Tuesday, June 30, 2026
ADVT 
National

Hiring spree helping with backlogs: ministers

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 Aug, 2022 10:55 AM
  • Hiring spree helping with backlogs: ministers

The federal Liberal government says hundreds of additional staff have been added in recent months to address long wait times and backlogs at Canadian airports as well as visa and immigration offices.

Yet while cabinet ministers say the additional hires have started to make a difference, they acknowledge that far more work is needed when it comes to providing Canadians with the services they deserve.

The comments came during an update on the work of the government's special task force to help tackle major delays with immigration applications and passport processing.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau created the 10-minister task force in June in response to public anger and frustration over the delays, which also included problems at Canadian airports.

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Marc Miller, one of the co-chairs of the task force, says the federal government has "thrown bodies at the problem" by hiring more staff across government.

But he says not only do the problems still exist, a hiring spree is not the most effective response and the task force is still examining ways to address the problems over the long term.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer
On December 2, 2021 a Richmond RCMP frontline officer was attempting to arrest a man for an alleged theft when the man allegedly assaulted the officer. During the attempted arrest, a struggle on the ground ensued. Prior to additional officers arriving, the man was able to break free and run from the area on foot.

Dash cam footage sought in alleged assault of police officer

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz
Officers found 27 teenagers crammed inside a party bus with a dance floor. The bus had been hired to take the teens downtown for a 17-year-old’s birthday party. VPD officers are now recommending 27 counts of failing to provide a chaperone for passengers under 19, allowing open liquor in a vehicle, and operating with too many passengers.    

27 teenagers crammed in a party bus with a dance floor, VPD issues fines in safety blitz

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800
The robbery occurred around 6 p.m. on December 3, as holiday shoppers were visiting the Dunsmuir Street retailer. The suspect, who was masked, entered the store and deployed a cloud of bear spray, then walked over to a display rack and stole a $1,800 purse, before exiting the store and walking east on Dunsmuir to Seymour Street.

Suspect sprays bear spray in Pacific Centre Mall and steals purse worth $1800

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa
The federal government is extending, and slightly expanding, a travel exemption for Canadians trying to return home from South Africa. Earlier this month, the government lifted a requirement for Canadian travellers from South Africa to have a negative COVID-19 molecular test result in a third country before coming to Canada.

Canada extends travel exemption for South Africa

Some universities cancel in-person exams

Some universities cancel in-person exams
The University of Victoria in British Columbia will not be holding any further in-person exams this month. The school said its instructors have been asked to offer alternative exams online or in another format.

Some universities cancel in-person exams

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic
Canada is expecting a potentially massive surge in cases in the coming weeks, driven by the new Omicron variant already spreading through communities, said Dr. Theresa Tam. While COVID-19 might be with us for many years to come, Tam is optimistic the pandemic could end in the foreseeable future.

When will the pandemic end? Tam is optimistic