TELUS’ Internet and Mobility for Good programs help new refugees arriving in Canada get connected

Refugees are 50 per cent less likely than the general population to have an Internet-enabled phone and 29 per cent have no phone at all; TELUS’ programs for Government Assisted Refugees are helping families begin their new lives in Canada

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Already supporting more than 3,200 Government Assisted Refugees across Canada, TELUS today announced that it will now support even more government assisted refugees arriving in Canada with low cost home Internet and mobility plans as well as free mobile devices, in partnership with its expanded network of Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations.

According to the United Nations, refugees are 50 per cent less likely than the general population to have an Internet-enabled phone, and 29 per cent of refugee households have no phone at all. TELUS’ programs for Government Assisted Refugees are helping families begin their new lives in Canada, enabling them to get connected to their friends, family and new support networks, as well as access essential services and critical online resources. The program is available across Canada where TELUS home Internet and mobility services are offered.

“At a time when the human connection has never been more important, TELUS remains committed to ensuring citizens from coast to coast, including those who are new to our country, can stay connected to the people and information that matter the most,” said Jill Schnarr, Chief Social Innovation and Communications Officer, TELUS. “For over two decades, our global leading network has enabled people in Canada to work and learn remotely, apply for critical government resources, receive medical support and stay in touch with family and friends. Now we are providing much-needed connectivity support to government assisted refugees, many of whom have been forced to leave their country, seeking a new home in Canada, away from violence, persecution, war or disaster. This initiative will provide these new members of our community with access to the vital tools and resources they need to begin a productive and fulfilling life in Canada.”

TELUS has partnered with 13 Resettlement Assistance Program service provider organizations across the country, some of which include Immigrant Services Society of B.C., Inter Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, Immigrant Services Calgary, London Cross Cultural Learning Centre, Rainbow Railroad and CREDIL, with plans to partner with additional service provider organizations across the country and to expand the Connecting for Good for Government Assisted Refugees program to more communities.