Canada is falling behind when it comes to supporting researchers escaping war, political repression, or threats to academic freedom, argues Encieh Erfani (Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics). Erfani notes that while Canadian universities may be a part of networks supporting at-risk scholars, federal immigration policy does not sufficiently support these scholars. Erfani explains that scholars at risk who are currently in Canada lack pathways to remain in the country, and those seeking to come to Canada may not have access to documents required for traditional visa applications. Erfani points to an open letter to the federal government sent earlier this year calling on the creation of a federal strategy, concluding that with the support of the federal government, Canada has an opportunity to become a global leader in this area.
