On June 20th, World Refugee Day is honoured!

What is a Refugee?

A Refugee is a person who is living outside their home country that is unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of war, violence, or persecution. It is estimated that there are millions of people around the World who are displaced from their homes.

What is World Refugee Day?

Today is a day to acknowledge the courage, resilience, and strength of the millions of Refugees across the world who've been forced to leave their homes and lives to start a new one due to conflict, violence, war, or persecution.

This day emphasizes the need to recognize the hardships refugee's endure, and to be empathetic in their journey of rebuilding new lives.

Watch this video to learn how Refugees Are Good for Canada!

Refugees in Canada & Chatham-Kent

In 2019, Canada was a world leader in the resettlement of Refugees, welcoming 30,082 people who were displaced from their homelands. Locally, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has been working to ensure that people who are displaced are able to live and get the supports they need in the community.

In 2016, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent was recognized as a welcoming community by the Federal government and one that supports all people immigrating to Chatham-Kent. Over the last few years, the Municipality has worked with partners and community members to welcome families and newcomers to the area, including people displaced by violence, war, or persecution. In May 2022, Municipal Council directed staff to reach out to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada to express our community’s continued interest in welcoming Refugees and displaced people to our community.

What challenges do Refugees face when they move to Canada?

There are many challenges people who are Refugees may experience when settling in a new place. Two key challenges include language and culture shock.

Language

Not knowing the language can make it difficult for people to participate in the community and to access supports. Aside from the subsidized training provided through government funding, there are several ways individuals can help Refugees when it comes to language barriers.

Tips:

• Offer translation services to reduce barriers to Municipal services.
• Connect community members with local settlement agencies and resources

Culture shock

Although Canadian societies are multi-cultural, people may find themselves disoriented and feeling overwhelmed by the differences between their home country and Canada.

Tips:

• Engage in training through local Settlement agencies to understand cultural diversity and develop inter-cultural competencies
• Be curious about the unique characteristics, skills, and identities people hold and embrace those differences.
• Managers: Learn about how focusing on “culture fit” when attracting, hiring, and retaining employees can unintentionally lead to bias.

Local Resources:

Assistance for Refugees and Displaced Peoples: Supports available to people arriving in Chatham-Kent and information on how the community can help.

The Chatham-Kent Local Immigration Partnership (CKLIP): ready to welcome newcomers, including Refugees and Immigrants from around the world!

CK Ethno-Cultural Community List: A list of some of the ethno-cultural communities, associations, and groups in Chatham-Kent.