Immigration and Settlement

that the CCR:

1. Advocates for government policies and implementation plans that advance reconciliation, including measures to address newcomers' limited awareness of Indigenous histories and rights, and to embed the principles of Truth and Reconciliation throughout immigration, refugee and newcomers’ frameworks and services.
2. Reaffirms the commitments made in the 2016 CCR Resolution and continues, with the guidance and partnership of Indigenous communities, to call on all levels of government and civil society to fully implement all TRC Calls to Action.

that the CCR:

Advocate to federal and provincial governments that any changes to immigration policies, levels, or regulations that may have a negative impact on those already in Canada guarantee continued access to immigration status and pathways to permanent status under the rules that were in effect when they entered their respective programs.

the CCR takes the position that:

1. The federal government immediately and permanently eliminate the rule that restricts international students from working more than 24 hours per week off campus;
2. The federal and provincial governments monitor and combat misinformation in the country and outside of the country that misleads international students;
3. The federal and provincial governments standardize and strengthen oversight mechanisms for education recruiters including those operating outside the country, whenever acting independently or in partnership with colleges and universities to promote accountability and safeguard the integrity of access to Canadian education;
4. Provincial governments implement standards that post-secondary institutions must follow when admitting international students, including informing students of their rights in Canada and before arrival, providing comprehensive orientation and settlement services, providing access to social services and support – including mental health, informing students how they can access safe housing and employment, monitoring and evaluating relationships with education recruiters;
5. International students have fair, transparent and expanded pathways to post-graduate work permits and permanent resident status, as well as access to relevant permits for their dependent family members during and post their study period.

that:

1. All workers with temporary and precarious status in Canada have access to IRCC-funded settlement services;
2. ESDC funding for support services for migrant workers must be renewed and increased on an ongoing basis;
3. Federal and provincial governments fund access to legal aid services for workers with temporary and precarious status seeking access to justice;
4. These services must be adapted to meet the intersectional needs of this population.

that the CCR calls for:

1. The immediate suspension of the enforcement of a removal order against any foreign national who came to Canada as a child and spent any period of their childhood in the care of a child welfare agency or foster family, or in kinship care.
2. An expedited pathway to permanent resident status through a public policy under s. 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for any foreign national in Canada who came to Canada as a child and spent any period of their childhood in the care of a child welfare agency, foster family or kinship care.
3. An expedited Temporary Resident Permit and accompanying work or study permit and for the waiving of any associated fees, for any foreign national in Canada who came to Canada as a child and spent any period of their childhood in the care of a child welfare agency, foster family or kinship care, where permanent resident status cannot immediately be granted.
4. An amendment to the Citizenship Act to recognize as a citizen any foreign national who came to Canada as a child and spent any period of their childhood in the care of a child welfare agency, foster family or kinship care.

the CCR Call on the Government of Canada to reform the Income Tax Act to eliminate the current exclusions based on immigration status so that every parent in Canada who is considered a resident for income tax purposes is eligible to receive the Canada Child Benefit.

the CCR calls on the Government of Canada, and Provincial and Territorial governments to eliminate any and all exclusions to shelter, housing and supports based on immigration status so that all those in need of shelter and housing are eligible to access this basic resource.

that the CCR take the position that:

1. Prospective international students should not be penalized in their visa application if they declare their desire to apply for permanent residency upon graduation.
2. The federal and Quebec governments finance full access to settlement and other support services for international students and their dependants.

that the CCR:

1. Call on all levels of governments responsible for housing and settlement to allocate more resources for accessible and affordable housing and to review the provision of adequate income and social assistance levels to facilitate access to safe, secure and affordable housing for all refugee claimants.
2. Urge the inclusion of refugees and refugee claimants in the development and allocation of affordable housing projects.
3. Encourage all levels of government to fund the development of appropriate short-term housing solutions for arriving refugee claimants, which include settlement services.

that the CCR call upon the Canadian government to:

1. Ensure the administration of the citizenship regime conforms with the Act to:
   1. Reduce the language and knowledge requirements to the “adequacy” required;
   2. Ensure broad compassionate discretion in the assessment of waivers from language and knowledge requirements, and eliminate the Medical Opinion Form.

2.  Amend the Citizenship Act to:
   1. Remove the English/French language requirement for writing the citizenship exam
   2. Revert to the ability of citizenship applicants to challenge a refusal in Federal Court as of right, given the importance of the rights at stake.
   3. Eliminate the fee.