A two-page brief to address myths circulating about refugee claimants in Canada, especially regarding Bill C-31, a bill that protects systems, not refugees.
- Canada’s visa office in Nairobi has some of the slowest processing times of all Canadian visa offices. The delays at Nairobi leave vulnerable refugees, as well as children of refugees, in dangerous situations for years. 1 page, 2011.
On 16 June 2011, the government reintroduced Bill C-4, the Preventing Human Smugglers from Abusing Canada’s Immigration System Act (formerly Bill C-49).
Despite the title, most of the provisions in the bill punish refugees, not smugglers. The people who will suffer if this bill is passed are people fleeing persecution, including children. 1 page, 2011.
In March 2011, the federal government published in the Canada Gazette a proposal to introduce a conditional permanent residence period of two years or more for sponsored spouses and partners who have been in a relationship of two years or less with their sponsors. According to the proposal, if the sponsored spouse or partner does not remain in a bona fide relationship with their sponsor during the conditional period, their permanent residence could be revoked, and they would be deported. 1 page, 2011.
In fall 2011, the Canadian Council of Refugees encourages its members to speak out about a number of issues of concern (Long delays at the Nairobi visa office, Proposal for conditional permanent residence, Bill C-4 as an unprecedented attacks on refugee rights). This document briefly highlights these issues, which can be used for meeting with Members of Parliament, as well as when speaking with members of the general public. 4 pages, 2011.
Take every opportunity to communicate what we want for refugees in Canada at work or school and in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and members of the general public. Use this bookmark to remind yourself to speak about what you want for refugees in all aspects of what you do.
A two-page brief to address myths circulating about refugee claimants in Canada, especially the passengers of the MV Sun Sea who arrived in 2010.
Overview of key policy issues affecting refugees and immigrants in Canada in 2010, 4 pages includes references. Only available electronically.
The United Nations will soon examine Canada on its respect for children’s rights
under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Canada still has work to do on refugee and immigrant children's rights if it wants to pass the exam. This document looks at some issues of concern, 2 pages.
Distinguishes between common terms used to talk about refugee and immigrants in Canada and around the world, 2 pages. 2010.
Pamphlet on long delays at Nairobi visa office (privately sponsored refugees and refugee family reunification).
- A 4-page booklet outlining the Canadian Council for Refugees' concerns and recommendations on Bill C-11 and reforms to Canada's refugee determination system, 2010.
- Long delays are a well-known feature of Canadian immigration processing, wherever an application is being processed. The Nairobi visa office, however, stands out for its extraordinarily long processing times. This document calls for solutions to be implemented so that refugee families are reunited expeditiously and privately sponsored refugees are resettled in a timely way. 12 pages, 2009.
- Canada is bringing in more and more workers on temporary work permits, rather than as permanent residents. This pamphlet outlines the changes and the impacts on workers and on Canadian society. 2 pages, 2009.
- The Pathways to Gender Justice Handbook aims to enhance the capacity of organizations to use a gender-based approach in their work with newcomers. It is a practical guide that can be used in different areas of an organization, such as governance, management and direct services, 49 pages. 2009.
- Canada’s refugee determination system has been the subject of recent public commentary, much of it focusing on “abuse” and alleged problems in the system. The realities of refugees in the system have received less attention. Refugee determination is complex and challenging. It is not easy to decide who needs protection and who does not. 'Lives in the Balance' provides some answers to current questions and concerns about the system, as well as information about a few of the individuals in the system.
- About 3,000 stateless Palestinian refugees are stranded in dangerous camps on the Syria-Iraq border, waiting for a country to accept them for resettlement. They have been forced out of Iraq but are denied asylum anywhere else. Join the Canadian Council for Refugees in urging the Canadian government to support the increased resettlement of refugees from Iraq, including Palestinians who are particularly vulnerable. Ask that Canada resettle 50 Palestinian families from camps in the Iraq-Syria border area, and that some be sponsored by the Canadian government.
- This introduction to statelessness offers recommendations to the Canadian government on statelessness issues. 4 pages, 2009.
- A two-page factsheet recognizing successes and calling for change to improve refugee protection in Canada.
- General overview of Canada’s role in protecting and resettling refugees, the rights of non-citizens, settlement and integration issues, the need for speedy family reunification, and protection for trafficked persons. Illustrated with photos and peppered with facts to bust myths about refugees and immigrants. 8 pages, 2008.
About the Canadian Council for Refugees: what it is, what it does, what it stands for, what it works on and what you can do. Pamphlet, 2008.
- This pamphlet highlights key issues such as the need for speedy family reunification, the rights of trafficked persons, and the Iraqi refugee crisis and urges members of the public to take action. 2008.
The stories of children and families affected by Regulation 117(9)(d) which forever bars them from reuniting, 8 pages. 2008.
