Letter to the Prime Minister Designate: Top priorities for refugees and newcomers
Following the federal election, the CCR sent a letter to Prime Minister Designate, Justin Trudeau, congratulating him and thanking him for his party’s strong stance in favour of welcoming refugees to Canada.
Based on the CCR’s long-term goals outlined in Seven Keys to Protecting and Welcoming Refugees: A vision for Canada, the letter highlighted 11 simple, short-term objectives ranging from introducing flexible measures to reunite Syrians with family in Canada to making strong government statements on the importance of Canada welcoming refugees.
Under current rules, some sponsored spouses risk being stripped of their permanent residence and deported from Canada if they separate from their spouse within two years of receiving permanent residence. The rules include an exception for cases of abuse or neglect; however, many organizations including the CCR have questioned the effectiveness of the exception.
We welcome the incoming government’s commitment to repealing Conditional Permanent Residence and eliminating this unnecessary and harmful measure that disproportionately affects women.
Report from the Youth Action Gathering 2015, 3-4 October, Vancouver
The Youth Action Gathering (YAG) is the CCR Youth Network’s annual conference by and for immigrant and refugee youth across Canada to talk about issues that affect newcomer youth and share ideas and strategies to address them.
Nearly 200 participants from 6 provinces attended the conference. Most were youth of refugee and immigrant backgrounds, as well as indigenous youth and allies.
A diverse group of speakers - elected officials, immigrant/settlement sector leaders and activists - spoke on the immigration system, access to education, migrant and indigenous movements, gender and sexual orientation, and more.
Early registration ends soon: Register for Canadian Council for Refugees national Fall Consultation, Hamilton, 26-28 November 2015
With views from all Canadian provinces and with participants in fields as diverse as mental health services and the law, this conference offers opportunities for professional development, networking and strategy.
Join us to explore questions affecting refugee protection and newcomer settlement at the CCR Fall Consultation on the theme of Courage, Contributions, Resilience. All are welcome to participate!
Training on permanent residence and citizenship issues for frontline workers
Social innovation projects
Building public support for refugee resettlement
… and many more
Reserve your accommodation at the Consultation site, the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, by 5 November and register by 6 November to take advantage of the reduced fees!
Information about the Consultation and online registration are available at: ccrweb.ca/meetings
Submit a complete membership application and your Consultation registrationby 6 November 2015 to receive member-priced Consultation registration rates and CCR membership for 2016. Click here for more details.
Ensure a solid future for refugees: Donate to the CCR’s Endowment Fund
We are pleased to announce two recent donations to the CCR Endowment Fund totalling $25,000. Gifts to the Endowment Fund, such as these, help us go a long way and sustain the future of our work.
The CCR Endowment Fund was created to provide a secure, long-term source of income to support and sustain the mission of the CCR. As an independent coalition, the CCR receives no core funding from government and heavily relies on donations to be able to work towards ensuring that Canada protects refugees and other vulnerable migrants in Canada and around the world, and that it remains open and welcoming to newcomers.
If you, or someone you know, are thinking of leaving a legacy gift or making a major donation that will be invested in long-term support, contributing to the CCR Endowment Fund is a great way to make a powerful impact in the years to come.
Make a donation to the CCR Endowment Fund, the best way to sustain our work for the future;
Include the CCR Endowment Fund in your will;
Introduce the CCR Endowment Fund to others who share our values and who might wish to contribute.
