That the CCR oppose the reductions to the IFHP announced in April 2012 and advocate:

1. For the cancellation of the announced reductions,
2. Against any other reductions in IFHP coverage, and
3. Against any differentiation in coverage based on category of refugee or claimant, or stage of processing (e.g. claimant, accepted refugee, refused refugee, government-assisted refugees, privately-sponsored refugees).

That the CCR urge all its member groups to adopt the following convention:

As a member of the Canadian Council for Refugees, our organization:

1. Commits itself to facilitating the elimination of racism and all forms of discrimination by working towards the identification and elimination of the barriers that prevent refugees and immigrants from participating in Canadian society;
2. Commits itself to ensuring that the principles of equality, equity for all races, languages, faiths and cultures are reflected in our organization's policies, procedures and relations with staff, members and the society. It is our responsibility to ensure that the communities that we serve and members of our organization see themselves valued and reflected within the organization;
3. Undertakes to develop and implement an anti-racism policy;
4. Fosters an environment that is free of racism, sexism, discrimination and bias where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity;
5. Seeks opportunities for training and education in anti-racism for our staff, volunteers and Board;
6. Provides opportunities for refugees, immigrants and people of colour to be represented when selecting participants for meetings (e.g. CCR conferences) and when organizing events;
7. Recognizes the importance of public education about why Canada must protect refugees and welcome immigrants. This work may be undertaken through active media work, through public education programs and through making positive information on refugees and immigrants readily available and accessible.

That:

1. The CCR reduce the number of Core Groups to 2
1. The Communications Core Group will be eliminated but the communications function will be retained as a staff role with assistance from members. (e.g. regional advocates)
2. The Anti-Racism Core Group and the Gender Issues Core Group be sustained;
3. Each core group will have six elected members and one member appointed by the Executive;
2. The CCR will work towards a formal commitment to an anti-oppression policy. Both Core Groups and the Executive will take leadership to ensure this is achieved by May 2009.
3. The CCR will implement a new nominations and election process as follows:
   
   1. A Nominating Committee for Core Group membership will be elected at the Spring General Meeting;
   2. 3 persons will be elected and should be representative of the interests of the Core Groups and Working Groups;
   3. The Chair of the Nominating Committee will be identified at the time of the election of the Committee;
   4. The Nominating Committee will recruit nominations from the membership and recommend a slate of nominees, including the position of Co-Chair, taking into account skill, expertise, leadership development, participation of new members and regional representation;
   5. Half of the Core Group members (three) including one co-chair will be elected at each Annual General Meeting;
   6. the term will be for two years with two terms consecutively allowed;
   7. one Executive member will be appointed by the Executive to each CG;
   8. Co-Chairs of Core Groups may wish to recruit resource persons who have a special interest or expertise on a particular aspect of work being undertaken by the CG.
4. That the CG Co-Chairs fully implement the new job description and terms of reference as recommended by the Executive beginning in November 2007 taking into consideration existing guidelines and including the following;
   
   1. The Core Groups ensure that issues of inclusion and anti-oppression are integrated into the discussions and activities of the Working Groups. The CGs may see opportunities for education and awareness building on emerging issues. They may provide emphasis or perspective on current anti-oppression issues and support the Working Groups in developing policy and actions. For this reason the CGs and the WG Co-Chairs must work closely in developing and sustaining the agenda of the Working Groups and that of the Core Groups.
   2. Co-Chairs are expected to attend the Working Group Meetings or to appoint a Core Group member to attend on their behalf. The Executive Member appointed to the Core Group will also attend the WG meetings to ensure ongoing presence when Co-Chairs and members are unable to attend.
   3. The Core Group Co-Chairs and WG Co-Chairs will work together to develop a workplan for presentation to the Winter Working Group Meetings and provide to the Executive.
   4. Each Core Group will undertake to do at least two sessions at the Working Group meetings to build awareness on anti-oppression issues with a view to the development and implementation of an anti-oppression policy by May 2009.
   5. Core Groups may undertake specific projects or collaborate with one or more Working Group on projects, workshops, information sharing etc.
   6. Core groups are responsible for organizing one workshop per year at a CCR Consultation as part of their annual workplan and involving at least one Working Group in the theme and development.
   7. Core Groups will provide a short written update report (1 page) on their activities for distribution to every Working Group meeting and for posting on the website.
5. That the Co-Chairs of the Working Groups and the Core Groups work collaboratively to ensure that anti-racism and gender issues are an integral part of the CCR’s activities, especially in the Working Groups;
6. That the Core Groups have increased opportunities to communicate their role and activities to the CCR members.

That the resolution on procedures for resolutions be amended at 1b) as follows:

1. Resolutions must first be adopted by a CCR Working Group or by the Executive. Resolutions may be brought forward by representatives of member organizations, or by individual members. Before the resolution is adopted, designated members of the Working Group or the Executive should endeavour to ensure that the resolution conforms with the following required criteria: a) facts are correct. b) proposed actions are clear and practicable a policy position is stated. c) purpose and effect are clear. d) resolution is not repetitive of previously-adopted resolutions. e) resolution does not unintentionally contradict previously established CCR policies. f) wording is constructive and consistent with CCR goals. g) names of the mover, seconder and source Working Group (or Exec) are listed.

That the CCR adopt the Anti-Oppression Policy.