Latest news with #LenaMetlegeDiab
Cision Canada
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - Minister Diab to participate in a citizenship ceremony in Calgary Français
CALGARY, AB, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 20 of Canada's newest citizens from four countries. The ceremony will be presided by Citizenship Judge James Clover. Notes for media: Media must register in advance by sharing their name, title, email address and outlet with [email protected] by Wednesday, July 9, at 5 p.m., Eastern time. Please include "RSVP for July 10 citizenship ceremony" in the email subject line. Media attending the event in person are asked to arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. (Mountain time). Photography and video are permitted during the ceremony. SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada Standard
04-07-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Artificial Intelligence sparks growth for innovative companies
Canada News Centre 04 Jul 2025, 19:47 GMT+10 Government of Canada investments support jobs, productivity and product development July 4, 2025 * Halifax, Nova Scotia * Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) To ensure Canada remains a global leader in innovation, the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs and leaders that are accelerating AI adoption and spurring economic growth. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Halifax West, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced $2,506,250 to support artificial intelligence-related (AI) projects at three Halifax businesses. They include: Liveable Cities, a division of LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., is receiving $2 million (repayable) over two years to develop an AI-powered streetlight controller and camera. The system will reduce energy use by up to 30 percent and provide real-time data to improve public safety. The project will create skilled jobs, support international growth, and position the company as a leader in smart city technology. Oberland Agriscience Inc., is receiving $250,000 (repayable) to install AI-driven software and equipment that will boost production, improve efficiency, and reduce waste. The technology will enhance product quality, support new product development, and optimize formulations -reducing environmental impact and easing pressure on supply chains. Kindred AI Inc. is receiving $206,250 (repayable) and $50,000 (non-repayable) to advance its real-time emotional intelligence software. The funding will support product development, engineering, and commercialization, creating high-quality jobs. The company's tools help users track and grow emotional intelligence and can be embedded into other products. Kindred will expand key features, target new markets-including education and healthcare-and launch a marketing strategy to reach more clients and industries. The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to support AI adoption to foster real solutions, improve lives, reshape industries and reimagine what is possible.
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Canada has approved entry for more than 17,600 people with a criminal record in last decade
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab rises during Question Period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Thursday, June 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Canada approved 17,600 rehabilitation applications from people with criminal records hoping to enter the country in the last decade, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed to CTV News. From 2014 to 2024, more than 25,350 foreigners submitted an application to have their criminal record forgiven so they can enter Canada, whether on a work or study visa, to apply for permanent residency, or for a short-term visit. Of those, nearly 70 per cent were approved, nearly 20 per cent were refused, and about 10 per cent of applications were withdrawn. 'Canadians' safety will always be our top priority,' wrote IRCC spokesperson Remi Lariviere in an email to CTV News. 'Decisions to approve or refuse a rehabilitation application are made by experienced immigration officers, based on legal criteria and a detailed review of the facts.' 'People with past convictions outside Canada must demonstrate they have been rehabilitated and do not pose a risk to Canadian society,' Lariviere also said. IRCC does not filter the applications for the type of criminal activity. The department also did not specify how many applications were for people hoping to visit Canada for a short period, versus work, study, or a permanent residency application. IRCC also does not filter for the applicant's country of origin. 'Rehabilitation has been a longstanding practice, with provisions that have been outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) since 2001, more specifically under paragraph 36(3)(c),' Lariviere wrote. 'This is not about 'forgiving' crimes. These provisions are applied cautiously, and on a case-by-case basis.' To have a rehabilitation application approved, Lariviere wrote, a person must show that five years have passed since the offence or completion of their sentence, and demonstrate they are unlikely to commit further crimes. All applications, Lariviere added, are assessed by an IRCC official who takes into consideration the nature and seriousness of the offence, the amount of time that's passed since it was committed, 'evidence of good nature since,' the applicant's community support, as well as other factors. According to IRCC, 'individuals must still meet all other requirements for a visa or immigration program.' 'This process has helped reunite family members and spouses of Canadians, and allowed performers and professional athletes (to) enter Canada, despite having a criminal conviction in their past,' Lariviere wrote. 'Approval for rehabilitation simply renders the individual not inadmissible due to their criminal past — it does not automatically grant entry to Canada."
