Advocacy

Settlement services can help individuals and families to face barriers to integration and make a new life for themselves in Canada. Some problems, however, require collective solutions. Through our advocacy work, we challenge unjust policies and practices that stand in the way of newcomer settlement and integration. At the same time, we propose and support alternatives that affirm the dignity and potential of newcomers. We believe that sharing our clients' stories and our frontline experience can help policy makers to better understand the experience of newcomers and make more informed and compassionate decisions.

What you can do:

• Stay informed. Pay attention to news reports about immigration issues. Look for alternative sources of information. Talk to newcomers about how they have been affected by immigration policies.
• Educate others. Organize a talk or a workshop. Invite both newcomers and advocates to speak. There are many myths and misunderstandings about refugees and immigrants that contribute to prejudice and racism. Education is the first step to change.
• Write a letter or visit your MP. Let decision makers know what you think. Share your concerns, and give clear recommendations for change. Newcomers have rights to be respected and contributions to offer Canada.
• Participate in advocacy campaigns. Watch this website for information about current campaigns, or visit our advocacy links.

Newcomers take action for change:

The New Life Centre wishes to encourage and support newcomer initiatives for change. If you or your group are working on a social justice or solidarity project, please let us know! We may be able to help you find meeting space, publicize an event, or figure out where to direct your advocacy letter. We may also be able to sign on to letters or petitions on issues of shared concern. Please contact Tanya Chute Molina at 416-699-4527.

Current Campaigns:

New legislation threatens access to permanent status:  The Mennonite New Life Centre is concerned about proposed changes to immigration legislation that would give wide discretionary powers to the Immigration Minister. On April 8, the New Life Centre joined with intern Mariela Salinas in presenting newcomer stories, concerns and recommendations to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigation.

Join Mariela in making a difference. Call your MP to express your concerns about the proposed changes to immigration legislation.

Wish you were here: Family Reunification Campaign. Refugee and immigrant families are frequently separated for long periods of time, due to policies and practices that block or delay family reunification. The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has decided that it's time to make the public more aware of the devastating impact of refugee and immigrant family separation and present politicians with forceful recommendations for change. You can participate in this campaign by encouraging your church or community group to sign onto the Family Reunification Manifesto. You can also use CCR's Family Reunification fact sheets to prepare for a visit to your MP. The fact sheets include clear recommendations for policy change. For more information about the Family Reunification Campaign, visit www.reunification.ca

Advocacy documents

Protection for humanitarian workers: In March 2008, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote to the Minister of Public Safety calling for legislative changes to prevent prosecution of humanitarian workers under charges of people smuggling. In 2007, the government broke promises never to prosecute people assisting refugee claimants out of humanitarian motives when they brought charges against US church worker Janet Hinshaw-Smith.

Algerian refugee tortured in US: In September 2007, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote to Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day to call for a public review of the case of Benamar Benatta. Canada illegally transferred Benatta to the US, where he was imprisoned and tortured on allegations of terrorism.

Safe Third Country Agreement: In August 2007, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote to Cabinet, expressing concern about the designation of the United States as a safe third country for refugee claimants. We asked Cabinet to conduct a review of that designation.

Refugee Appeal Division: In August 2007, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote to Senator Anne C. Cools, asking the Canadian Senate to vote in favour of Bill C-280 and support refugees' right to an appeal on the merits of their case.

Activists detained in El Salvador: In July 2007, the Mennonite New Life Centre signed onto an open letter denouncing the unjust detention of participants in a march protesting water privatization. As a result of international pressure stimulated by Salvadorans abroad, the detainees were released in August 2007.

Family Reunification Manifesto. In March 2007, the Mennonite New Life Centre signed on to the CCR Family Reunification Manifesto, urging the Canadian government to give priority to speedy family reunification.

Armed immigration enforcement officers. In December 2006, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote to Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day, asking him to reconsider his decision to provide side arms to CBSA officials.

International migrant's day. On December 18, 2006, the Mennonite New Life Centre wrote a letter to Minister of Immigration Monte Solberg, asking Canada to sign on to the Migrant Workers Convention and protect the rights of migrant workers, including undocumented workers.

Brief: Undocumented immigrants. In November, 2006, the Mennonite New Life Centre prepared a Brief to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration outlining our concerns at the problems faced by undocumented immigrants in the areas of labour exploitation, denial of services, and inadequate processes for obtaining status.