As part of a new global campaign called “It Takes a Community”, Canada is highlighting the many positive ways that migrants can impact local communities.

The initiative, which is supported by the Canadian government and various other national and local governments, businesses, youth networks and civil society actors, focuses on migrants and other community members who contribute to building stronger societies, especially during the current pandemic.

Launched on March 29, It Takes A Community brings together a range of voices from many sectors and is described as a global movement that calls on people from all walks of life, including migrants and refugees, to submit authentic and positive stories of how they work to strengthen their communities.

The goal of the campaign is to counter misinformation and anti-immigrant sentiment, combat the rise of discrimination, hate speech and xenophobia around the world by celebrating how everyone, no matter where they were born, can contribute to the betterment of their community.

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Worldwide awareness campaign on the positive impact of migration

Recent times “have seen inaccurate and harmful narratives about migrants rise worldwide, a challenge that has become even more urgent in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the campaign website says.

“Now more than ever, it is important for us to come together to ensure that everyone receives the support and protection they need for communities to build back better from COVID-19.”

Over the next 12 months, the campaign will spread stories about how migration can enrich lives. People everywhere are invited to join the movement by sharing their personal stories on social media using the hashtag #ItTakesaCommunity, and by taking positive steps toward inclusion and diversity.

Anyone interested in playing a larger role in the project can also access a digital toolkit with templates, customizable content, and sample messages to raise awareness about the positive effects of migration on their community. The toolkit is available in English and French for now but will be made available in multiple languages on the campaign website.

“It is important to recognize the many ways that migrants and refugees are giving back and contributing positively to their communities, both in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in the press release.

“By sharing their stories and speaking up about how our countries, cities and organizations are stronger when we come together, we can all play a role in this campaign to push back against discrimination and create more welcoming and inclusive communities for all.”

Canada selects immigrants on the basis of economic contribution and humanitarian needs, as well as for family reunification.

Canada sets targets for the number of immigrants it receives in each immigration category. These targets are set in consultation with the general public, various community and business organizations, provinces and territories, and settlement support groups.

The target for 2021 is to admit 401,000 immigrants. Of these, approximately 60 per cent will come to Canada as economic immigrants, helping to support Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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