Recent Publications: Refugee Rights

The United Nations’ 71^st Annual General Assembly was very different this year.

Unlike other years, where the focus has been on economic or political issues, there was a predominant focus on migrants and refugees. Canada’s refugee resettlement policy was highlighted as a good example for the international humanitarian effort on refugees. In many ways, Canada’s resettlement system is indeed a model for the world. However, it still needs a lot of improvement before it’s ready to be exported.

July 2016

Read the Letter

CPJ wrote to John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, asking that the federal government uncap the number of refugees from Israel that can be privately sponsored to Canada. 

On March 31, 2016, McCallum announced some exciting changes that directly respond to the concerns of private sponsorship groups and the SAH Council. These changes respond directly to CPJ’s concerns over restrictive caps and the government’s processing speed.

The federal government will fully restore the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) to all refugees starting April 1, 2016. 

Citizens for Public Justice is celebrating, and across Canada refugees and their sponsors are sighing in relief—they no longer need to worry about how they will pay for their health needs.

From The Catalyst, Spring 2016
by Naomi Kabugi

The spirit of migration permeates, and to a large extent defines,the biblical narrative. This theme is found in Genesis, the Psalms, and Revelation.

Wondering how to let leaders know that refugees are welcome in our communities?

CPJ’s new advocacy resource, “Reclaiming Protection,” details how the STCA has restricted access to refugee protection and how you can call for it to be rescinded. 

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, ON: February 18, 2016 – Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) welcomed a commitment today from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum and Health Minister Jane Philpott to fully reinstate refugee health care.

Citizens for Public Justice is urging that health services be restored for all refugees immediately. Cuts have an impact on the ability and willingness of sponsors to help due to added liability for costs associated with vision and dental care, prosthetics, medication and mobility devices, according to them

December 2015

Read the Letter

CPJ has joined religious leaders from across Ontario who have written to the Premier Wynne and leaders of the Provincial opposition parties to express their support for Ontario’s role in welcoming Syrian refugees. 

Faith leaders and community groups across Canada are feverishly mobilizing to receive thousands of Syrian refugees. Meanwhile federal candidates are vying for air time with proposals to enlarge the numbers of people our country will settle.