Full Immigration Status for All: Digital Rally on June 14

Call from the FCJ Anti-Human Trafficking Migrant Workers Mobile Program – Migrant Rights Network:

5 migrant farmworkers have been hospitalized with COVID-19. Hundreds of others are sick from Windsor, ON, to Kelowna, BC, to Brooks, AB. Migrant care workers remain trapped by employers who refuse to let them leave even to send remittances to families in need.

Today is the third rent day for many hundreds of thousands of families who haven’t had income since March. Across the country, we are fundraising to distribute cash and food, but it’s just not enough. Federal income support remains out of reach, particularly for undocumented people. Even in a pandemic, healthcare is not available in most provinces for uninsured migrants.

COVID-19 has worsened what has been a grave injustice for decades: the inequalities that migrants face are rooted in an immigration system that keeps us temporary and undocumented. This can not continue. On June 14th, we will launch our campaign for full immigration status for nearly 2 million people in the country without permanent resident status. We insist on landed immigration status for all low-waged migrants that arrive in the future.

Join a massive digital and social media gathering of migrants, poor and working class people, and allies. Together, migrants from across Canada will raise our voice for healthcare, decent work, family unity and equal rights for all.

We need you. We need you to join, we need you to mobilize, we need you to organize: RSVP for June 14th!

For the last month, in addition to immediate crisis response, we have been bringing together migrant and undocumented people and allies in almost every province. Thousands of migrants have participated in meetings to talk about the challenges we are facing, and the solutions we need. Today, we launch our plan.

On June 14th, join 46 migrant-led organizations and supporters as we launch our joint call for full immigration status for all. We are essential. We are exploited. We are excluded. We are enraged. We are engaged. We are mobilizing.

In this moment of crisis, we have seen at every turn that the fundamental injustice is lack of full immigration status. It is the absence of valid Social Insurance Numbers that has shut people out of income support. It is tied work permits that have made it impossible for many to leave unsafe work. It is exorbitant tuition fees tied to study permits that push migrant students into bad jobs and despair. It is the fear of detention and deportation that force migrant and undocumented people away from accessing basic needs.

Full immigration status for all is an absolute necessity. Join us now, join us on June 14, help us build the broadest possible movement in defence of all. Start by RSVPing here.

85 migrant workers test positive in latest Ontario farm outbreak

CBC News

A farm operation in Norfolk County, south of Simcoe, is the latest agricultural facility in Ontario to declare a COVID-19 outbreak after 85 migrant workers tested positive for the virus.

The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit said Sunday that five workers have been hospitalized and approximately 25 others who tested positive are showing symptoms of the virus.

The migrant workers are employed by Scotlynn Group in Vittoria, a major producer of sweet corn, watermelon, asparagus and pumpkins. Many workers are from Mexico and an official from the Mexican consulate is being made available to speak to those infected. […]

Keep reading »

Anti-Human Trafficking Work Challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Finding Housing for Human Trafficking Victims

You are invited to register for this informative webinar Anti-Human Trafficking Work Challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Finding Housing for Human Trafficking Victims.

For registration follow the link:

 

Please register for Anti-Human Trafficking Work Challenges during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Finding Housing for Human Trafficking Victims on Jun 4, 2020 3:30 PM EDT at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/89840402830920203

 

Anti-Human Trafficking online forum

Celebrating Courage, Renewing Commitment

This forum provided in-depth knowledge and innovative approaches on how to maintain anti-human trafficking efforts and provide services to survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It explored innovative ways of partnership collaboration during the pandemic. Recognize and understand how to navigate the system given the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also it brought awareness on policy gaps & limitations aggravated during the pandemic increasing the vulnerability of victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Speakers:

Shelley Gilbert, Legal assistance Windsor– LAW, WEFight Windsor Human Trafficking Resource

Rhonelle Bruder, advocate member of the TCHTN

Melody Brown, community member of the Native Women’s Resource Centre.

Nadine Edwards, community member of the Native Women’s Resource Centre

Melissa Compton, indigenous advocate against human trafficking

The speakers did excellent presentations.

