BY Tom Choy
Vancouver, British Columbia
“ If you change your thoughts, you change your life.” Bo Sanchez
There has been a widely circulated information/story on the net saying the refugees who are allowed legal entry into Canada each gets $2500 per month in assistance which is more than the maximum amount Old Age Pension recipients can collect. It doesn’t sound right and just. But is this true or fiction?
CTV News has already debunked this “false news.” The amount is closer to $768 per month per family for a year. The refugees also need to return the cost of transportation to the government of Canada when they are able. The refugees also get help in terms of locating a rental accommodation.
Refugees who may lose their lives in war-torn country are welcome to Canada provided they pass the vetting process. In history, the refugees who are given another chance in life in Canada contribute to Canada’s economic and cultural growth.
Remember Steve Jobs’ biological parents are Syrians. Jobs was the brain behind the successful iPhone and Apple Company that basically benefits almost everyone who uses the iPhone and the other related products and services that came about because Jobs started it all. Can you imagine social media flourishing without the iPhone or android phone?
Even our very own Minister of Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship, Hon. Ahmed Hussen came here to Canada in 1993 as a refugee from Somalia. He got educated in Canada. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree Major in History from York University and his law degree from the University of Ottawa.
In 2010, the Toronto Star recognized him as one of the ten individuals in Toronto to have made substantial contributions to his community. He settled in Regent Park and got involved in public service. In 2002, he co-founded the Regent Park Community Council and was successful in securing a $500 million revitalization project for Regent Park.
“Canadians are naturally welcoming people to our new immigrants,” declared Hon. Hussen. From the current immigration level of 300,000 new immigrants who are accepted to Canada, sometime towards the end of the year, the new target number of immigrants for 2018 will soon be decided after consultations with citizens and leaders all across Canada.
“What is important is to be able to identify which provinces and regions need which type of people with needed skills,” strategizes Hon. Ahmed. “New immigrants bring skills, talents and perspectives to help grow Canada,” quips the Immigration Minister Hussen.
Hon. Hussen just met the Fil-Canadian Community in North Delta, Fraser Valley, BC. He entertained a lot of questions from the community and he confidently and humbly answered most of the questions to the peoples’ satisfaction. Not all refugees are accepted to Canada. The vetting process is rigid, strict and tested over the years. The paramount concern is to make the Canadian citizens safe in our country. The other part is to ensure the families accepted will successfully and economically make it in Canada.