Can I go to school if I am a refugee claimant? Do I have labour rights if I am an undocumented worker? What will happen to international students? Can visitors still apply for work permits within Canada? Where can I find a food bank? What is a humanitarian and compassionate application? How can I get healthcare?
To provide clear, direct and accurate answers to these and many other questions, FCJ Refugee Centre presents In A Nutshell, a new series of short videos focused on social media, which we will begin to publish periodically in the coming days.
Our main goal is to fight the growing misinformation on refugee and immigration issues that exists on the internet, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Through these videos we will try to offer specific, reliable and to-the-point answers to the questions most frequently asked by immigrants, refugee claimants, people without status and newcomers in general, as well as information about the key topics of our programs.
Ride for Refuge was a huge success! We walked and biked and had fun, and the weather was just wonderful! Thank you all for joining, for your support, and for your generous donations. With a special thanks to all the volunteers who helped us out. And remember, you can still donate until the end of October! You will be supporting our core programs and helping us to keep walking with refugees and uprooted people.
Registration for this semester is now closed
Please stay tuned for new courses
Winter 2025 registrations coming soon
We’re happy to announce the launching of a new semester of Uprooted U, a program that targets post-secondary education access for youth and newcomers facing barriers, with a focus on expanding our post-secondary offerings.
The program will run four semesters of three months each, starting in October 2024, covering various topical areas. Classes are online, on Zoom.
As part of our in-house Access to Education program, Uprooted U provides a non-accredited experience that mirrors the Canadian post-secondary education system. This initiative aims to expose participants to the system, particularly those unable to access post-secondary education due to factors like immigration status, finances, or language requirements.
The first term will run from October 2024 to December 2024. You have to register for a minimum of 3 courses and a maximum of 5 courses. Attendance at all 8 scheduled classes + 1 big assignment/exam class per course is mandatory.
Important dates
Last day to register: Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5pm
Mandatory orientation: Wednesday, October 2, 2024; 11am-12pm
First day of classes: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
It is the responsibility of the student to refer to the calendar and attend every class as scheduled and on time.
As part of the FCJ Refugee Centre’s Migrant Workers Mobile Program, two members of our Anti-Human Trafficking team (Manager Jovana Blagovcanin, and Migrant Case Coordinator Diana Caipa) traveled to Simcoe, Ontario, on Thursday, August 29, to participate in the Farmworkers’ Appreciation Day, organized by The Huron Farmworker Ministry.
Around 200 migrant workers participated in the activity, which included games, prizes, and a BBQ. They also visited stands from different organizations that offered free support.
FCJ Refugee Centre was present with a stand, where we had the opportunity to share information about rights, laws, policies, and available community support, and offer our support in cases of abuse and exploitation at work.
This visit not only allowed migrant workers to have a great time in a different setting, but it also gave us the chance to work on our mission of preventing labor exploitation among migrant workers by equipping them with information and resources.
Want to know what we’ve been up to these past few months, and the upcoming events you can’t miss? Our Summer 2024 Newsletter is ready!
In this edition you’ll find everything you need to know about Ride for Refuge, our biggest fundraising event of the year, which is just around the corner.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the immigration department of the federal government, has announced that it has ended the “temporary” public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from within Canada.
IRCC introduced the policy in August 2020 to help visitors who were unable to leave the country due to COVID-19 pandemic–related travel restrictions.
Under the policy, visitors in Canada could apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. In addition, foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous 12 months but who changed their status in Canada to “visitor” could apply to work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.
While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC said that it’s ending the policy now “as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system.”
IRCC also said that it will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024 under the policy.
August 24th is now officially Undocumented Residents Day in Toronto. It was proclaimed today at City Hall by Toronto Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, in a moving event hosted in partnership with FCJ Refugee Centre and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI).
The event included remarks from the City of Toronto, the powerful testimony of an undocumented person and allies, and a panel discussion featuring Executive Director of OCASI, Debbie Douglas; Founder of FCJ Refugee Centre, Loly Rico; Executive Director at Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, Syed Hussan; and City of Toronto Social Development, Finance & Administration Executive Director, Denise Andrea Campbell.
The panelists talked about the hard realities and important contributions of undocumented residents, about the need for a broad and inclusive Regularization Program, and about the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment.
Among other things, the participants highlighted the contradictions of a system that considers many of the jobs that immigrants do as essential, while treating the migrants who do those jobs as disposable.
The proclamation of Undocumented Residents Day is an important step on the long road that still needs to be traveled towards a more inclusive, welcoming and fair Toronto.
