Public statement

9 March 2017

Recently, there has been an increase in people entering from the US to make a refugee claim in Canada. There have also been distressing reports of people suffering serious frostbite as they attempt to enter Canada.

This holiday season, the Canadian Council for Refugees invites Canadians to rejoice in the ways in which our communities and our own lives are enriched by welcoming newcomers.

Over the past year, tens of thousands of children, women and men who have lived through unspeakable horrors have found refuge and a safe home here. All who played a part in welcoming refugees have been reminded that we gain most when we give to others.

Overall levels

• The CCR welcomes the fact that, at 300,000 new permanent residents, the overall immigration level for 2017 remains above the levels in recent years (the average annual level 2000-2015 was 250,000). Nevertheless, we are disappointed that the number is not higher. CCR believes that immigration levels should be set at a minimum of 1% of the population (which would be 350,000).

16 December 2016

The CCR applauds the federal government for eliminating on December 13 the “cumulative duration” rule that limits temporary foreign 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 towards recognizing the rights of workers who are active contributors to the Canadian economy and society.

The CCR is deeply distressed at the tragic death of Abdirahman Abdi following a troubling altercation with officers of the Ottawa Police Service.

We extend our sincere condolences to Mr Abdi’s family and to all who knew him as a friend and neighbour.

Mr Abdi came to Canada to escape violence in Somalia. We regret profoundly that he was not able to find a haven from violence in Canada.

The principle of additionality is fundamental to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Privately sponsored refugees are over and above the refugees resettled by the government (Government Assisted Refugees). Canadians want to know that their government is fulfilling its responsibility, on behalf of all Canadians, to protect refugees through resettlement, and that any refugees they sponsor are additional to those resettled by the government.

At a time when the numbers of people forcibly displaced worldwide are reaching record levels, the renewed warmth of Canada’s response to refugees is a much-needed sign of hope.

Countless Canadians have added their efforts to the government’s massive operation to resettle more than 25,000 Syrian refugees. Communities continue to mobilize to support those who have arrived. Many Canadian private sponsors are still waiting impatiently for Syrians, having worked hard to raise funds and to organize themselves to provide the assistance that will be needed.

The Canadian Council for Refugees joins Canadians across the country in celebrating Refugee Rights Day on April 4.

This year, when so many people fleeing persecution are being welcomed into Canada, Refugee Rights Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the fact that protecting refugees is at heart about recognizing refugees as human beings. Like all human beings, their basic rights need to be respected.

9 March 2016

The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9

The Honourable John McCallum, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1L1

Dear Ministers,