Most refugees come to Canada with few, if any, financial resources, often have to learn a new language, and adapt to a new culture. Despite these challenges, statistics show they do not simply benefit from the safety Canada gives them, refugees embrace the opportunity Canada provides to build a better life and become important contributors to the country’s economy and cultural diversity.
Canadian Connections has a waiting list of 200+ newly arrived refugee families (800+ men, women, and children) in need of a supportive hand up so that they can start contributing to Canada. Here are just a few ways:
1 out of every 4 health care sector workers is a newcomer. Newcomers will help fill a projected 500,000 jobs created by retirement.
Newcomers account for 33% of all business owners with paid staff, creating important local jobs such as in construction, professional services, health care and retail trade.
Newcomers represent 24% of the national workforce but account for 39% of computer programmers, 41% of engineers and more than 50% of all chemists.
Newcomers give back. On average, they donate more to charity than Canadian-born citizens, and 40% aged 15 and over volunteer their time.
UNHCR Report on Canadian Refugee Experience
