New and Noteworthy: Economic Update & Afghanistan
2021 Economic and Fiscal Update
Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance announced that the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update will be released on December 14, 2021.This update will provide Canadians with a transparent look at our public finances and our plan to finish the fight against COVID-19, make life more affordable for Canadians, and ensure our economic recovery leaves no one behind. While times have been tough for Canadians, our Liberal team will continue to have Canadians’ backs so we can make life more affordable, create jobs, grow the middle class, and build back better together.
Welcoming Afghan Refugees
We also announced the arrival of the first chartered flight of privately sponsored Afghan refugees in Canada. These latest arrivals are part of Canada’s humanitarian commitment to welcome vulnerable Afghan refugees—including women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted minorities, LGBTI individuals and journalists. The humanitarian program complements Canada’s special immigration program for Afghans who worked for Canada during and after our military mission. Overall, Canada has welcomed almost 4,000 Afghan refugees.
One of the pillars of Canada’s world-leading refugee system, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program allows Canadians to play an integral role in welcoming refugees by sponsoring them. Sponsors are crucial in setting a refugee up for success in this country. They can be groups of Canadians or organizations, including faith groups, ethno-cultural associations or settlement organizations.
Private sponsors support refugees as they settle into their new communities—from helping them find schools or open a bank account to covering expenses like food, rent or clothing. In addition to the support from sponsors, privately sponsored refugees are eligible for the same government-funded settlement services as other newcomers.
“For those newly arrived in our big, cold country, private sponsors offer a warm welcome. It’s no wonder that many refugees think of their sponsors as family.”
Since its inception during the Indochina refugee crisis of the late 1970s, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program has helped 330,000 of the world’s most vulnerable start new lives in Canada, and is now emulated by countries worldwide. Learn how you can sponsor a refugee and change someone’s life.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities across the world. While persons with disabilities often face barriers to full participation in society, the global COVID-19 crisis has deepened pre-existing inequalities, highlighting the importance of disability inclusion work as an investment in our collective future. Together, we must ensure that all people with disabilities are not left behind in this crisis and build an economic recovery that serves everyone.
Please stay tuned for a statement from the Prime Minister.
International Volunteer Day & Canada’s Volunteer Awards
Sunday, December 5th is International Volunteer Day, an opportunity to recognize the volunteers in our ridings that go above and beyond to support their communities. To honour the volunteers who have stepped up during the most uncertain times, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development will launch the 2021 ‘Call for Nominations’ for Canada’s Volunteer Awards. From December 5, 2021, until March 4, 2022, individuals, non-profits, social enterprises, or businesses can be nominated to receive the awards. Encourage constituents in your riding to visit Canada.ca/volunteer-awards to submit a nomination to highlight the incredible volunteerism across Canada.
