African groups, groups working with refugees —including FCJ Refugee Centre—, people experiencing homelessness, and other civil society groups gathered this morning on 129 Peter Street, the City of Toronto Referral and Assessment Centre, to call on all levels of government to urgently provide emergency housing and support, in order to address the current shelter system crisis that is impacting unhoused refugee claimants and migrants in Toronto.

The organizations called on all orders of government to establish temporary reception centres for refugee claimants and migrants, so they can receive short term shelter and appropriate wraparound supports as their refugee claims are processed, including providing immediate emergency street outreach and mobile resources, and health care support.

They also demanded funding for shelter support services that include appropriate services for refugee claimants and migrants, and use an anti-Black racism and anti-racism framework.

In that regard, they stressed that a significant proportion of refugee claimants in Toronto who are unhoused and without any shelter or community services and support are or African origin. African groups and civil society organizations are deeply concerned, they said, that there appears to be a lack of action to address the housing crisis faced by African, racialized refugee claimants. There are approximately 30 or more African people at any given time sleeping on cardboard outside of the 129 Peter Street location in Toronto.

“As a refugee that came to Canada 33 years ago, I am standing here in solidarity with my sisters and brothers that are sleeping on the streets, and to say shame on the Government of Canada,” said Loly Rico, Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre.

“This is not the first time that we see waves of refugees coming to Canada after a conflict rise in the world. There was always a bed for them. But this is the first time that we are seeing refugees sleeping on the streets. This is a shame. We should be ready for this situation,” she added.

“I am standing here to demand to the different levels of government to take responsibility. We ask the City of Toronto to open more emergency beds now, and to establish a reception centre for refugee claimants and precarious migrants,” said Rico.

“It is very sad to see people lining up looking and hoping to have a bed today. Enough is enough. Stop blaming refugees,” said Loly Rico. “This is a government responsibility, and especially for the Federal Government. We ask Prime Minister to take action and not just words. He always says that refugees ar welcome. Then do it and welcome them, in the same way that we have being welcoming refugees in the past and giving them the chance to have a new beginning with dignity,” she added.

The representatives who participated in the event pointed out that “in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, all orders of government acted quickly to support displaced people, including providing shelter, housing, and services.” “Civil society organizations call on governments to show the same compassion to refugees and migrants from other parts of the world,” they added.

The organizations said that unhoused people on the street face sexual exploitation and high levels of violence, as well as inadequate food and healthcare: “As new arrivals in Canada, refugee claimants’ unfamiliarity with Toronto has left them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.”

Together with the Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre, Loly Rico, also speaking at the event were Diane Walter, Executive Director at Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services; Kizito Musabimana, from the Rwandan Canadian Healing Centre; Debbie Hill-Corrigan, Executive Director at Sojourn House; Manny Wong, Executive Director of Christie Refugee Welcome Centre; Siu Mee Cheng, Executive Director of Street Haven; Mr. Asuman, a migrant from Uganda; Debbie Douglas, Executive Director at OCASI; Christopher Nkambwe, from the African groups; Pastor Eddie Jjumba, Ugandan Canadian community leader; and Dr. Meb Rashid, Medical Director at The Crossroads Clinic, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto.

Here is our Summer 2023 Newsletter! In this issue you will find information about our latest street party, the World Refugee Day march (in which we took part), and the FCJ Refugee Centre Annual General Meeting, together with an in-depth article on labour trafficking, how this problem is reflected in the news, the work FCJ continues to do to fight it and why we support the Status For All campaign.

You will also find everything you need to know about Ride for Refuge, our biggest annual fundraising campaign, and how to get involved; testimonials from our summer students; updates about our upcoming events and our latest podcasts; follow ups on our Capacity Development Training program and the collaborative project A Roadmap to Justice, and much more.

Media release

FCJ Refugee Centre
COSTI Community Services
Skills For Change

Toronto / June 28, 2023

Community groups in Toronto are calling on the governments of Canada and Ontario, and Toronto’s Mayor-elect to act urgently to provide emergency and long-term shelter for refugee claimants in Toronto.