 

 

Info sessions Calendar/ Sesiones informativas calendario

Calendar of Informative sessions/ Calendario de sessiones informativas

The information provided through our webinars is also available in our Podcast:Borderless Voices   

Upcoming Virtual Info Session/Webinar

On June 24 our webinar will be in Portuguese

The topic is The Humanitarian and Compassionate application in Portuguese.

Aplicação humanitária e compassiva

Você está convidado a participar de nossa sessão informativa

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5416409090802840588

 

 

on June 25 at 10:30 am

The impact of the COVID-19 in the immigration system: measures in the refugee process and refugee hearings.For registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3491643617553253901

 

 

 

Si te perdiste algun webinar puedes escucharlo en nuestra seccion de podcast BORDERLESS VOICES:

https://www.fcjrefugeecentre.org/series/borderless-voices/

 

 

 

 

Si necesitan apoyo para poder registrarse pueden bajar este documento que  describe paso a paso como registrarse:

Guia Como Registrarse en la Sesion Informativa Virtual FCJ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 and Immigration Uncertainty

The Agenda with Steve Paikin, TVO

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique set of challenges for migrant workers, non-status individuals, and other vulnerable groups in Canada. The Agenda looks at this issue with Francisco Rico-Martinez, co-director, FCJ Refugee Centre; and Dr. Rupaleem Bhuyan, a University of Toronto social work associate professor and a member of the Rights of Non-Status Women Network.

Watch video »

As coronavirus wreaks havoc, these precarious workers have ‘no one to turn to’

Nicholas Keung, Toronto Star

Construction worker Cesar Paredes, whose wife is due with their first child on May 29, was told by his foreman last Friday that there’s no job for him and 10 other crew members as construction work slowed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Unlike his Canadian colleagues, the undocumented worker from Mexico is not eligible for employment insurance or any provincial or financial aid for those who have lost their jobs due to the crisis. […]

Keep reading »

We are open: Here is how you can contact us

Count on us. We are open.

We are expanding our ways to connect with you. Now you can also find us through WhatsApp: 437 217 37 86.

For any inquiries related to your immigration situation or any settlement support you need during these difficult times, please feel free to contact us through our phone number 416-469-9754, or you can send us a message at our WhatsApp 437 217 37 86.

You can also contact any of the emails or extensions below:

  • Loly Rico, Co-director: Ext. 224 lolyrico@fcjrefugeecentre.org
  • Francisco Rico-Martinez, Co-director: Ext. 227 franciscorico@fcjrefugeecentre.org
  • Diana Gallego, Associate Director: Ext. 225 dianagallego@fcjrefugeecentre.org
  • Migrant Workers Mobile Program & Anti-Human Trafficking Program: 647 971 2153 (Whatsapp also available)

You can make a difference in the lives of all precarious migrants enriching our community

You can make a difference!

At FCJ Refugee Centre we continue working in solidarity with precarious migrants. We understand that this is a difficult and uncertain time for many, and we’re here to support and provide information to anyone who is in need. We provide information through our virtual sessions every Thursday or though our Borderless Voices podcast.

We continue to remotely offer our services you can connect with us by phone or e-mail. We are supporting families who do not have access to the emergency benefits, and we distribute food every week.

Your donation will make a difference to a non-status migrant, family, child, youth, that was not left behind… it will make a difference for that borderless humanity that we are dreaming to build… Your donation is making an immeasurable difference in the lives of all non status people enriching our community.

Supporting around 150 individuals and families thanks to your generosity

Thank you for your donation… It has made a difference for that one. For that refugee, for that non-status migrant, family, child, youth, that was not left behind… It made a difference for that borderless humanity that we are dreaming to build… Your donation is making an immeasurable difference in the lives of all non-status people enriching our community.

Since the last week of March, when we just started our campaign “From Our Kitchen Table to Yours: in solidarity with precarious migrants,” our Centre has received many donations, monetary ones in our Emergency Fund, a lot of grocery cards, art and craft supplies, games and books for children and youth; one-time donation, to provide rent support to 25 individuals and 25 families; weekly food donation from Second Harvest; many smiles, signals of solidarity and gratitude…

So far, it makes a difference for just under 150 individuals and families. The number is growing by the day. Thanks for donating to support one refugee… One migrant at a time.

