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2025 Consultation Hub

A centralized place for all the information you'll need during the event!

(Information subject to changes and will be updated as new details become available)

Logistics

Full program

List of preliminary workshops (will be updated as new details become available)

Root Causes of Displacement in Sudan

Following the success of the Root Causes of Displacement workshops on DRC and Palestine at the 2024 Consultation, this workshop would provide an overview of the conflict currently happening in Sudan. Speakers will talk about the main causes of displacement and the biggest challenges to creating lasting peace in the region, including Canadian complicity, as well as options for solidarity and support to Sudanese people in Canada.

Erased and Silenced: Confronting Anti-Palestinian Racism in Canada’s Refugee and Settlement Systems

This workshop will explore how anti-Palestinian racism manifests within Canada's immigration policies, settlement systems, and the post-arrival experiences of Palestinian refugees. It will also examine the personal and professional challenges and repercussions faced by individuals in the refugee-serving sector who advocate for Palestinian rights. Participants will strategize on ways to challenge and dismantle anti-Palestinian racism within institutions and communities.

Creating Coalitions to Support Crisis Response

As a sector, we have been going in circles with decision-makers on how to create networks of allies to respond to crises, particularly in our humanitarian and resettlement responses. This workshop will examine how we can create more collaborative processes between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), humanitarian agencies, and Global Affairs Canada.

Technology and Surveillance at the Border: Risks and Opportunities

This workshop will help participants consider how to approach the use of digital technology at the border, exploring both the risks and opportunities that technology poses to migrants and service providers. The workshop will also discuss advances in surveillance technology and strategies to ensure digital safety for those who are crossing borders and for those who support them. We will also look at how technology can be leveraged to advance access to justice for migrants.

Beyond the Refusal: Exploring Post-Claim Recourses and Humanitarian Pathways to Permanent Residency

What happens after an asylum claim is refused and what tools and strategies are necessary to support migrants in vulnerable situations? This workshop will examine the legal and procedural avenues available to refused claimants, including Pre-Removal Risk Assessments (PRRA), appeals, and deferrals/stays. We will also explore the challenges and opportunities of permanent residency applications on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds.

Advocacy on the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)

Organized in collaboration with the CCR’s Legal Affairs Committee (LAC), this workshop brings together legal experts, migrant justice advocates, and community organizers to critically examine the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States. Participants will explore the Supreme Court legal challenge to the STCA led by CCR along Amnesty international and the Canadian Council of Churches. Together, we will assess the impact of the agreement on asylum seekers and discuss strategies for advocacy, legal reform, and cross-border solidarity.

How to Support People who Lose Status

Currently, the sector doesn’t have a concrete strategy to inform those who are at risk of losing status over the next few years, such as precarious migrants, international students, and temporary workers. This workshop will assess how we can develop effective approaches to informing these groups of what could happen to them when they lose status and the risks and opportunities that come with pursuing different immigration options.

Building Bridges: How can the Settlement Sector Authentically Work Together for Truth and Reconciliation?

Honouring the idea of an Indigenous sharing circle, this workshop will explore how organizations can work with Indigenous community to foster and advance Truth and Reconciliation efforts. The workshop will draw on how the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) and 10 other settlement agencies partnered with Indigenous leaders and organizations for the past two years to encourage and authentically work towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Setting Up Sanctuary for Scholars Programs across Canada

Toronto Metropolitan University and York University have created pilot projects called Sanctuary for Scholars programs, offering post-secondary access to education for those with precarious status. This workshop will discuss the requirements and logistics needed to establish such programs and will explore how to replicate this across different provinces.

No to the Erasure of LGBTQIA+ Rights: Border Bills and the Criminalization of Mobility

This workshop will examine Bill C-2 and other elements of the growing rhetoric on border security and militarization in Canada and globally and the specific barriers and dangers it creates for LGBTQIA+ refugees and migrants. The workshop will explore strategies to fight back against the legal, political, and social dimensions of an agenda that erases the rights of migrants and refugees and criminalizes their mobility and search for safety.

Building Federal – Provincial Cooperation to Address the Needs and Rights of Refugee Claimants

Federal-provincial coordination is key for improving access to shelter and services for refugee claimants. With support from the new federal investments in the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), Manitoba has been providing leadership in expanding interim housing as well as opening wrap around services to claimants under certain conditions. The workshop will engage IRCC officials and the recently established Asylum Claimant Unit in the Manitoba government to discuss opportunities and needs for improved federal – provincial collaboration, drawing on the experience in Manitoba to offer insights for other provinces.

Reframing the Migration Narrative

This workshop will provide an overview and hands-on training opportunity for engaging in CCR’s messaging campaign to expand public support for newcomers and refugees. Kathryn LeBlanc, from LeBlanc (& co.) Communications, will lead this workshop, enabling participants to engage with our new messaging and apply it to different issue areas and campaign asks for refugee and migrant rights.

