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Islamic Relief Canada and York University researchers calls for BIPOC communities to be prioritized for vaccinations in light of new report
07
Apr
2021

Islamic Relief Canada and York University researchers calls for BIPOC communities to be prioritized for vaccinations in light of new report

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Research study analyses pandemic’s economic impact on marginalized Canadians

Burlington, ON - Islamic Relief Canada, in partnership with York University, is releasing a new research report called One Year Later: Unmasking COVID-19 today.

Supported by the Mitacs Accelerate research program, the report reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic inequalities in Canada. Marginalized groups, especially BIPOC, women and low-income people, have experienced the highest percentages of illness contraction, job losses and economic hardships.

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The research indicates that the long-term effects on these vulnerable groups will include: an increase in poverty; SME closures; household debt and mortgage defaults; precarious housing, evictions and food insecurity; and unemployment in certain industries experiencing shutdowns.

“It’s clear that unless action is taken now, marginalized communities will continue bearing the brunt of the financial and health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Reyhana Patel, Head of Communications and Government Relations at Islamic Relief Canada.

Based on the findings of the report, Islamic Relief Canada is making several recommendations, including:

“It’s clear that unless action is taken now, marginalized communities will continue bearing the brunt of the financial and health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Reyhana Patel, Head of Communications and Government Relations at Islamic Relief Canada.

Based on the findings of the report, Islamic Relief Canada is making several recommendations, including:

  • BIPOC communities — along with essential workers, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions — should be prioritized for vaccines in areas with high rates of COVID-19
  • A financial relief fund should be created for economically disadvantaged BIPOC community members
  • Targeted support (such as skills training and job placement programs) should be provided to BIPOC communities and other vulnerable groups

Read the full report online here

Read 3781 times Last modified on Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:01
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Islamic Relief Canada works with communities to strengthen their resilience to calamities, and we provide vital emergency aid when disasters occur. We help the impoverished access basic services, including education, water and sanitation, as well as healthcare. We provide lasting routes out of poverty through our sustainable development schemes. Our integrated approach to progress is transforming communities worldwide.