BC has pledged to support refugees settling from Afghanistan with a new $2 million fund.
The Refugee Readiness Fund will provide families a one-time investment for their needs while resettling in BC.
In August, the Taliban completed a radical political and military coup over the former Afghanistan government.
Since the takeover, many living in Afghanistan who disagree with the Taliban’s radical political and religious beliefs are attempting to settle elsewhere.
The federal government made a commitment to resettle 40,000 Afghans to Canada.
In the media release regarding the new fund, BC said it is preparing to welcome thousands of families and individuals over the coming months and years.
“Our hearts go out to every refugee who has had to flee their home, leaving family members, friends and all their possessions behind,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
“The Refugee Readiness Fund recognizes the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and shows that British Columbia is ready to do its part to provide safe, inclusive and welcoming support for Afghan families.”
The Refugee Readiness Fund will assist with enhancing and co-ordinating community-level supports, such as:
- information and education
- career guidance
- trauma counselling
- mental-health supports
Many government-sponsored refugees will settle in Metro Vancouver, and others will go to Victoria and Kelowna, where resettlement supports exist.