FORUM: Supporting Non-Status Women Fleeing Violence
Thursday October 2, 2008
9:30am Registration
10:00am Forum
Location: Ryerson University
Student Centre
55 Gould St
Rm SCC115
** March and Rally to follow at 12:00pm **
* Learn about how recent changes to immigration law impact diverse women, including women without status
* Hear about attacks on safe spaces and community responses to support non-status women fleeing violence
* Q&A with immigration lawyer, front line workers and service providers
To register please contact Sonia at sonia@workersactioncentre.org or
(416) 531-0778, ext. 221 by September 25, 2008
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MARCH and RALLY at the Immigration Refugee Board
Thursday October 2, 2008
Meet 12:00pm at the corner of Yonge St. and Gould St.
Let Them Stay!
* Support domestic violence survivor Isabel Garcia and her children to stay in Canada
* Call for protection of women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
Isabel Garcia, single mother and survivor of domestic violence, and herchildren are just one of many families whose lives have been put at risk as a result of negative decisions at the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Isabel came to Canada with her children 3 years ago seeking protection from her violent ex-husband in Mexico. Ignoring overwhelming evidence pointing to a lack of state protection for women surviving domestic violence in Mexico, the Immigration and Refugee Board heartlessly denied Isabel's claim for asylum.
By issuing an abrupt and last minute deportation notice, Immigration Enforcement ensured that Isabel and her lawyer did not have time for a fair review at the Federal Court for a stay on her removal. Isabel made the difficult decision to go into hiding rather than face further violence in Mexico.
Canada's failing Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is allowing huge numbers of women fleeing violence to fall through the cracks. The Federal Court of Canada has begun to question decisions of the Refugee Board and has recently overturned several decisions where women faced gender violence.
These women have been unable to access shelters, crisis centers, professional support, guidance or counseling because of Immigration Enforcement's targeting of these spaces.
Stand up against immigration decisions and policies that put women and children, like Isabel and her family, at risk of violence. Join us as we call on the government to:
* Let Them Stay! - Allow this family to stay in Canada while their Humanitarian Application is considered, and to grant their Humanitarian Application
* Ensure protection for women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
** How can you help? **
1) Endorse the rally and help us mobilize. Organize a delegation from your church, union, or community center to come out to the forum and rally. Call us for help in spreading the word and for copies of flyers and posters or to make a financial or in-kind donation.
2) Write a support letter for Isabel Garcia and mail it to the Workers Action Centre. For a sample, see the letter below.
3) Invite campaign representatives to do a workshop or presentation at your organization, agency or community centre.
4) Make a financial or in-kind donation to help with this campaign.
Cheques can be made payable to Workers Action Centre.
For more information, or to send an endorsement or a letter of support, contact:
Workers' Action Centre - Sonia Singh: (416) 531-0778, ext. 221,
sonia@workersactioncentre.org
Interim Place - Cindy Cowan: cindy@interimplace.com
No One is Illegal: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
Donations and support letters can be sent to:
Workers' Action Centre
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223
Toronto ON M5S 2T9
***ENDORSED BY***
Centre for Feminist Research
Interim Place
Mennonite New Life Centre
METRAC
Mujer
Nellie's
No One Is Illegal - Toronto
North York Women's Shelter
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses
OPSEU
Parkdale Community Legal Services
Step It Up Campaign
The Stop Community Food Centre
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
Toronto Women's Bookstore
Workers Action Centre
About Us
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- PCAP is a direct action anti-poverty group made up of poor people and their allies. We believe in the power of people to organize themselves. PCAP mounts social justice campaigns against regressive government policies that affect poor, homeless and working communities. We also provide free advocacy for individuals and families. Please note there is a change of office hours and location. We are hosting outreach meetings within Peterborough County. FIGHT to Win! Email: pcap@riseup.net;