The CCR joined a coalition representing hundreds of organizations across Canada in thanking Canadians for welcoming and sponsoring Syrian refugees:
"For those of us that work with refugees, the generosity of the public has been humbling. Whether it is high school students preparing welcome baskets, seniors knitting hats and scarves, individuals donating time and money to privately sponsor refugees, neighbours taking newly arrived children to hockey practice, or people, businesses, unions, faith and cultural communities, and social groups offering all manner of support, Canadians have shown once again that we are at our best when we reach out to welcome our future fellow citizens."
This International Migrants Day, the CCR applauds the elimination by the government on 13 December of the “cumulative duration” rule that limits migrant workers’ participation in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to four years.
This is a victory for the many migrant workers and advocates that have been fighting against the rule, and an important step to stop punishing workers for the reliance of some Canadian employers on precarious foreign labour. The federal government must continue to make changes to ensure a just system:
Join the CCR's call: Children don't belong in detention
Under Canada's immigration law, children are supposed to be detained only as a “last resort”. But children are regularly detained in Canada. They are detained on grounds of identity or flight risk, or they are a "guest" in detention accompanying a detained parent.
The CCR has prepared a detailed proposal to address this problem, based on 5 key recommendations:
End the detention of children under immigration legislation
Preserve children's rights to family unity
Make the best interests of the child a primary consideration
Amend Canadian law
Provide designated representatives to separated children
Spread the word: Youth Action Gathering, Winnipeg, 28-29 April 2017
Refugee and immigrant youth often face significant personal and systemic barriers in their everyday lives. With common challenges comes the need for unified action and a platform upon which to mobilize. Given the opportunity and support, newcomer youth can be leaders in their communities and counter these barriers.
The CCR Youth Network is organizing the 2017 Youth Action Gathering in Winnipeg to provide a friendly, supportive and accessible space for refugee and immigrant youth advocates from across Canada to meet face to face, share experiences and respond to issues of concern to them.
Help share information about the Youth Action Gathering with newcomer youth in your community and networks.
Private Sponsorship of Refugees Toolkit: a web-based resource offering practical and concise information for sponsors and sponsored persons across Canada. For more information: ccrweb.ca/en/private-sponsorship-refugees
Refugees Welcome Here Toolkit: a resource for groups, organizations, schools and others wishing to take action and to build a structured approach for sustained refugee rights promotion and advocacy. For more information: ccrweb.ca/en/refugees-welcome-here
By joining the CCR, your organization will become part of a vibrant and dynamic national network of over 170 organizations committed to refugee and migrant rights and the integration of newcomers.
Not with an organization? Individuals can join as Associate Members.
* Membership is not open to members of government or to members of the media
To find out more on how to become a member of the CCR, please visit: ccrweb.ca/en/join
