Nova Scotia Buzz
The Government of Canada says our country has taken a lead role in ensuring that NATO is able to resettle all its Afghan staff who were evacuated from Afghanistan. As part of the commitment to welcome Afghan refugees, the government is resettling up to 472 NATO-identified locally engaged staff and their family members.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship and Nova Scotian extended a warm virtual welcome to 265 NATO locally engaged staff and their families who landed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Approximately 100 will remain in Nova Scotia, and the rest will continue on to their new homes across Canada.
“Canada is proud to welcome refugees who worked as NATO locally engaged staff in Afghanistan and whose lives were in danger as a result. To all the Afghans who arrived today, welcome home. And thanks to the dedication of our resettlement assistance agencies and private sponsors, they’re already starting their new lives in Canada, and I know Canadians are eager to make them feel at home.” said The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
These former NATO employees arrived in Canada from a third country where they had been temporarily located since leaving Afghanistan. They are part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to welcome 15,000 individuals through its special humanitarian program for Afghan refugees.
““Nova Scotia is proud to provide safe refuge for Afghans fleeing unimaginable circumstances to build a new life. I know Nova Scotians will open their hearts to newcomers and welcome them into our schools, workplaces and communities. We are here to support them as they transition to their new home. They are Nova Scotians now, and we take care of our own.” said The Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia
As government-assisted refugees, these new arrivals can count on the help of Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations, like the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, for short- and long-term support. This includes helping them find permanent housing and providing them with information about finding a job, improving their language skills, and living in Canada generally.
“We are ready to receive and welcome the Afghan refugees who arrived today in Nova Scotia and are honoured to be part of this important resettlement initiative. We are working in partnership with many government agencies and community partners to ensure a safe and welcoming experience of resettlement here. We look forward to helping our new neighbours rebuild their lives in Nova Scotia and to the many contributions they will bring to our communities.” said Jennifer Watts, Chief Executive Officer, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia
Also today, a commercial flight with 234 Afghan nationals arrived in Toronto. These are privately sponsored refugees destined for Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.