Thanks for donating to support one refugee… One migrant at a time.

Thank you for acknowledging a population so often isolated, marginalized and forgotten… For walking with us… For walking together with uprooted people… For building a borderless humanity…by supporting one refugee or migrant at a time.

Thanks, just thanks.

FCJ Refugee Centre

Migrants In Ontario Aren’t Getting The Free Health Care They Were Promised

Emma Paling, The Huffington Post

New immigrants and undocumented workers are still being asked to cover their own health-care costs despite the Ontario government’s promise that this wouldn’t happen during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocates say.

“This is unfair because these are people who have been working and sustaining the economy,” said Loly Rico, the co-director of FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto. “It’s a very high number of people that live in Toronto and need health coverage.”

FCJ Refugee Centre normally operates a health clinic for uninsured people, which saw about 15 patients a week and had a one-month waiting list before it closed because of the pandemic. After Ontario sent a directive telling hospitals to serve all patients, regardless of their insurance coverage, the centre’s health-care staff started sending patients to hospitals. [… ]

Keep reading »

Take from us what you need, and give to each other what you can

This is the guiding philosophy of not only the FCJ Refugee Centre, but is at the very core of our common humanity. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an enormous shift in the ways in which we interact, live our daily lives, and see the world around us. We have seen the turmoil that can be brought out in people when they are forced into situations of fear and vulnerability – circumstances so many of us who grew up in Canada with so many privileges have never had to face. But we’ve also seen the generosity of the spirit of our community.

Friends, partners, and neighbours coming together to donate food, arts & crafts supplies, toiletries. People coming together to volunteer their time and efforts to ensuring that their neighbours, and their neighbour’s neighbours have enough.

“From Our Kitchen Table to Yours” has been the manifestation of all of these efforts. An effort with results unprecedented in our Centre’s almost 30 year history. We’ve seen our entire staff and volunteer network shift to fulfill our commitment to the community. We’ve established a tremendous food and housing security initiative, making hundreds of connections in weeks alone.

From our humble community pantry, and from our kitchens to yours, we stand with you in solidarity. Our door is open today as it will be tomorrow.

Count on us.

FCJ Refugee Centre Community

Collecting art supplies for non-status children

We started collecting art supplies for non-status children and we were so happy to find these letters in each of the art bags. These letters defined our local neighbour… Canada. Keep doing what you are doing. Humanity need you. Keep safe, well and strong… We are together in this.

Special thanks to Maeve and Tate for your wonderful letters. They are 6 and 8 years old and send their beautiful words in solidarity with non-status children.

Thank you for building a borderless humanity… by supporting one refugee or migrant at a time

For decades, we as a community have gathered around our own kitchen table. To share coffee in the morning, to share lunch, have meetings, celebrations, birthdays, conversations and build connections. We’ve worked to support people as they build new homes around kitchen tables in their new lives here. But that process has been incredibly difficult in recent months, and this crisis has magnified those challenges for so many.

For too many people, the kitchen table where families want to gather to break bread and share a meal has become a reminder of the food security they don’t have access to.

With the initiative “From Our Kitchen Table to Yours” we have provided food security measures to 30 homes already just in the last week. In the coming days, due to the recent increase in your generous donations, we now have the capacity to reach another 40 families.

Your donation is making an immeasurable difference in the lives of precarious migrants (families, youth, adults and seniors) – all of the people who make up our enriched community. So this is a brief message of thanks to you.

Thank you for grace and solidarity.

Thank you for acknowledging a population so often isolated, marginalized and forgotten.

Thank you for walking with us…and for walking together with uprooted people.

Thank you for building a borderless humanity by supporting one refugee or migrant at a time.

Thanks, just thanks.

