Recent Publications: Refugee Rights

On June 20, international World Refugee Day, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) joins this year’s theme to #StepWithRefugees. Alongside the UNHCR initiative to encourage people globally to walk, run or cycle one billion miles in recognition of the one billion miles refugees cover annually to reach safety, CPJ acknowledges that Canada has taken a few steps forward with refugees this year. Sadly, CPJ feels Canada has also taken a few too many steps backwards in our support of refugees.

World Refugee Day is marked internationally on June 20 annually. This is an occasion to educate the public about refugee issues and to mobilize political will and resources to address problems and celebrate achievements thus far.

Myth Refugees just want to take advantage of Canadians’ generous social programs. Fact Refugees are forced to flee their homes, with some leaving behind good jobs. Most are eager to work but may first have to learn a new language and wait to process their work permit, this can take many years Myth Refugees might…

Over the past decade, refugees have been called all sorts of names in Canada. Refugees have been labeled: “queue jumpers,” “asylum shoppers,” “illegal immigrants,” “economic migrants,” and “illegal border crossers.”. To mention “illegal” when describing refugees is to paint them with criminality. To call them “asylum shoppers” implies that they are economic migrants and not genuine refugees. When a minister labels refugees with such denigrating names, it makes the populists think that they have allies in government.

CPJ interviewed refugees who wished to share stories of how the burden of loans has affected their resettlement in Canada. Here’s what they had to say.

Call on your MP to #waiverepayment for all resettled refugees in Canada!

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) condemns the new changes to Canada’s refugee determination system outlined in Bill C-97, the Budget Implementation Act. CPJ stands alongside the Canadian Council for Refugees and other advocates who have expressed concern on these amendments.

“The Most Vulnerable” examines how the federal Government, Churches, and Advocacy Groups can apply an intersectional approach to their respective areas of policy making and advocacy efforts.

Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) also objects to the government’s new strategy because it “would further limit the welcoming nature they claim Canada is proud of.” “The use of language that suggests potential claimants are not genuine in their reasons for seeking asylum or that they pose a threat of exploitation to our system is…

The work of justice is best when it’s shared, so it’s been a pleasure for us to work with CPJ, World Renew, Mennonite Central Committee, and others to encourage Canada to make sponsorship programs more welcoming and just. We affectionately call this the Half Welcome advocacy partnership.