The Government of Canada continues to work hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible, which is one of the largest commitments of its kind in the world. To date, over 22,581 Afghan nationals have arrived in Canada.
Today in Halifax, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, welcomed 311 Afghan nationals who arrived on a charter flight from Pakistan. This flight includes government-assisted refugees, privately sponsored refugees, and extended family members of Afghans who worked for or assisted the Government of Canada. These new arrivals are destined for approximately 20 communities across Canada, including Toronto (ON), Fredericton and Saint John (NB).
Resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals is a complex initiative that requires a whole-of-government approach, as well as strong domestic and international partnerships. It is through the critical support of provinces and territories, resettlement service providers, and Canadians who have sponsored Afghan refugees and helped newcomers settle in their communities that we will achieve this goal.
We also value the ongoing collaboration of key international partners including Pakistan, and the tireless work of international organizations and referral partners including the International Organization for Migration, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Frontline Defenders and ProtectDefenders.eu.
Together with our partners across the country and around the globe, Canada is making a difference in the lives of Afghan newcomers and their families. Individuals and businesses looking to get involved through volunteering, donating, sponsoring or supporting the wider resettlement efforts can learn more about how Canadians can help.
