The spread of COVID-19 has touched every aspect of our lives. Here you will find information about how the pandemic is impacting issues Senator Omidvar cares deeply about, including migration, the charitable sector, and universal basic income. In addition, there are resources to help individuals and organizations cope with the impact of COVID-19.
Checkout our ➡️ “Humanity in the Face of COVID-19 highlights” demonstrating the kindness and ingenuity of Canadians during the pandemic. Remember #WeAreAllInThisTogether! 🇨🇦
Migration
Canada Faces a Staggering Immigration Backlog. With the Border Reopening and Applicants Anxious to get Here, How Should Ottawa Prioritize?
In this excerpt, Senator Omidvar comments on the immigration backlogs caused by the pandemic.
Building on COVID-Period Immigration Levels: The Economic Case
The Conference Board of Canada and the Century Initiative have released a report on the projected economic impacts of different immigration targets.
Will Essential Migrant Workers be Allowed to Apply for Bridging Work Permits? And How Many Caregiver Applications Have Been Processed?
Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold about bridging work permits and caregiver applications.
Speech: Migrant Workers are Essential to Maintaining Canada’s Food Supply Chain and Should Have Pathways to Permanency
Senator Robert Black speaks in support of Senator Omidvar’s motion calling on the government to create pathways to permanency for essential migrants workers.
WATCH: Senate Statement on World Refugee Day 2021
Senator Omidvar brings attention to the struggles that refugees are facing due to the pandemic, including a lack of access to vaccines.
Press Release: Senator Ratna Omidvar calls on the Federal Government to match Canadians’ donations to India battling COVID-19
Senator Omidvar tabled a motion in the Senate asking the Government of Canada to match the generous donations made by Canadians to India for Covid-19 related relief.
WATCH: Century Initiative and The Globe and Mail Present People and Prosperity: Planning for Canadian Growth
Senator Omidvar, Karim Bardeesy, Dr. Marie Delorme and Goldy Hyder discuss post-pandemic immigration levels and the need for governance equity.
Canada at a Crisis Point: Do we Manage our Growth or Accept our Decline?
Lisa Lalande outlines the need for long-term planning in order for Canada to effectively use immigration to drive population growth.
WATCH: Reflecting on Canada’s Expatriates and Future in International Education ft. John Stackhouse
John Stackhouse discusses the impact of the pandemic on immigration, the importance of engaging with Canadian expatriates and our future as a leader in international education.
In the News: Canadians Support Allowing Temporary Workers to Stay
Senator Ratna Omidvar and Senator Rob Black are calling on the government to provide a way for temporary foreign workers to remain in Canada.
Charitable Sector
Recognizing the Global Pluralism Award Winners and the Vital Work of Charities and Non-profits
Senator Omidvar made a statement in support of charities and non-profits and congratulated the Global Pluralism Award winners.
Bill C-2: Will the Government Allow Applicants to Average Revenue Decline Over a Span of 12 Months?
Senator Omidvar asked Minister Freeland if the government is willing to provide greater flexibility in forecasting revenue decline.
Time to Take Necessary Steps for a More Inclusive Charitable Sector
In this op-ed, Senator Omidvar discusses raising the disbursement quota, the Effective and Accountable Charities Act, and the diversity deficit on charitable boards.
Opinion: Charities Need Money, but Also More to Spur Post-Pandemic Recovery
Senator Omidvar comments on the impact of the pandemic on the charitable sector and calls for the creation of a home in government.
Is the Social Sector Ready For A Modernization Fund? Senator Omidvar Weighs In.
Senator Omidvar spoke with Brennan Doherty about her mission to modernize the charitable and non-profit sector in Canada.
WATCH: Discussing a TRIPS Waiver, Remittances, and if the Government Should Match the Donations of Canadians
During a meeting of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Omidvar asked about the efficacy of a TRIPS waiver, the impact of the pandemic on remittances, and if the government should match donations.
WATCH: Canada’s Leadership in Global Development: Now & for the Future
Senator Omidvar participated in a panel discussion hosted by Engineers Without Borders Canada during their Day of Action 2021: Global (R)Evolution virtual event.
Scorecard: Does Budget 2021 Give Us the Social Safety Net We Need? Social Impact Leaders Weigh In
In this excerpt, Senator Omidvar evaluates the 2021 federal budget.
Budget 2021: How the Non-Profit and Charitable Sector Fared
Non-profit and charitable sector leaders react to the 2021 federal budget.
Charting the Future Course of the Charitable Sector: Is the Government now a Catalyst for Change?
Senator Omidvar and Senator Mercer discuss the impact of the pandemic on charities and non-profits, the federal budget, and the government’s response to the Special Senate Committee on the Charitable Sector’s report.
Basic Income & Employment
WATCH: Whither Cities – Addressing Economic, Social and Environmental Challenges During and Beyond COVID-19
Senator Omidvar discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on cities, focusing on social and economic inequality as well as environmental issues.
Opinion: Essential Changes for Essential Migrant Workers
Senator Omidvar and Leslie Seidle comment on how the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the need to rebalance the proportions of high- and lesser-skilled immigrants to Canada.
WATCH: Essential Workers & Canada’s Response to COVID-19
Senator Omidvar asked witnesses testifying before the Senate’s Social Affairs Committee about migrant workers, PSWs, the nationalization of long term care facilities, and the release of nonviolent offenders during the pandemic.
WATCH: Discussing the Federal Response to COVID-19 with Canadian Medical Experts
Senator Omidvar asked witnesses testifying before the Senate’s Social Affairs Committee about IMGs, COVID-19 in prisons, how to prepare for the next pandemic, and the collection of race-based data.
WATCH: The Importance of Women in the COVID-19 Response
Senator Omidvar made a video with Women Political Leaders and the World Bank to highlight women’s contributions during the pandemic.
Lift the Floor: Would a Universal Basic Income Guarantee a Good Life for All Canadians?
Simon Black and Armine Yalnizyan discuss the history, types, and future of UBI in Canada.
Senators Eggleton and Segal: COVID-19 Presents Lessons in How a Guaranteed Basic Income Program Could Work
Fifty senators, including Senator Omidvar, are calling for the implementation of a basic income.
Opinion: Essential Work Should Come With Essential Pay
Senator Omidvar comments on how the outbreak of COVID-19 has illustrated the importance of fairly compensating essential workers.
Open Letter from Senators to Prime Minister, Deputy PM and Finance Minister Calls for Minimum Basic Income
Fifty Senators, under the leadership of Senator Pate and Senator Lankin, are asking the federal government to implement a MBI in response to COVID-19.
Watch: Universal Basic Income Explained
Learn about the arguments for and against UBI.
Resources
Research on Virtual Parliaments and Hybrid Sittings
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how parliaments around the world function. This research document outlines how parliaments have adapted during the global health crisis.
Covid-19 Resources for the Non-Profit Sector
Sustainability Network has compiled a list of useful resources to help charities adapt and respond to the pandemic.
Government of Canada’s Covid-19 Resources
Learn more about the government’s useful resources on what is Covid-19 to economic support on how to cope through the pandemic.
Carleton professor creates plain-language guide for getting government aid
Online Google Document shows how to apply for EI, Caregiver benefits, rent subsidies.