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Join the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) in calling on the Canadian government to promote an immigration and refugee system that respects basic rights by favouring the speedy reunification of families in the interests of the healthy, humane, respectful and productive integration of newcomers!

Here are some ways you can give support:

As an organization:

• Endorse the Manifesto on Family Reunification - Pledge to put families first!

In endorsing the Manifesto on Family Reunification, you and your organization are making an important commitment to reuniting refugees with their families in Canada without delay and are calling on the government to do the same.

Endorsing the Manifesto on Family Reunification is an easy three-step process:

1. After discussing and approving the Manifesto within your organization, post it in a visible location testifying to your commitment.
2. Let the office of Canadian Council for Refugees know that you have signed on to the Manifesto at cfrench [at] ccrweb [dot] ca, so that we can add your organization’s name to the growing list of groups that have endorsed it.
3. Talk to other groups in your community that might support the CCR Manifesto on Family Reunification: community service organizations; unions; professional associations; faith assemblies; school, college and university groups; your city or town council among others. 

Having a broad range of voices supporting the Manifesto on Family Reunification will strengthen its impact when we present it to Ottawa.

The Manifesto is also available in pdf format here.

• Reach out to potential campaign allies in your community

Get the campaign started by inviting people to meet - people likely to be supportive of refugees and immigrants’ rights, and/or are personally affected by the problem (and don’t overlook refugees and immigrants themselves):

• Refugee and immigrant communities
• Provincial governments
• Municipalities (city/town councils)
• Social service organizations
• Rights groups
• Women’s groups
• Unions
• Professional associations
• Faith communities
• Sympathetic MPs
• Academics/researchers

At the meeting describe the campaign goals, messages etc. and show the documents available at the CCR resources on family reunification.  Brainstorm actions and activities to bring the issue alive to politicians, the media and the public.  Select one or two actions, and plan the next steps needed.  Contact the CCR office at cfrench [at] ccrweb [dot] cawith any ideas or additional resource requests.

As an individual and an organization:

• Encourage any individuals wanting to endorse the Manifesto to have organizations that they are involved in to sign on (we are not seeking endorsements from individuals).
• Visit your Member of Parliament (MP). We encourage supporters to visit MPs in their ridings to deliver the campaign documents, explain the issue and present the CCR's recommendations.
  Most MPs are eager to meet with their constituents. Your opinions are valuable to your federal government representative, and your meeting is likely to be very influential. Keep in mind that you don't have to be an expert to get your point across. The message you will bring to your meeting is that of a concerned citizen who wants to uphold Canada's values by ensuring that immigrants and refugees are treated fairly.
• Call a press conference on Mother’s Day/ Father’s Day to bring attention to separated family members.
• Support separated family members in their efforts and if they are willing to speak to the media.
• Create a pamphlet aimed at the general public with anecdotes of local people who have been separated from their families.
• Organize a community event focusing on family reunification (Refugee Rights Day – April 4th is a great time to do this!)

For additional information on how to support the CCR's call for a speedy family reunification process, contact Colleen French at the CCR, cfrench [at] ccrweb [dot] ca.