From our kitchen’s table… to yours: In solidarity with precarious migrants

As part of our COVID-19 response we are looking for support for women at our shelter, youth and other precarious migrants that do not have access to the emergency benefits and measures during the present health crisis. Residents of our houses, youth and clients have been laid off and need a lot of help.

You are welcome to support with grocery gift cards, baskets with personal care kits, or by visiting our website and making your donation through Canada Help.

Look for the category “Fund” and select “From our kitchen’s table… to yours: In solidarity with precarious migrants.”

You can also read about the situation they are facing in the following article:

» As coronavirus wreaks havoc, these precarious workers have ‘no one to turn to’ (Toronto Star)

Also you can find other initiatives we are implementing in this Open Letter signed by community organizations and groups in Ontario in solidarity with precarious migrants and their families.

In unique times like this, Canadians must come together and not leave anyone behind.

Thank you in advance for your support, walking together with uprooted people and in solidarity.

FCJ Refugee Centre Community

Statement of Solidarity with BIPOC

Racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and anti-Indigenous racism which has been promoted by white supremacy and colonialism is the very foundation upon which both Canada and the United States have been built. The incidents we have seen in recent weeks, incidents repeated so many times over the course of weeks, months, and years, have been a scary reminder of the realities faced by Black and Indigenous people. It is a reminder that the barbaric colonial displacement and genocide executed against North America’s First Nations, and the enslavement of African peoples continues to directly affect every person, particularly racialized communities, all across North America.

We stand in solidarity with, and alongside all people across this land, in demanding justice, accountability, and equity. We are calling for a fair, unbiased justice system which includes reparations from any government and authority involved in violence against racialized communities, particularly Black and Indigenous communities. We recognize the additional vulnerabilities experienced by racialized women and youth, and the tremendous systemic barriers faced by these populations.

The priority for the government must be funding humanity and not furthering oppression.

We recognize and support the resilience, the actions, the will, and the power of all oppressed people to fight for their freedom. But we recognize this self-determination with conscious awareness of our own privileges, and welcome the responsibility of joining in the resistance; refusing to stand silently by while violent barbaric acts of systemic oppression continue. We commit to actively and deliberately breaking the silence that protects and promotes structural and systemic racism wherever it exists across Turtle Island, our shared home.

Black Lives Matter Here. Indigenous Lives Matter Here. These lives are valid, are worthy, and are loved here. This is our shared home. And we will not stay silent.

Services and Resources during the present health crisis

We care about your health and wellbeing and want to make sure you are informed. Please find useful information in our resource booklet How To… Find Help

This is a toolkit with information about how to find support during the crisis of the COVID-19.

The document provides helpful resources. Keep in mind that most of the information is focused in Toronto and it might change depending on the situation of the health emergency.

Content:
(Immigration and settlement support)

  • How COVID-19 is impacting immigration and refugee procedures
  • Exemptions & travel restrictions
  • How to make a refugee claim inland under COVID 19 instructions
  • Processing times and extensions
  • Health support
  • Access to foodbanks
  • Shelter in Toronto
  • What to do in domestic violence situations
  • Access to Ontario Works
  • Etc.

Open Letter: We Cannot Leave Anyone Behind

More than 30 community organizations and groups in Ontario endorsed an Open Letter in Solidarity with Migrant Workers, Non-Status individuals and their families as community workers, organizers, volunteers, teachers, students and residents of Ontario, Canada.

The letter is in Solidarity with Migrant Workers, Non-Status individuals and their families as community workers, organizers, volunteers, teachers, students and residents of Ontario, Canada.

In unique times like this, Canadians must come together and not leave anyone behind.
Walking together with uprooted people and in solidarity:

To read the letter click here.

Ready Tours scheduled between March 17th and April 3rd are cancelled

Considering recent developments related to COVID-19, please be advised that Ready Tours scheduled between March 17th and April 3rd are cancelled. Keep in consideration that effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all in-person hearings and mediations were postponed until further notice. Please contact us after the first week of April for details on the upcoming Refugee Hearing Tours scheduled in April.

For more information about postponed refugee hearings, please click here.

For more information about the Ready Tour Registrations, please click here.

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