The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) visited Edmonton earlier this week on March 12th 2018.
Doug Piquette, ERIEC’s Executive Director had the opportunity to speak with the Minister along with several others at a small gathering at the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association (ICWA) based in Millwoods. The minister addressed questions around refugees, training and health issues as well as private sector engagement. ICWA is a not-for-profit organization committed to full participation of immigrant and visible minority women and men in economic, social and political life of Canada.
Later that evening ERIEC Networking Director Elena Chernaeva attended another meeting with the Minister hosted by the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN). During the hour-long session Hon. Hussen responded to several questions presented by the audience of over 100 participants. It was a mixed group of service providers, executive directors, career counsellors, ESL teachers and two LINC classes.
The Minister shared his priorities in improving IRCC services in reuniting families, increased budget for refugees, youth and women integration, and pre-arrival services as accelerator for the integration process. The audience was impressed with the work they have accomplished so far and by his passion to help immigrant integration in the Canadian society.
It was really inspiring to listen to Hon. Ahmed Hussen’s true Canadian success story: From a Somali Refugee to a Canadian Minister!
If you would like to learn more about the Minister’s achievements, read the article posted earlier in the Diversity Magazine: