WelcomeOntario

Canada announces 3 new initiatives to welcome and support more refugees

The world is facing a refugee crisis. Across the globe, millions are displaced and longing for what most of us take for granted: a safe place to call home. As a global leader in protecting those who need it most, Canada welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled around the world in 2020. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently called Canada “a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement.”

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What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe.

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Who can be a private sponsor?

Individuals cannot be private sponsors by themselves. They must be part of a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH), a Group of Five (G5) or Community Sponsors.

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Launch of the ARI Report: Intentional Connections for Welcoming Communities

The final report from Allies for Refugee Integration explores the journey of the project, sharing the findings and recommendations emerging from pilot-testing ideas across Ontario to improve settlement-sponsor collaboration in support of privately sponsored refugees.

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What is the role of the UNHCR in resettlement programs?

The UNHCR “has the responsibility to work with countries in protecting uprooted people and finding them permanent solutions”. Canada relies on the UNHCR to help determine which refugees will resettle in Canada.

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Can I sponsor a refugee who is already in Canada?

Private Sponsorship

Refugee Settlement

Who is responsible for organizing and paying for travel to Canada?

Refugee Settlement

Immigration & Citizenship

Diagram summarizing the different refugee resettlement programs in Canada

What are the different refugee resettlement programs?

Refugees can be resettled in Canada via different resettlement programs.

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What is the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP)?

The Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership (RRAP) is a blended sponsorship program that supports Canadians hoping to privately sponsor LGBTQIA+ refugees fleeing violence and persecution.

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What are the rights and responsibilities of permanent residents of Canada?

Refugees who come to Canada through a resettlement program (Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program or Government-Assisted Refugees Program) become permanent residents when they arrive in Canada. Therefore, they have the same rights and duties as any other permanent resident of Canada.

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