A significant number of refugee claimants continue to arrive in Toronto and other Ontario communities. The number of refugee claimants arriving in Toronto in particular continues to be high, even after the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement to irregular crossings of the Canada-US border and the closure of Roxham Road.

Mr. M.H., a refugee claimant from Ethiopia has been sleeping on the streets for the last three weeks. He has not been able to find a bed in a Toronto emergency shelter. Every day he comes to a local refugee house hoping for better news, and a shelter bed.

“Every morning we find refugee claimants lined up outside our door, hoping that this is the day they can get a shelter bed. This is a crisis. We cannot abandon our responsibilities to refugee claimants – especially children. We are counting on our new Mayor Olivia Chow, and the federal and provincial governments to work with us to find an immediate solution to the urgent shelter and housing crisis refugee claimants are facing” – Loly Rico, Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre and Provincial Director, OCASI.

“Globally, the number of people forcibly displaced is at an all-time high. We have done well in welcoming displaced Ukrainians. Let’s do better to welcome refugee claimants fleeing other conflicts and persecution. We call on all orders of government to step up to provide emergency shelter and supports for refugee claimants” – Yasmine Dossal, Director, Social Services at COSTI and Toronto Regional Director, OCASI.

“As we face the Ethiopian refugee crisis in Toronto, it is crucial that we acknowledge its criticality and the urgent need for action. Refugees have left their homes, seeking safety and a better future. We have a moral responsibility to provide comprehensive support, including education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. By investing in their well-being and empowering them, we not only offer a chance for a brighter future but also enrich our communities with their diverse perspectives and talents. Let us stand in solidarity, extending our compassion and support to Ethiopian refugees in Toronto as they embark on their journey of healing, resilience, and hope.” – Surranna Sandy, CEO, Skills for Change

Community groups have sent an open letter to the City of Toronto, and to the governments of Canada and Ontario, calling for urgent action. The groups are calling on the newly-elected Toronto Mayor to:

• Receive refugee claimants arriving in Toronto;
• Provide emergency shelter in Toronto with support to transition to long-term housing; and
• Provide support services

They are calling on the federal and provincial governments to:

• Ensure refugee claimants at Toronto Pearson Airport and other international airports are received appropriately;
• Resource municipalities to provide emergency shelter in Toronto with support to transition to long-term housing;
• Resource community-based organizations to provide shelter and housing, and support services.

Contact:

Loly Rico – 416-399-5105 or lolyrico@fcjrefugeecentre.org
Yasmine Dossal – 416-402-0561 or Yasmine.Dossal@costi.org
Sampada Kukade – 647-293-4445 or skukade@skillsforchange.org
Carolina Teves – 647-606-0440 or cteves@fcjrefugeecentre.org

On the occasion of World Refugee Day, we walked in solidarity with those who walk across countries and continents to find safety.

Together with other refugee advocates, we started our 10 Km march at Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino’s office in Toronto, and went all the way to Ireland Park, by lake Ontario.

We denounced the perils that refugee claimants face trying to enter Canada because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and the closure of the Canadian border to the vast majority of asylum seekers.

Gallery:

This year’s FCJ Refugee Centre Diverse Residents, One Community Street Party was a really great day.

We enjoyed great music and great food, we danced, we played, we had time for reflection… We built community and celebrated our diversity.

Thank you so much to all the artists, speakers, volunteers, staff and everyone who made it possible.

We wanted to reach out to you on the significant occasion of World Refugee Day to shed a light on the ongoing refugee situation in Canada and request your generous support.

At present, Canada is facing a critical refugee protection crisis, with an increasing number of individuals and families seeking safety and a chance to rebuild their lives. The need for comprehensive refugee protection has never been more urgent, and we believe that together we can make a real difference.

On World Refugee Day, we come together to honor the strength and resilience of refugees around the world. It is a day to commemorate their courage, celebrate their contributions, and raise awareness about their plight. With your support, we can extend a helping hand to those who have fled war, persecution, and unimaginable hardships.

