The need for more attention to the needs of refugees from Afghanistan

On Wednesday May 25th, I read the following petition in the Manitoba Legislature. 

 Afghan Refugees in Manitoba

Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis­lative Assembly.

      The back­ground to this petition is as follows:

      Since the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban in August of 2021, Afghan citizens and their families have been subjected to persecution and human rights atrocities because of their faith, gender and former associations with organi­zations thought to be friendly with the previous gov­ern­ment and its allies. This abuse has taken the form of public assaults, kid­nappings and killings.

      Many Afghans have left or are attempting to leave Afghanistan to find safe refuge in neighbouring coun­tries. This undertaking is difficult due to the Taliban's activities and their presence in countries like Pakistan.

      Many Afghans who are looking to leave Afghanistan and come to Canada are educated and ex­per­ienced and, as such, would prove to be valuable assets to Manitoba con­sid­ering its current labour shortages and challenges to its economy.

      Educated Afghans have usually studied for four to six years in a specific field of study and spent a sig­ni­fi­cant amount of time and money for that edu­ca­tion. However, these people still face barriers to obtaining em­ploy­ment in their field of expertise, as Canada has very strict rules regarding the use of that edu­ca­tion and ex­per­ience.

      Many Afghans are refugees in other countries and are currently jobless, which is an added barrier for them under the current criteria of the Prov­incial Nominee Program.

      Some Afghan new­comers who face literacy issues because they came from a non-developed coun­try would benefit from an in-depth infor­ma­tional course to assist them with acclamation into Canadian lifestyle.

      The Interim Federal Health Program provides limit­ed temporary coverage of health-care benefits to refugees who aren't eligible for prov­incial or territorial health insurance. However, the refugee must apply for discretionary coverage and provide a list of com­pelling personal circum­stances in order to qualify for ur­gent medical circum­stances, such as urgent root canals, unanticipated life-threatening and emergency medical con­di­tions.

      We petition the Legis­lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

      (1) To urge the prov­incial gov­ern­ment to work with the federal gov­ern­ment to prioritize the evacua­tion of the imme­diate and extended family of Afghans who now call Canada home and to facilitate their coming to Manitoba, including helping Afghan re­fugees in other countries such as Pakistan.

      (2) To urge the prov­incial gov­ern­ment to expand the Manitoba Prov­incial Nominee Program and re-evaluate the accreditation of edu­ca­tion and jobs to ensure all immigrants and refugees can utilize their skills more easily and readily in Manitoba for work.

      (3) To urge the prov­incial gov­ern­ment to have fewer rigid criteria for Afghans under the Prov­incial Nominee Program and have a connection to Manitoba–family members or friend–should be a key criteria.

      To urge the prov­incial gov­ern­ment to enhance ade­quate acclamation services for new­comers through com­mu­nity-based support programs and increase their health-care coverage to meet their urgent health-care necessities.

      Signed by Karin [phonetic] Strong, Karin Gordon, Daniel Awshen [phonetic] and many other Manitobans.