student program, the discussion paper recommends actions that the federal, provincial, and territorial governments can take.

SOCI Committee Visits the East Coast to Study the Temporary Migrant Worker Program

Senator Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada September 19, 2023 immigration, SOCI, temporary foreign workers

A delegation from the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology visited P.E.I. and New Brunswick to learn about the temporary migrant worker program.

Canada Should Honour Mahsa Amini’s Memory by Sanctioning Her Killers

Senator Ratna Omidvar, Bill Browder, and Brandon Silver The Globe and Mail September 16, 2023 frozen assets, Iran, Sanctions, ViolenceAgainstWomen

In this op-ed, Senator Omidvar, Bill Browder, and Brandon Silver call for the assets of Iranian torturers to be seized and repurposed to help their victims.

CPAC Documentaries: Becoming Canadian

Senator Ratna Omidvar CPAC July 7, 2023 Citizenship, Diversity, immigration, inclusion, refugees

Senator Omidvar took part in a CPAC documentary that explores the origins and future of Canadian citizenship.

MPs say Russian Activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Should be Given Honorary Citizenship

Dylan Robertson The Canadian Press June 2, 2023 Citizenship, corruption, Democracy, human rights, Ukraine

In this excerpt from The Canadian Press, Senator Omidvar calls for Russian political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza to be granted honorary Canadian citizenship.

NDP Plans Humanitarian Exemption Amendment for Bill Easing Aid Restrictions

Neil Moss The Hill Times April 19, 2023 AfghanRefugees, charities, NonProfits

In this excerpt from the Hill Times, Senator Omidvar discusses Bill C-41, which is attempting to allow Canadian aid groups to operate in terrorist-controlled areas.

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.

‘Era of Uncertainty’: How Leaders in Canada’s Non-Profit Sector are Preparing for 2023

Sharon Riley The Philanthropist Journal January 25, 2023 board diversity, charities, Diversity, DiversityInLeadership, NonProfits

In these excerpts from The Philanthropist Journal, Senator Omidvar discusses the new rules on non-qualified donees and the need for data collection on diversity.

WATCH: Calls Continue for Canada to List Iran’s IRGC as Terrorist Entity

Senator Ratna Omidvar CBC News January 20, 2023 frozen assets, human rights, immigration, Iran, ViolenceAgainstWomen, women

Senator Omidvar joined Power & Politics to talk about how Canada should list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group.