Cision Canada
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Canada launches measures to support those affected by 2025 wildfires Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 2, 2025 /CNW/ - As Canada's climate continues to warm faster than the global average, extreme weather conditions will become more frequent and severe. This will contribute to increased drought and wildfire risks, which threaten the health, safety and economic stability of people and communities in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting those affected across the country. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced special measures to help people and communities affected by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose passports, citizenship certificates, permanent resident cards or other Canadian travel documents were lost, damaged or made inaccessible by the wildfires can apply for free replacements. If they already paid to replace documents because of the wildfires (on or after April 1, 2025), they can request a refund. Temporary residents, including international students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors, who were directly affected by the wildfires can replace their status documents and apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or to renew their work or study permit free of charge. The requirement for temporary residents to apply for the restoration of their status within 90 days of losing their status will also be waived for those impacted by wildfires. Additionally, as of June 11, 2025, application and biometric fees are being waived for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to help fight wildfires. These measures are in effect until November 30, 2025, providing time for people to secure necessary documents and focus on recovery and safety. . Quotes: "We remain firm in our commitment to support people and communities impacted by increasingly severe wildfires in Canada. These measures will make it easier for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents. They will also help foreign emergency services personnel come to Canada and begin their critical work more quickly, when they are needed most. I'd like to extend my gratitude to the emergency and first responders for their dedication to protect our communities." – The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship "Wildfire season is in full swing, and Canadians are feeling its effects in every part of their lives. As first responders, the RCMP and volunteers work around the clock to protect communities, we're doing our part to support those affected. By replacing lost documents at no cost and waiving biometric fees for international firefighters, we're helping ease some of the stress during this difficult time." – The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Quick facts: These measures do not apply to employer-specific work permit holders wanting to transition to an open work permit. Temporary residents applying to extend their status continue to benefit from maintained status and eligibility to work while applications are processed. In 2024, approximately 792 foreign emergency services personnel came to Canada to help fight wildfires. Associated links: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
CTV News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
‘We are better because you are here': Citizenship ceremony in Halifax welcomes 51 new Canadians
Sherah Obien, a new Canadian citizen, is seen in a photo from July 1, 2025. (CTV/Vanessa Wright) Canada Day has an even more special meaning this year for a group of people who received their Canadian citizenship. A total of 51 people from 18 different countries took part in a citizenship ceremony Tuesday held at the Canadian Museum of Immigration in Halifax. The ceremony brought together the families and loved ones of those becoming Canada's newest citizens to hear speeches and musical performances. 'Whether you arrived just a few years ago or decades ago, starting today, you're part of shaping the next chapter of that story,' Lena Metlege Diab, the federal minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, told the group at Tuesday's ceremony. 'Whether you came looking for economic opportunities to reunite with family or fleeing conflict, you have worked hard and shown resilience to reach the moment.' 'You chose Canada, and today I'm delighted to say that Canada is voting in favor of you,' says citizenship judge, Joan Mahoney. Sherah Obien, originally from the Philippines, says the experience of getting her Canadian citizenship was one she's waited for patiently. 'It's very emotional for me. It's amazing that I'm finally a Canadian citizen. I feel that all my hard work has been paid,' says Obien. After getting married and buying a house in Nova Scotia, Obien says she has decided to stay in the province, making her one of many in attendance. 'For those of you that are choosing to stay in Halifax, a special thank you for choosing Halifax. We are better because you are here,' says deputy Mayor, Toni Mancini. The gravity and responsibility of being Canadian could also be felt, as Mahoney explained a few of their rights. 'We have freedom of speech and freedom of thought. We have the important right to vote. And of course, you gain this right today and I hope you will take advantage of it at your first opportunity. You also have the right now should you choose to run as a candidate in a future election,' says Mahoney. Brad Pease and his family previously lived in Denmark, but have since settled in Tantallon, N.S. 'We're very proud to be Canadian now. It's nice to have roots in a place. I've lived as a guest or visitor for over 20 years and other countries. So, it's very meaningful to have roots and knowing that we're planning to stay here for a long time,' says Pease. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
