Canadian Council for Refugees
Media release
For immediate release
6 December 2012
CCR elects new President at successful fall consultation
The Canadian Council for Refugees announced today that Loly Rico was elected President at its Annual General Meeting on 1 December. Ms Rico is co-director of the FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto.
“This is a time when refugees – both claimants and resettled refugees – are facing important new realities in Canada,” said Ms Rico. “I am committed to leading the Canadian Council for Refugees in working for fair and honourable treatment of refugees and other vulnerable migrants.”
Ms Rico takes over leadership of the CCR from Wanda Yamamoto, who stepped down as President earlier this year.
The CCR Annual General Meeting concluded a successful fall consultation, held 29 November – 1 December in Toronto, focused on recent and upcoming policy changes affecting refugees and other newcomers to Canada. Over 400 participants engaged in discussion on topics such as cuts to refugee health care, changes to the refugee determination system, access to benefits for migrant workers and new directions in refugee resettlement.
The CCR also hosted, in conjunction with the fall consultation, a National Forum on Trafficking Issues, which provided an opportunity for non-governmental organizations to develop recommendations and share ideas in assisting women, men and children who have been trafficked into Canada.
Contact
Colleen French, Communication Coordinator, Canadian Council for Refugees, tel. (514) 277-7223 ext. 1, email: cfrench@ccrweb.ca