Ottawa, September 24, 2024 – Senator Gerba, the sponsor of Bill S-286, delivered her 2nd reading speech in the Senate. The purpose of the bill is to designate November as National Immigration Month.
The bill aims to recognize the fact that Canada is, in essence, a country of immigrants. Immigration has played a decisive role in shaping the country and will continue to do so in the future, particularly given the country’s critical labour needs and the need to ensure a sufficient rate of renewal of Canada’s population.
This month would also serve as an opportunity to promote the role of immigrants by highlighting their contribution to Canadian society, and to encourage their integration and retention in the country. It would also pay tribute to immigrant communities who do not yet have a period to recognize their national heritage like other groups.
This initiative is supported by a large number of immigrant organizations across the country. Following a roundtable discussion hosted by Senator Gerba in June 2024, a consensus emerged around the month of November.
It is also during this month that National Francophone Immigration Week already takes place. As well, choosing this month commemorates the assent on November 1, 2001, of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which establishes the fundamental concepts and principles in this area.
Senator Gerba also expressed concern about xenophobic comments and the total rejection of immigration, which lately seem to be gaining ground in current public debate. This bill is also in response to this alarming trend. She said that “Immigration is not OUR problem, as some sadly keep saying. On the contrary—it is OUR ancient and recent history, and also OUR key to the future.”
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Contact:
Office of the Honourable Amina Gerba
SENATE OF CANADA
Tel.: +1 613-944-4648
Email: Amina.Gerba@sen.parl.gc.ca