Refugees find better lives in Canada, but still need a helping hand

Topics: Alberta, Migrant and Refugee Services
August 08, 2012

Refugees find better lives in Canada, but still need a helping hand

The Calgary Herald recently reported on a man named Dhamber Diyali, who came to Canada with his family seeking refuge from Bhutan in 2009. Today, he regards the nation as one of the best in the world, but getting used to the customs and language was a major struggle three years ago.

"Back home, it is very hot, and here it is very cold. We did not have a car, so all the time we had to wait for the bus. We didn't have any jobs - it was difficult to find a job because we had language problems," Diyali told the news source. 

Diyali and his family are not alone. Each year, people who seek a better life in Canada are met with opportunities as well as challenges. Such obstacles may include a high risk of homelessness, unemployment and poor access to healthcare. Compounding these problems is that many refugees have language barriers. 

The Canadian Red Cross offers a helping hand through its migrant and refugee services to people who seek a better life in the country. Through its First Contact program, the organization assists refugees in finding affordable housing, processing refugee claims, obtaining employment and applying for legal aid and social assistance.

Section Widgets