Here are some key facts about the current refugee situation in Canada:

• Growing Numbers: 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of conflict, persecution, human rights violations and violence. Among them are 27.1 million refugees, around 41% of whom are under the age of 18. Since the easing of border restriction on November 21, 2021, there have been over 90,000 claims made across Canada, representing a 50% increase in claims compared to the same period pre-COVID (2018/2019).
• Humanitarian Challenges: Many refugees arrive in Canada with limited resources and face numerous challenges in accessing basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and education. Last year alone, our organization provided support to over 10,000 refugees.
• Legal Support: A significant portion of these refugees require legal assistance to navigate the complex asylum process and ensure their rights and protection are upheld. In the past year, our protection team has provided crucial support to more than 5,000 refugees, helping them secure their status and access the protection they deserve.

On this World Refugee Day, we invite you to stand with us in support of the vulnerable refugees who have sought sanctuary in Canada. Together, we can make a profound impact and help create a brighter future for those in desperate need.

By donating to our organization, you directly contribute to the well-being and protection of refugees in Canada. Your support will help us provide essential services, including Settlement, Refugee Protection, Access to Education and Anti-Human Trafficking.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and your continued support of our organization. Together, we can be a beacon of hope for refugees and build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

The FCJ Refugee Centre has a new landmark at the door of our office in Oakwood Avenue: a sculpture donated by the great Mexican artist Alex Flores, which was unveiled last Saturday during our Street Party.

The sculpture, an installation created by Alex Flores for Pride Month, summarizes the values of solidarity and inclusiveness that define both the Centre and the work of this visual artist, filmmaker and activist for social justice and human rights.

Thank you, Alex!

Visit Alex Flores website to know more about her work and projects »

Music in the video by Aleksey Chistilin / Pixabay

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The Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants calls on the Government of Canada and all of the Provincial Governments to ensure that refugee claimants housed in federal accommodations have adequate access to legal and settlement supports.

June 1, 2023

The Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants calls on the federal government and the various provincial governments to ensure that refugee claimants in federal accommodations across Canada are receiving adequate settlement and legal support.

The agencies of the Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants are on the frontline when it comes to responding to the needs of refugee claimants in Ontario. We, as service providers to refugees—many among us refugee houses and shelters— provide temporary housing and support for thousands of individuals and families each year as they navigate the refugee determination system and settle into communities across the province. In our work, we have witnessed the critical need for immediate settlement services and access to qualified legal support for newly arrived claimants.

We are aware that 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 saw growing numbers of refugee claimants arriving in Canada. We are supportive of the Federal Government’s efforts to provide emergency accommodation to new arrivals, as this is a crucial basic need. However, we are very concerned about the lack of access to essential settlement and legal services for refugee claimants being placed in temporary federal accommodations.

Since the summer of 2022, IRCC has been transferring refugee claimants who have arrived in Quebec to hotel accommodations in Ontario, and more recently, in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and

Newfoundland. Access to services in the host communities varies widely. IRCC has made it clear that the provinces are responsible for providing legal aid and settlement services. This poses a number of problems:

• Most federally and provincially funded settlement organizations do not have experience in meeting the needs of refugee claimants, as funding rules have historically discouraged them from serving this population. As a result, many involved organizations lack the knowledge and expertise to meet the particular needs of claimants. However, many other organizations in host communities across the country are experts in service provision to this population. In Ontario, for example, members of our Coalition bring decades of experience in providing settlement services for refugee claimants. Coalition members have reported great difficulty in gaining access to claimants in Ontario hotels, even though they are willing and equipped to provide high quality services. We know of similar difficulties for refugee claimant serving organizations in other regions, particularly in Quebec.