- Explains key elements of the Canadian Council for Refugees' 'Proposal for legislative amendment' to protect the rights of trafficked persons in Canada, 4 pages. 2007.
- Answers common questions about the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement and about who is affected, 4 pages. updated 2007. Only available electronically.
- A set of answers to frequently asked questions regarding the rights of people from moratorium countries without permanent status in Canada, applying for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds and available resources. 2007. Only available electronically.
- This proposal calls for legislative changes to ensure that there is a permanent and fundamental change in policy so that trafficked persons in Canada are protected. 2-page factsheet. 2007.
Explains the proposal that calls for legislative changes to ensure that there is a permanent and fundamental change in policy so that trafficked persons in Canada are protected. Pamphlet. 2007.
- Talking points to accompany the booklet 'Families Never to be United: Excluded family members'. Available at: http://ccrweb.ca/files/famexcluprofilsen.pdf
- A training resource guide for individuals and groups who wish to incorporate a gender analysis when serving refugees and immigrants. 2006.
- A statement that promotes an immigration and refugee system that respects basic rights by favouring the speedy reunification of families in Canada. 2006.
Highlights the pitfalls of the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement for refugees claimants, 2 legal-sized pages. 2005. Only available electronically.
- Addresses stereotyping and discrimination against Arabs and Muslims in Canada since September 2001, 2 legal-sized pages. 2004. Only available electronically.
- Responds to common misconceptions about Canada’s immigration laws and security measures and their impacts on refugees and immigrants, 2 legal-sized pages. 2004. Only available electronically.
Presents the obstacles faced by national of moratorium countries and the campaign for their regularization in Canada, 2 pages. 2005. Only available electronically.
- Responds to key questions and busts common myths about refugee status determination in Canada, 2 pages. 2005.
Personal profiles of parents and families from moratorium countries who are living in limbo in Canada, 6 pages. 2007. Only available electronically.
Highlights the challenges and impacts of Canadian policies on people from moratorium countries living without status in Canada, 9-minute video. 2006.
Includes group activities, frequently-asked questions about refugee status determination and nationals of moratorium countries in Canada, useful resources for further reading and information on how to help, 8-page study guide booklet. 2006. Only available electronically.
- Refugee youth speak of their challenges and dreams for life in Canada, 90 seconds. 2007. (English only)
Resource pack to take action to ensure that Canadian law is changed so that no one acting on humanitarian motives will be charged for aiding and abetting refugees. 2007. Only available electronically.
This 7-minute film highlights the daily effects of prolonged separation from family members on three parents with refugee status in Canada. 2007.
- Poster available in 8.5x11'' and 18x24'' sizes from the CCR office to mark the CCR 30th anniversary. 2008.
Factsheet highlighting the disproportionate effects of family separation on children, 2 pages. 2007. Only available electronically.
- Invitation to take action to protect the rights of trafficked persons in Canada, 2 pages. 2007. Only available electronically.
Suggested actions to ask for measures to prevent future prosecutions of people who aid and abet refugees on humanitarian motives, 2 pages. 2007. Only available electronically.
A chronology focusing on refugees and discrimination. 2000. Available as printed document and powerpoint presentation
Presents key campaigns on refugee and immigrant rights in Canada and how you can take action, 2008. Choose which issues you want to highlight and include information on local activities too! Visual elements that can be printed, cut out and posted onto a trifold presentation board to use in a table display.
Use these 30th anniverary stickers to highlight refugee and immigrant rights in your community as well as the CCR's 30th anniversary, 2008.
Tell others that we need to change Canadian law so that humanitarian workers helping refugees will not be arrested. Wear your 'Proud to Aid and Abet Refugees' button and tell others about the campaign!
Tell others that we need to change Canadian law so that humanitarian workers helping refugees will not be arrested. Wear your 'Proud to Aid and Abet Refugees' sticker and tell others about the campaign!
- A 15-minute video exposing the burden and painful impact of transportation loans on individual refugees, their families and on Canadian society. Produced with the Strategic Alliance for the Advancement of Immigrant and Refugee Children and Youth (SAAIRCY - Edmonton), this film is part of a national campaign to have the Canadian government eliminate transportation loans for refugees.
- The burden of repaying refugee transportation loans is about more than money; it is about people who are facing tough realities. For a glimpse into some of their lives, read the profiles of individuals and families affected by the repayment of transportation loans and share them with others.
Public education resources
Need materials and actions to use at an upcoming community event?
Want some pamphlets or short videos on specific issues for a table display?
Searching for some fast facts about refugees and immigrants in Canada for your next presentation?
Check out this webpage for materials to reach out on issues affecting refugees and immigrants.
Most of these public education resources can be downloaded from this webpage. Some are also available on order from the CCR office (Use the ‘Order Form’ option on the lefthand menu).
Questions? Send an email to publications [at] ccrweb [dot] ca
Top 5
The following are some of the new and popular CCR resources.