Immigration and Settlement

That the CCR call on the federal government in all of its contracts to ensure a living wage that at least meets the low income cut-off (LICO) or 60% of the average industrial wage, whichever is higher.

That the CCR call upon CIC and the Québec government to establish a new GAR stream that would provide 2 year financial support to regular GARs with longer-term integration issues: medical problems, single mothers, those with little or no education. The other 2 streams would remain as is.

That the CCR urge the federal and Québec governments to raise the RAP rates to at least the low income cut-off (LICO) rate to bring the government-assisted refugees out of poverty.

That the CCR:

1. Support the development of the CCR Youth Network and increasing meaningful youth engagement and leadership within the CCR.
2. Add youth to the list of factors to be taken into account by the members of the CCR in the election of Executive Committee members.

That the CCR urge the Treasury Board of Canada to:

1. Direct CIC to adhere to the Blue Ribbon Report recommendations and to be the first tier of government departments to implement recommended changes;
2. Ensure that the recommended changes are implemented in all government departments.

That the CCR advocate for:

1. An education policy/strategy to address the gaps for refugee children and youth;

• A compulsory course in cross-cultural education for teachers in consultation with the CCR and service providers;
• Adequate funding for educating children and youth who have interrupted schooling.

That the CCR:

1. Ask the government to report periodically on how it is countering racism and xenophobia with specific attention to the impact on immigrants and refugees;
2. Ask the government of Canada to establish an independent review body to review, with respect to racism and xenophobia, programs and policies that have a bearing on refugees and immigrants;
3. Ask the federal and provincial governments to implement mandatory anti-racism training for all their employees.

That the CCR request a change in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, as well as the Québec Regulation respecting the Selection of Foreign Nationals to allow the combining of siblings’ income to meet the qualifying income level to sponsor parents or grandparents and other members of the Family Class.

That the CCR write to the appropriate authorities, protesting against the death of Mr. Dziekanski and call for the following measures:

1. Systemic and ongoing education and training for police and other enforcement officers on human rights, non-discrimination and against torture and other inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment;
2. Improved services at all points of entry and immediate changes in the way officials deal with international travellers so that they feel welcomed and protected and feel safe.

That the CCR demand that all those with temporary work permits, in all the different classes, have the right to apply for permanent resident status at the same time as they apply for the work permit, and should have the right to bring family members as is currently being done in Ontario for the Provincial Nominee Program.