On the third anniversary of the passing of our beloved Co-Director Francisco Rico-Martínez, we gathered to remember him and his extraordinary legacy, and we officially inaugurated the FCJ Refugee Centre’s new room, called, in his honour, “Francisco’s Dream Room.”
In Francisco’s own words, “I am just a dreamer that, since that time of arrival, keep looking for soulmates to make it possible.”
Our annual street party is always full of fun, amazing talent, delicious food and, especially, a great sense of community. It’s the perfect occasion to celebrate our diversity, and this year was no exception. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, neighbours, friends, and everyone who made it possible. Enjoy the best moments in this video!
‘Migrant Spring’ March in Toronto, on March 2024. Picture by FCJ Refugee Centre
By Debbie Douglas, Amy Go, Samina Sami, Samya Hasan*
Originally published in The Hill Times on July 3, 2024
As leaders of immigrant and diaspora organizations across Canada, we want to address recent statements from Immigration Minister Marc Miller about the supposed lack of consensus on the regularization of undocumented people. This hesitancy ignores the moral and economic imperatives at stake. Canada has a responsibility to offer protection and stability to those who have long contributed to our society from the shadows. Contrary to concerns expressed by some about “queue jumping,” many Canadians—especially within immigrant communities—support regularization. Here’s why.
A matter of justice and solidarity
Many immigrants—like other Canadian citizens—personally know non-status people. Undocumented people are our friends, partners, neighbours, family, and coworkers. They care for our children, build our homes, and deliver our food. Their lack of status makes them vulnerable to exploitation, from unfair wages to denial of health care.
Many have fled war, persecution, or severe economic hardship, only to face a precarious existence due to barriers to legal status. Immigrant communities overwhelmingly support regularization because we understand these hardships, and empathize with those trapped by the unforgiving web of the immigration system.
Understanding the path to becoming undocumented
It’s crucial to dispel the myth that undocumented immigrants are “queue jumpers.” Becoming undocumented is not a choice but often a consequence of an opaque and unfair immigration system. Many arrived legally as refugees or migrant workers, but faced insurmountable obstacles in renewing their status or obtaining permanent residency.
Immigrants know—through personal experience or those of our parents and grandparents—that access to permanent residency is fraught with high fees, long waits, and complex requirements that many cannot meet. Thousands fall through the cracks not because they are trying to subvert the system, but because the system fails to provide fair options. When immigrants see undocumented people, they know it could be them. Regularization is not about rewarding lawbreakers; it’s about rectifying systemic failings that leave many vulnerable and uncertain.
Regularization: a pathway, not a shortcut
The idea that regularizing undocumented people amounts to “jumping the queue” is a misconception. Regularization does not mean granting immediate permanent residency without scrutiny. It means allowing individuals to apply for permanent resident status, subject to the same assessments as any other applicant. This would place them in the queue where they belong, acknowledging their long-term contributions and connections to Canada.
Regularization programs can ensure fairness and integrity, offering a transparent process where individuals must meet specific criteria, such as proving residence in Canada. This is not about creating shortcuts but about integrating those already part of our communities into the legal framework, enabling them to contribute more fully to society.
Economic and social benefits
Regularizing undocumented immigrants is not just a humanitarian gesture; it’s an economic boon. These individuals are already contributing significantly to our economy, often in sectors facing severe shortages. By bringing them out of the shadows, we can enhance their wages, productivity, purchasing power, and tax contributions. According to research done on France applied to Canada, regularization would grow the economy by more than $28-billion, and as Miller said, that’s more than the economic growth from multiple oil and gas pipelines. This growth will fund public infrastructure and services, which will result in improving the working and living conditions of all Canadians including recent immigrants.
Regularization promotes social cohesion and stability, and reduces exploitative labour practices. When people live without fear of deportation, they are more likely to invest in their communities, seek education for their children, and pursue opportunities. This leads to stronger, more integrated communities where everyone has a stake in our collective success. Undocumented people already live here, regularization is about including them in the family of rights.
The time is now
Canada has welcomed diverse communities of newcomers over the years. This has strengthened us. We cannot let fears and misconceptions dictate policies that leave hundreds of thousands in a perpetual state of limbo and fear. The decision to regularize undocumented immigrants aligns with our values of fairness, compassion, and inclusivity. The time for change is now. Immigrants are ready to support this initiative.
The Uprooted Jr. series is hosting weekly art and reading Summer classes with volunteers and members of the FCJ Refugee Centre Youth Network as teachers.
The classes are free and open to all newcomer children ages 6 to 12. They will learn new skills creating art and reading together, while developing their interpersonal confidence.
