Immigration

COVID-19 has forced the near-shut down of the Canadian immigration system, disrupting thousands of lives, including that of John and Donna McCall, pictured in this family handout photo from last fall with their family. The McCall children, Ian (second from right) and Meghan (far left), are American and can’t come to Canada to help take care of their mother, whose health is failing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-McCall Family Mandatory Credit

Thousands of lives on hold as immigration system remains largely shut down

Thousands of families are separated amid travel and movement restrictions during the pandemic

COVID-19 has forced the near-shut down of the Canadian immigration system, disrupting thousands of lives, including that of John and Donna McCall, pictured in this family handout photo from last fall with their family. The McCall children, Ian (second from right) and Meghan (far left), are American and can’t come to Canada to help take care of their mother, whose health is failing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-McCall Family Mandatory Credit
A Canadian passport is displayed in Ottawa on July 23, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

B.C. immigration program well managed, but fraud, corruption are risks: auditor

The audit does not identify widespread corruption but cited possible fraud and misrepresentation scenario

A Canadian passport is displayed in Ottawa on July 23, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
The process of applying for employment insurance and other benefits packages in light of COVID-19 can be challenging for many newcomers to Canada. (Unsplash)

COVID-19: Immigrants face language, financial barriers during crisis

Citizenship events halted, permanent residency applications still being processed

The process of applying for employment insurance and other benefits packages in light of COVID-19 can be challenging for many newcomers to Canada. (Unsplash)
White Hat Drycleaners owner Ai Guo Zhang has been recognized by the federal government for his dedication to hiring newcomers to Canada and supporting them as they get settled in the community. Photo Submitted

Vancouver Island dry cleaner earns rare national honour for supporting newcomers to Canada

Campbell River’s White Hat Drycleaners is by far the smallest business to receive IRCC award

White Hat Drycleaners owner Ai Guo Zhang has been recognized by the federal government for his dedication to hiring newcomers to Canada and supporting them as they get settled in the community. Photo Submitted
Tamil migrants arrived in B.C. aboard the MV Sun Sea in August 2010. (Handout file photo)

Supreme Court of Canada affirms acquittals in refusing to hear Tamil migrant case

Three men were cleared after MV Sun Sea arrived in B.C. carrying 492 people from Sri Lanka in 2010

Tamil migrants arrived in B.C. aboard the MV Sun Sea in August 2010. (Handout file photo)
The UVic political science refugee sponsorship team is working in conjunction with the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria to sponsor a family. (Courtesy Robin Bayley)

UVic group seeks to sponsor, mentor refugee family

20-person team looks to do more than just raise money

  • Mar 2, 2019
The UVic political science refugee sponsorship team is working in conjunction with the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria to sponsor a family. (Courtesy Robin Bayley)
A camp for U.S. border crossers is established near the Quebec border, August 2017. (YouTube)

B.C. VIEWS: Canadian cities begin to declare themselves city-states

Local politicians meddle in immigration, environment issues

A camp for U.S. border crossers is established near the Quebec border, August 2017. (YouTube)
Victoria resident Eloise Patmore is appealing to the public for help in convincing Immigration Canada to reverse their decision not to grant her fiancé a visitor’s visa that would allow him to be present at the birth of their child in the first week of June. Youtube

Pregnant B.C. woman with Zika virus pleads for fiance to be let into Canada

Eloise Patmore calls Immigration Canada’s reasons for visitor visa refusal ‘outrageous’

Victoria resident Eloise Patmore is appealing to the public for help in convincing Immigration Canada to reverse their decision not to grant her fiancé a visitor’s visa that would allow him to be present at the birth of their child in the first week of June. Youtube