• Not all provinces have equitable legal aid programs, which disadvantages claimants based on the region to which they are transferred. In particular, New Brunswick does not provide legal aid certificates to refugee claimants. IRCC has put forth the solution of providing early work permits for claimants arriving to this region, allowing them to pay legal fees. This is not a viable solution. It is extremely difficult for newly arrived refugees to secure employment so they can pay legal fees. Recently arrived claimants often have limited English or French and may be experiencing physical or mental health issues related to their trauma and dislocation. They are also likely preoccupied with finding permanent accommodation and keeping up with legal demands related to their refugee claim. It is unreasonable to expect them to find employment and pay for counsel to support their legal needs, particularly given the tight timelines required to complete the IRCC portal. Lack of access to legal counsel has very serious implications for a claimant’s ability to put forth their refugee claim.

Our Coalition members know from experience that a lack of settlement and legal supports can have serious consequences for the long-term well-being of refugee claimants who are seeking safety and beginning their lives in Canada. Early access to health care, education, English or French language training, mental health supports, permanent housing, social support and employment services are critical for setting individuals and families up for success. Approximately 60% of refugee claimants are granted status as protected persons in Canada, and many others end up becoming permanent residents through other pathways. Therefore it is in the federal and provincial governments’ best interest to prioritize early settlement support for refugee claimants, not only because we have a humanitarian commitment to them, but also to ensure they become thriving, contributing members of our communities as quickly as possible.

In addition, our Coalition is extremely concerned about the impact of the recently adopted additional protocol to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) on access to services for refugee claimants. The provision that requires a person who crossed our border irregularly to be in Canada for 14 days before making a refugee claim has serious consequences for access to emergency shelter, health care and other

essential services. It puts them at risk of grave exploitation and danger. We stand in firm opposition to the expansion of the STCA in general, and to the 14-day rule in particular.

We call on the Federal government—via IRCC—and relevant provincial governments who host refugee claimants to do the following:

• Identify existing refugee claimant serving organizations in host communities where IRCC is providing accommodations and facilitate the ability of these organizations to provide direct settlement supports in hotels.
• Expand eligibility to access IRCC funded services to refugee claimants, increasing knowledge and experience in serving refugee claimants within the settlement sector and making IRCC funding available to experienced refugee claimant serving organizations.
• Allow people who have entered Canada irregularly to access settlement services without fear during the new 14-day period in which they are ineligible to make a refugee claim.

We call on the Government of Canada and the various provincial governments to ensure that refugee claimants in federal accommodations have access to the necessary settlement and legal supports. All levels of government have a responsibility to do better to ensure that the needs of refugee claimants are adequately met.

If you desire assistance from us to help identify agencies with expertise in refugee claimant support in various regions across Canada, we would be more than happy to assist. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Ontario Coalition of Service Providers for Refugee Claimants

Member Agencies:

Adam House, Toronto
Angela Rose and Oak House, Windsor
Carty House, Ottawa
Casa El Norte, Fort Erie
Casa Maria Refugee Homes, Peterborough
Centre for Refugee Children, Toronto
Chez Marie, St. Catherines
Christie Refugee Welcome Centre, Toronto
COMPASS Refugee Centre, Kitchener
COSTI Immigrant Services, Toronto
FCJ Refugee Centre, Toronto
IAFR Canada/Open Homes Hamilton, Hamilton
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, Kitchener
Matthew House, Fort Erie
Matthew House, Ottawa
Matthew House, Toronto
Matthew House, Windsor
Micah House, Hamilton
Peace Bridge Newcomer Centre, Fort Erie
Quaker Refugee Committee, Toronto
RCEC Diocese of London, London
Romero House, Toronto
Sojourn House, Toronto
The 519 Church Street Community Centre, Toronto
The Peoples House, Toronto

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Our Spring 2023 Newsletter is ready! Check it out and learn everything about our new Capacity Development Training program, an innovative initiative that aims to expand our services for newcomers by collaborating with non-profit organizations across Canada that face resource limitations, while serving refugee claimants in their communities.

You will also find the FCJ Refugee Centre’s statement on the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement; information about the special event we hosted to say thanks to the vaccine ambassadors; and details of the forum focused on Labour trafficking organized by the Toronto Counter Human Trafficking Network, as a part of the annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.

Also, don’t miss out on everything that the Youth Network is launching, including a new podcast series!