Wellness Workshop for Consultation Participants

A workshop that will offer a facilitated space and resources to support the health and wellness of participants during the Consultation, including practices attendees can carry forward into their lives.

Beyond the Bill: Youth Allyship Against Anti-Migrant Laws

From stricter immigration rules to expanded surveillance powers, Bill C-2 could reshape the future for refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and racialized communities in Canada. Youth are particularly and directly impacted as migrants navigating uncertain status, as asylum seekers, and as digital citizens whose privacy and mobility are at risk. This workshop will discuss what Bill C-2, and the new government approach mean for young migrants and how we can respond through advocacy and allyship.

Impact of Changing US Politics and Policies on Refugee Resettlement and Asylum

This workshop will explore the multiple impacts of rapid changes in US migration policies and programs under the Trump Administration both on the global refugee system and for our resettlement and settlement work in Canada. The workshop will also consider strategies for how we can address these issues collectively in the short and longer term.

Beyond the Broken System: Reimagining Protection Pathways in Canada

Notions of a “broken immigration system” are prevalent in conversations around refugee protection in Canada. This workshop will explore how we can move beyond critique to co-create equitable and time-efficient models of asylum access. It will begin with a panel of experts discussing labour and education-based complementary pathways, Sponsorship Agreement Holders, and new Safe Mobility Offices, and end in breakout groups where participants will work through worksheets to imagine safer asylum-seeking pathways that newcomers deserve.

Information about the Hotel

The CCR has blocked rooms for attendees at the Alt Hotel Winnipeg

We strongly encourage folks to stay at this hotel because our funding from the City of Winnipeg depends on whether or not we booked enough rooms.

Rates

Exclusive rate until Friday, October 31, 2025

Please note that room availability and rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

  • Standard Double or Two Queen: $179.00 / night plus taxes

Attendees need to use the dedicated link to book their room: Book your room

Alt Canada Inc is committed to complying with the Accessibility Standard for Customer Service under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act. ALT policies, practices and measures reflect the principles of dignity, independence, integration and equal opportunity for people with disabilities. ALT currently have 2 accessible rooms at the hotel.

The information about parking will be made available soon.

Alt Hotel Winnipeg is a 15-minute drive from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. The average price of a taxi ride is $20 (taxes and gratuity included), depending on traffic. There are currently no shuttle services available.

Note: The venue for the Consultation, the RBC Convention Centre, is different from the hotel.

RBC Convention Centre Floor Plan

The floor plans will be made available soon.

Quiet space

A room (details to come soon) will be designated as a quiet space for use during the Consultation.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous Interpretation in English and French is offered is all plenaries, workshop sessions and Working Group Meetings.

Headsets will be available [location]

Please note that caucuses are not interpreted.

Lunches

Lunches will be available on Tuesday, November 18th and Wednesday, November 19th. They will be served buffet style.

Winnipeg - what to do and restaurants around the hotel
  • For information on what to do in Winnipeg during the week of November 17-21 and information about where to find nearby restaurants, please refer to: https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/
Exhibitors

During the event, you will have the opportunity to visit our exhibitors tables located outside of the meeting rooms. Please take the time to stop by their tables to check their programs and resources, to network or simply to say hi!

Tell us how we did!

Details to come!

Payment instructions

Methods of payment available
Online, cheque, direct deposit. Please see the emailed invoice for details on how to pay by cheque or direct deposit.

Deadline to settle the invoice
Please note that all registration MUST be paid within:
- 10 working days from the day the invoice was initially sent for early bird rates
- 5 working days from the day the invoice was initially sent for regular rates
If payment is not received withing these timelines, your registration may not be confirmed and depending on the rates deadline, you may be billed for the higher rate (from early bird to regular)

Cancellation policy
Please contact the Operations team at finances@ccrweb.ca to request a cancellation and refund.
Full refund until 5pm Pacific Time on Friday October 17, 2025 and no refunds thereafter. Stripe fees are non-refundable.

Information

About the CCR

If this is your first time at a CCR event, we encourage you to visit our website to familiarize yourselves with our work. You can start with: About CCR.

Orientation to the Consultation

Details to come!

Acronyms

We encourage speakers, moderators and participants to avoid using acronyms during discussions but it may be that some find their way in the presentations or exchanges. To help you, you can check out our List of acronyms.

Anti-oppression guidelines

The CCR has a long standing commitment to social justice and transformation by challenging racism, colonialism and intersecting oppressions.

We strive to offer brave and safe spaces for all participants and we ask you to please consult our Anti-oppression guidelines.

CCR Working Groups

The CCR has three Working Groups that serve as forums for members and other interested organizations to exchange information, network and develop policy positions on issues affecting the rights of refugees and newcomers.

The Working Groups are closed to representatives of the government and the media.

For an overview of the CCR Working Groups, please consult the Working Groups Infographic.

For CCR members - Moving an issue forward: Action or Resolution?

Click here to go back to the main event page and to register!

Questions?Contact consultation@ccrweb.ca

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