Welcoming Refugees
View our series of 5 videos here.
Background
Who is a refugee?
A Convention Refugee is defined as someone who is:
- outside of their home country, or the country where they normally live
- unable to return to that country because of a well-founded fear of persecution based on: race, religion, political opinion, nationality or membership in a particular social group
Refugees must qualify for entry under Canada’s laws and must pass medical and security checks before they can come to Canada.
What is the difference between refugees and other immigrants?
Refugees are forced to flee for their lives. Other immigrants choose to move to another country.
Who are Government-Assisted Refugees?
A Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) is a Convention Refugee selected from abroad by the Government of Canada for resettlement. GARs have permanent resident (PR) status when they arrive and receive financial and other support from the Government of Canada for up to one year.
Who are Privately Sponsored Refugees?
A Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSR) is a Convention Refugee who is supported by private groups or organizations. PSRs have permanent resident (PR) status when they arrive and receive financial and other support from private groups or organizations. This is a legal commitment in which sponsors agree to support and care for the sponsored refugee for up to one year.
Learn about the Private Refugee Sponsorship Program at ISANS.
Myth VS Truth About Refugees
What can you do?
Stay informed and learn about our new Nova Scotians:
- Tips For Welcoming Refugees
- Community Resources & Tips for Tutoring English
- Learn about Private Refugee Sponsorship
Make a Donation to refugees in Nova Scotia.
Toolbox of Ideas
Attracting & Retaining Immigrants – A Tool Box of Ideas for Smaller Centres
The Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria has created this practical tool for smaller centres to use as they build a strategy to address the issues surrounding the attraction and retention of immigrants. The Toolbox covers the breadth of issues and information necessary for diverse smaller centres to successfully implement their strategy.
Topics covered in the Tool Box include Canada’s population picture, the importance of community consensus and how to build it, Canada’s immigration laws, getting organized, important key factors like family ties, employment and housing, attracting people whether immigrants or others, and the many attributes of a welcoming community and how to develop them. The Tool Box contains many practical examples, check lists, and reference sources. It is accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation.
English
Francais
- Une boîte à outils
- Introduction à la boîte à outils (Powerpoint)
- Statistiques d’immigration (Powerpoint)
Resource Handout
Documents d’appui