All this, and much more, in our Spring Newsletter:

The FCJ Refugee Centre hosted on Friday a special event to say thanks to the Vaccine Ambassadors and recognize their great work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They were a key component of the success and impact of the City’s vaccine campaign, being essential points of contact in the neighbourhoods where they live and/or work, providing access to vaccine resources, building vaccine confidence, and amplifying public health messaging across their networks.

They helped us continue to keep our door open, and we couldn’t be

more grateful for their work.

Thank so much to all of you!

Gallery:

Let’s get together and build community! The FCJ Refugee Centre’s annual Diverse Residents, One Community Street Party is coming up!

Join us for this family event, where you’ll find activities for children, games, food, music, live performances, piñatas, and much more.

• When: June 10, 2023, from 12pm to 6pm
• Where: Right outside of the office location
• Address: 208 Oakwood Ave., Toronto

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The theme for the 2023 National Volunteer Week (April 16 – 22) is Volunteering Weaves Us Together, which highlights the significance of volunteerism in strengthening and energizing our communities by showcasing the interconnected actions we take to support one another.

At FCJ Refugee Centre, we have been working in solidarity with our community since the foundation of our organization. Our volunteers have generously contributed their time to support our ESL classes, donate monthly, support our campaigns and events, and engage in various other valuable activities.

We are immensely grateful for their support and believe that their efforts will help us weave a stronger bond within our community.

If you are interested in volunteering with us please apply here. Join us and make a difference!

 

Two FCJ Refugee Centre representatives, Jovana Blagovcanin, Anti-Human Trafficking Manager, and Chiara Rossi, Anti-Human Trafficking – Women Coordinator, participated as witnesess in a House of Commons’ meeting on Human Trafficking of Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People, in the Standing Committee on the Status of Women.

They brought attention to the vulnerability of migrant women and the gaps in service for victims of trafficking who have precarious immigration status.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes to the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) on Friday. The STCA, signed in 2002 and which came into effect in 2004, originally meant asylum seekers crossing into either Canada or the United States at formal border crossings were turned back and told to apply for asylum in the first “safe” country they arrived in. The deal announced on Friday comes in the form of a change to how the STCA is applied.

Until now the STCA prevented Canadian law enforcement from turning back asylum seekers who enter Canada from the United States at border locations that are not official ports of entry. Now it applies to the entire 6,416-km land border, and will allow both countries to turn back asylum seekers at unofficial border crossings. Roxham Road, which had become an unofficial crossing for asylum seekers into Canada, closed at midnight on Saturday.

However, there are exceptions that are important to be aware of. Learn about them and get the basic information about the Safe Third Country Agreement in the following document, updated by Bridges Not Borders – Créons des Ponts.

Click here to view/download the document if you can’t see it in this page.

FCJ Refugee Centre was selected as one of the 25 recipients of the Toronto Community Champion Award. The recipients were annouced this Monday at an award ceremony at the Toronto Reference Library.

Part of the Stronger TOgether initiative, funded in part by the Government of Canada, the Toronto Community Champion Award recognizes organizations that provided exceptional support for Torontonians through the pandemic.

FCJ Refugee Centre was awarded “for helping newcomers and undocumented individuals overcome the challenges of rebuilding a life in Toronto during the pandemic, by implementing a city-wide food security initiative and vaccine equity strategy; also for providing access to health care and assistance and accessing income and housing support.”

Residents were invited to nominate organizations that made a positive and lasting impact on their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the organisation of the awards, “the Toronto Community Champion Award provides an opportunity for the city to honour the collective commitment and unwavering determination of our communities to support each other through some of the most unprecedented times Toronto has ever experienced.

Recipients were chosen by a selection committee made up of community leaders from Volunteer Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and City staff. Priority was given to organizations that were community-focused; demonstrated an inclusive and innovative approach to their work; served vulnerable populations; and provided community service as their primary focus.

Organizations honoured for their work include those that provided support to vulnerable residents, including people with disabilities, newcomers, the elderly or equity-deserving communities; worked to reduce social isolation; connected residents to vaccines; and addressed challenges such as homelessness and food security.