April 7, 2022

STATEMENT: Jenny Kwan’s statement on the launch of EMPP and the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

The Liberals need to make good on their promises if we are to meaningfully realize the talent of the refugees who want to come to Canada and contribute to Canada's economic, social and cultural fabric.
Furthermore, the EMPP’s requirement that applicants must have UNHCR refugee status determination means that many talented refugees will not be able to access this program as in some regions, there are no UNHCR offices available. This requirement is not only an impediment for this program, it is also a huge barrier for those seeking private sponsorships through the Group of Five Initiative. I have repeatedly called on the government to waive this requirement and I must echo that call now. For those seeking asylum in Canada and elsewhere, time is of the essence.

Jenny’s Statement on the EMPP and the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility:

At the end of 2020, across the globe, over 82 million people were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. Canada has historically led the way in helping resettle refugees. Many immigrant and refugee serving groups agencies' called for innovative immigration measures to recognize the talents of refugees.

While I look forward to the work of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility, I note that the Economic Mobility Pathway Pilot (EMPP) was first implemented in 2018. However, the EMPP, now in its second phase and hoping to welcome 500 skilled refugees, has yet to make available the government’s promised loan program to refugees.

The government’s own website indicates that refugees can apply for loans so that they can meet the onerous financial requirements of the economic immigration pathways, but it has been 4 months since the second phase began, and these loans are still not available. The inability for the government to operationalize this important feature of the program illustrates that the Liberal government’s pattern of talk over action.

The Liberals need to make good on their promises if we are to meaningfully realize the talent of the refugees who want to come to Canada and contribute to Canada's economic, social and cultural fabric.

Furthermore, the EMPP’s requirement that applicants must have UNHCR refugee status determination means that many talented refugees will not be able to access this program as in some regions, there are no UNHCR offices available. This requirement is not only an impediment for this program, it is also a huge barrier for those seeking private sponsorships through the Group of Five Initiative. I have repeatedly called on the government to waive this requirement and I must echo that call now. For those seeking asylum in Canada and elsewhere, time is of the essence.

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Vancouver Sun: Muslim groups join calls for B.C. Conservative campaign manager to resign

A coalition of Muslim organizations has joined calls for the resignation of B.C. Conservative campaign manager Katy Merrifield over past social media posts slamming Islam.

In June, Merrifield reposted a message on social media that said “Islam is a literal rape culture.” Merrifield quickly removed it and said the comment was a momentary lapse caused by her own past trauma.

But critics note she has not apologized for it, and has continued to amplify anti-Islamic statements on social media, including ones referring to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “jihad-loving mayor” and blaming Islam as a whole for the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On Tuesday, Musa Ismail, on behalf of Unified Muslim Associations in B.C. (UMABC), said party leader Lorne Doerkson should force Merrifield out.

Ismail said that, in the absence of action by Doerkson, no Conservative candidate is welcome at any Muslim centre or mosque during the B.C. election campaign.

UMABC joins the B.C. Muslim Association, NDP Leader David Eby, NDP Surrey City Centre candidate Amna Shah and Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan, among others, in calling for Merrifield to step down.

Kwan called Merrifield’s comments “deeply disturbing and unacceptable” and said the posts stigmatize all Muslims and send “a chilling message” to B.C.’s Muslim communities.

“At no point has Merrifield apologized or taken responsibility for the hurt she has caused,” Kwan said in a statement. “Muslims are not collectively responsible for the actions of extremists, and no one should have to fear discrimination or hostility because of their faith.”

Doerkson did not address calls for Merrifield’s resignation in his public appearances in recent days.

*Click photo or link to read the full news story - https://vancouversun.com/news/muslim-groups-join-calls-for-bc-conservative-campaign-manager-to-resign