(* = can be ordered from the CCR office as well as downloaded from the web)

Hidden Costs – Campaign to absorb refugee transportation loans Share a video: *Hidden Costs video/DVD with your Member of Parliament and members of the public  You’ll also find this video in three parts on YouTube Send letters to send to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration   Send postcards to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Circulate a petition calling on the Government of Canada to absorb the cost of transportation loans for refugees.  Collect signatures and present them to your local Member of Parliament and have him/her present them in the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Speedy Family Reunification

Photo: Settlement Arts/Anna Hill, from the exhibit , Waiting for My Children

Write a letter to the Prime Minister about long delays in processing family reunification applications at the Nairobi visa post.  You can use this model letter. Share real stories and facts with others in your community.  Show the impact that delays in family reunification is having on families near you.  Looking for examples?  Check out this report for facts, figures and compelling stories: Protection Delayed, Protection Denied Share a video: *The Cost of Separation video/DVD to share with your Member of Parliament and members of the public Endorse the Manifesto on Family Reunification: Share the Manifesto with groups in your area and get their support For Haitian families affected by the earthquake:  write to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to urge speedy family reunification.

Busting Myths about Refugees and Immigrants

1. Show realities and share real stories and facts with others in your community.  Show how newcomers and newcomer families REALLY live near you.  Promote someone’s individual story or success.  See the list of ‘Top resources’ below for additional facts and arguments.
2. Promote the benefits and successes of newcomers in your community.
3. Write a letter to the editor or respond to online news media comments to counter some of the common myths and stereotypes that you hear in your community.
4. Have a blog?  A Facebook account?  Write a message busting myths and stereotypes about refugees and immigrants this April 4th.

Top resources for general public education and outreach: Refugee Rights Day (pamphlet)

1. Refugee Rights Day (pamphlet)
2. Lives in the Balance: Understanding current challenges to the refugee claim process (booklet)
3. * Facing Facts: Myths and misconceptions about refugees and immigrants in Canada (pamphlet and PowerPoint presentation)
4. * State of Refugees in Canada (booklet)
5. * Justice for Refugees and Immigrants (pamphlet)
6. A Year in Review: Concerns in 2009 (booklet)

To order any of the publications marked with (*) from the CCR office, download and fill in the order form.