The ‘Art For Everyone, Status For All’ Art Show & Benefit was a big success! Thank you so much to John Gross, Susan Chernin, the York Heritage Quilters Guild, the Marvellous Madison Makers, the Quaker Committee for Refugees, and all the FCJ Refugee Centre staff and volunteers who made possible this amazing two-day event for refugees!
We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui [financier] du gouvernement du Canada.
The research was made possible thanks to the support of the Maytree Foundation, whose president, Elizabeth McIsaac, referred to the importance of this kind of advocacy initiative among the community, championing equity in education.
The launching of the research was attended by representatives of the Toronto Catholic District Board and Toronto District School Board among other academic participants who learned firsthand about the experience of newcomer families in enrolling their children in school.
The research was illustrated with a presentation of members of the FCJ Youth Network, who performed a play reflecting the challenges faced by newcomer families during the school enrollment process. The play included interactive scenes depicting the experiences of a refugee claimant family and a non-status family.
The report is a follow up on a previous one produced on 2016, which assessed the secondary school system in Ontario on 5 salient areas: Getting In, Equitable Participation, Anti-Discrimination, Support, and Moving On. Due the regressions observed in recent times, the Youth Network constructed a more extensive version addressing the levels of Elementary, Secondary (High school, EdVance, Adult School), and Post-Secondary education access for newcomer youth and families.
Stefan Enrique Joseph Kallikaden, FCJ Refugee Centre’s Youth and Access to Education Coordinator, and Natalia Mercado Salazar, Youth and Access to Education Worker, were leading the research. They presented a summary of the findings and highlights from the report.
The conclusion of the report discussed the need to increase financial support for newcomer families through scholarships and grants, provide cultural competency training for staff, and implement safe schools and equity policies to reduce dropout rates and improve graduation rates. It also recommended enhancing campus inclusivity with dedicated support centers, expanded counseling services, and holistic support programs, combating discrimination and bullying with enforced agreements, language support, and cultural sensitivity training, and supporting families with multilingual materials and bilingual staff. Comprehensive orientation programs and targeted academic and career counseling for students were also highlighted.
The presentation was followed by a short film titled Errance (Wandering), directed by Karla Meza. She is a documentary filmmaker and independent journalist who reports on issues related to forced migration and challenges faced by marginalized communities.
The film, produced by the Institut National de l’Image et du Son (L’inis), features Jorge Blas Jr. and Melissa Blas from the Blas family. The director introduced the film, which included comments from the Blas siblings. The movie tells the story of a young Mexican refugee in Montreal who has been forced to put his academic career and dream of becoming a police officer on hold due to his immigration status. Socially isolated, he clings to the daily life he shares with his family and tries, as best he can, to occupy his time while waiting for his documents that will change his future.
Panel Discussion
The conversation was enriched by the participation of Loly Rico, the founder of FCJ Refugee Centre, who talked about the experience of FCJ Refugee Centre supporting children and youth and how the Access to Education program started in 2015, offering two pathways for entry into University – a bridging course program, and a direct entry program to York University that now had been expanded to Toronto Metropolitan University since Fall 2023.
Natalia Mercado Salazar also participated in the panel, together with Diana Abril Sánchez Martínez, part of the Youth Network, who shared their personal experiences. Additionally, the Blas siblings, Jorge and Melissa, along with advocate Karla Meza, participated via Zoom from Quebec.
The discussion focused on several key questions, addressing the primary challenges newcomer families encounter regarding language barriers and cultural differences, the importance of building community to foster a sense of belonging, support for their children’s academic and emotional well-being, sharing success stories, and best practices.
Natalia mentioned that families don’t know where to find information, and even when information is found, it is not always reliable. The Blas family described how coming from Mexico, with a totally different educational system and environment, to Quebec City, where they had to learn both French and English to communicate, was very challenging. Loly Rico spoke about how Ontario is one of the best provinces when it comes to the Education Act but also noted that it depends on where you live.
Diana Sánchez shared an experience where, during a class, students were asked if they had a Social Security Number or knew how to get one. She raised her hand saying she didn’t have one, and the teacher said they should all go and get one. When she told her family, they made her skip school for three days because they didn’t understand what it was about.
Addressing the question about success stories or best practices from schools or communities that have demonstrated effective strategies for supporting the diverse needs and aspirations of newcomer families in Canada, Natalia mentioned the challenges as a support worker when trying to contact schools to support families. Schools often do not respond, leading to miscommunication, especially since the families do not speak English.
Loly Rico spoke about some of the positive aspects, such as the bridging programs with York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Queen’s University. These bridging programs have been helping a lot of youth and have also been providing access to the schools where they can advocate more and hope to extend this advocacy to different provinces.
