The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Since August 2021, Canada has welcomed a total of 16,270 Afghan refugees, including over 3,800 school-aged children.
The Government of Canada recognizes the immense challenges faced by those fleeing conflict and is committed to improving access to vital mental health services for vulnerable newcomers. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has provided free, 24/7, confidential mental health resources to young people across Canada.
Speaking notes for the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship: Announcement related to mental health services to support newcomer youth
“Each year on World Refugee Day, people from around the world reflect not only on the plight and challenges faced by refugees, but also on the strength and contributions they bring as they bravely rebuild their lives in new communities. In Canada, refugees are a driving force behind our society and economy, and our country has a proud, long-standing humanitarian tradition of being an international leader in resettlement and integration. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, and we are determined to do more.”
Canada is a destination of choice for people looking for a new place to work, study and build their lives with their families, and immigration is key to helping employers fill hundreds of thousands of vacant positions across the country and grow our economy.
Newcomers to Canada play a crucial role in our country’s future and our economic recovery from the pandemic. They enrich our communities, and they work every day to create jobs, care for our loved ones and support local businesses.
