WINNIPEG – An increasing number of Somali refugees are seeking asylum in Canada, driven by concerns over immigration policies in the United States, according to a CBC News report aired today.

Avdikar Ahmed, who runs Resilia Wellness Center in Winnipeg, stated that hundreds of Somalis have crossed the border into Manitoba this winter, many fearing for their lives. The influx follows actions taken by the Trump administration targeting the Somali population in Minnesota, which Ahmed said has created significant anxiety within the community. The Salvation Army reported that over half of the refugees staying at its Winnipeg shelter in the past six months came from the United States.

Refugees are facing challenges including overcrowded housing, limited access to food, and delays in obtaining work permits. While Canada is accepting asylum seekers, a new bill passed in March has introduced time limits for claims. Immigration lawyer Alistair Clark expressed concern that tightening restrictions on individuals from the US seeking asylum is “not a good solution.” The federal government maintains the new law aims to make the asylum system more sustainable.

Skilled Trades Shortage Prompts New Training Initiatives

The CBC News broadcast also highlighted a critical shortage of skilled trades workers across Canada, with an estimated 250,000 expected to retire in the coming years. To address this, programs like the Construct program, run by the non-profit Blue Door, are providing intensive, free eight-week training courses to individuals facing hardship. Participants are paid minimum wage during the training.

Emma Wood, director of Blue Door’s Construct program, emphasized the importance of reaching individuals who might not have previously considered the trades. The program has trained 800 participants in the last five years, with nearly three-quarters finding employment in the skilled trades.

Efforts are also underway to integrate technology into the construction industry. Stephen Bates, a professor of architecture at Laurentian University, believes robots can help reduce labor demands and lower construction costs. He is developing robots, like “Warthog,” designed to assist with tasks on construction sites.

Additionally, apprenticeship programs are gaining traction, with high school students like Victor Chen choosing the trades as a viable career path. Katarina Maietta of the Toronto Catholic District School Board noted a shift in perception, with more students, including young women, expressing interest in skilled trades careers. Angela Norman, a trainer at Construct, highlighted the challenges women still face in the industry, but expressed optimism about the changing landscape.