Overall, the event was a comprehensive exploration of the challenges faced by newcomer children and youth in accessing education and highlighted the critical role of community support and systemic change in addressing these challenges.
The presentation of the community research engaged participants in a meaningful dialogue on access to education creating expectations for an improvement of the education system that might be shown during the second phase of the project taking place in 2025 when the school year finishes.
This new report is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: 2024 School Year End [Assessing Elementary, Secondary & Post-Secondary System with List of Areas Of Improvement]
Phase 2: 2025 School Year End [Updates on Implementation of Suggestions]
The report ‘A Rocky Path: Understanding Access to Education Challenges for Newcomer Children & Youth,’ presented on June 14, 2024, include the findings, conclusions and recommendations of Phase 1.
Join us today and tomorrow for an amazing art show and help us fundraise for refugees!
In the context of World Refugee Day (June 20), and with the theme Art For Everyone, Status or All, FCJ Refugee Centre, the Quaker Committee for Refugees, and neighbours, are hosting a great art show benefit.
This two-day event showcases more than 50 extraordinary works by a diverse group of over 20 talented artists from several countries, including refugees and supporting volunteers.
When:
June 28: 10 am to 9 pm (Opening Ceremony: 5 pm)
June 29: 11 am to 6 pm
Where
Friends House
60 Lowther Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C7
A big thank you to John Gross, Susan Chernin and the rest of our neighbours, and also to York Heritage Quilters Guild and Marvellous Madison Makers for their support.
Click on any image to enlarge it and access the gallery:
We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l’appui [financier] du gouvernement du Canada.
Join us for an exciting creative workshop series designed for all ages and skill levels!
Whether you’re looking to develop new skills or simply enjoy a creative outlet, our workshops provide the perfect opportunity to explore your artistic side in a supportive and inspiring environment:
July 9 at 4.30pm: Meditative Drawing with Jamie
July 19 at 11am: Abstract Art with Laila
July 26 at 11am: Self-massage for anxiety-relief with Alma
August 9 at 11am: Wall Decor with Martha
September 10 at 2pm: Fabric Painting with Kelly
September 14, at 11am: Creative Writing with Jamie
All materials are provided, so bring your enthusiasm and creativity, and get ready to make this summer a crafty one!
Dear Prime Minister, dear Minister of Public Safety,
Cc: Dear Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Dear Minister of Immigration, dear Minister of Employment and Workforce Development, dear Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development
Background
The Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network (TCHTN) is a collaborative coalition of governmental and non-governmental organizations, agencies, and individuals with the mandate of providing a comprehensive response to human trafficking in the Toronto area. These partners are committed to working towards the eradication of human trafficking, while facilitating services and protection to trafficked persons through a holistic approach rooted in human rights and the unique needs of each individual.
As a diverse and growing network of over 30 organizations, our members offer various supports and services to victims and survivors of human trafficking/exploitation, as well as upstream prevention programs, advocacy, research, education, and more. Through their work, our members address different forms of human trafficking including, but not limited to, domestic and international sex trafficking, labour trafficking, and forced marriage.
Many of our Network’s members participated in Public Safety Canada’s regional and national human trafficking consultations in 2018 before the National Strategy was launched, and we are now gathering information on the status and future of the Strategy as it completes its final year. We understand that there will be an evaluation of the Strategy published in the Summer of 2024, which we look forward to analyzing when it becomes available. We are eager to understand if/how the different deliverables of the Strategy were implemented, and what future opportunities for funding exist for community organizations, including those not currently funded by Public Safety Canada.
Ongoing Consultations
Regarding the renewal of the National Strategy and future plans, we stress the importance of ongoing consultations with service providers, grassroots organizations, Indigenous groups, advocates, survivors, children and youth, and other community stakeholders such as those in the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network, and that these consultations take an intersectional and holistic approach. We also highlight the value of consulting with organizations who were not funded by Public Safety Canada, despite implementing much of the work outlined in the Strategy.
In addition to ongoing consultations with community organizations, it is crucial to implement, maintain, and fund a Survivor Advisory Table with members representing all forms of human trafficking, as each form is unique. Survivors must be meaningfully engaged and consulted on an ongoing basis, at every stage of the work. Consultations must always take into account each survivor’s need for safety and privacy and should be approached with a trauma and violence informed lens. Survivor input and recommendations are invaluable, and must be treated with the same regard and respect as other experts in the anti-trafficking space. They are, in fact, the real experts. In this light, we also believe that survivors should be compensated fairly for their time and expertise in their role as advisors. Indeed, survivors must be treated as equal partners in all aspects of this work.
Employing Existing Work and Studies
Moving forward, it is also crucial for the government to consider the many studies and reports that have already been published, such as the Standing Committee on the Status of Women’s 2023 study of the Human Trafficking of Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People, the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery’s report on his 2023 study of Canada (which members of our Network helped organize and participated in), the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and others. Considering the many recommendations that already exist will ensure that Public Safety Canada is respecting previous efforts of community organizations, survivors and Indigenous communities, and that processes avoid duplicating work and remain as efficient as possible.
Mitigating Risks
We believe that Canada must renew its commitment to combating human trafficking and implement an ongoing whole-of-government National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking given the prevalence of trafficking in not just the city centres, but across the country. This is especially critical when it comes to preventative strategies to mitigate risks of labour and sexual exploitation resulting from Canada’s upcoming financial commitments, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in Toronto and Vancouver. We also believe that any policy reforms that are central to mitigating the risk of exploitation, such as on the overhaul of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, should be part of the larger consultation with the anti-human trafficking sector across the country and should be informed by lived experience.
We firmly believe that with a collaborative approach that values community and grassroots input, and by working more closely together, we can make significant strides in eradicating human trafficking and strengthening our communities while building a more just and equitable society.
We look forward to continuing this conversation with Public Safety Canada and other government stakeholders in the months ahead.
Today we celebrate World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of those forced to flee.
This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed.
Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating their strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges they face.
The United Nations states that “solidarity with people forced to flee also means finding solutions to their plight – ending conflicts so they can return home in safety, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them, and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.”
June 20th, World Refugee Day, is a day dedicated to honor the strength, resilience and courage of millions of refugees around the globe. And in today’s time, we continue to face the pressing reality of the forced displacement.
Refugee crisis is not just a distant issue, but a global challenge that demands collective action.
The FCJ Refugee Centre’s commitment goes beyond mere words: we stand in solidarity with refugees, advocating together for peace and justice and a world where everyone can live free of fear and persecution.
–Tsering Lhamo, Co-Executive Director, FCJ Refugee Centre
“Adopting a comprehensive, gender-responsive and rights-based regularization scheme is essential to addressing the unique challenges faced by migrant women with lived experiences of Gender-Based Violence and human trafficking.”
The paper discussed the multifaced issue of Gender-Based Violence, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by migrant women in Canada.
Drawing on the work of the Migrant Women’s Alliance at FCJ Refugee Centre, it outlines the structural barriers that migrant women face due to their precarious immigration status, including dependence on spousal sponsorship and limited pathways to permanent residence for migrant workers and caregivers.
It also reviews existing immigration resources for addressing GBV and human trafficking, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding remedies such as Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs), long processing times, and inconsistent outcomes.
The report concludes that “by implementing both temporary and permanent pathways, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring safer access to supports and services, the Government of Canada can significantly enhance the protection and empowerment of these women.”
“Such measures not only provide immediate relief and security but also contribute to long-term stability and integration, fostering a more inclusive and just society,” it adds.
Our Spring 2024 Newsletter is ready! Discover everything we’ve been up to these past few months, including our participation in the Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, in which we organized and hosted the panel Building Safety & Support: A Survivor-Led Approach to Gender-Based Violence & Human Trafficking; and the appearance of President of FCJ Refugee Centre’s Board of Directors, Sharry Aiken, before the Senate of Canada, where she spoke about the proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and offered a series of recommendations.
You will also find a very interesting article about undocumented youth in Canada, photos of some of the latest activities we have participated in, and information about the upcoming events: June schedule is really packed, including an amazing Art Show & Benefit, and, of course, our annual Street Party!
Last but not least, you’ll get to know Denise, Faustina and Niah, our Summer students!
Can I go to school if I am a refugee claimant? Do I have labour rights if I am an undocumented worker? What will happen to international students? Can visitors still apply for work permits within Canada? Where can I find a food bank? What is a humanitarian and compassionate application? How can I get healthcare?
As a part of our Uprooted Junior Program, FCJ Refugee Centre and 
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the immigration department of the federal government, has announced that 
Join us for an exciting creative workshop series designed for all ages and skill levels!
Our Spring 2024 Newsletter is ready! Discover everything we’ve been up to these past few months, including our participation in the Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, in which we organized and hosted the panel Building Safety & Support: A Survivor-Led Approach to Gender-Based Violence & Human Trafficking; and the appearance of President of FCJ Refugee Centre’s Board of Directors, Sharry Aiken, before the Senate of Canada, where she spoke about the proposed amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and