Position Papers & Backgrounders

March 8, 2023 / Toronto

On March 8, 2023 we are in solidarity with our sisters in Ontario, Canada, and around the world as we fight collectively for gender justice, racial justice and migrant justice.

It is now more than three years since the onset of the unprecedented global health, social and economic crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deeply-rooted inequalities in our society have taken a heavier toll on Indigenous, Black and racialized women; on refugees and migrants and women without immigration status. But it has cost us all.

May 5, 2022 / Toronto — Thursday June 2, 2022 is election day in Ontario.

OCASI calls on the next government to commit to a fair and equitable Ontario for everyone, where refugees, immigrants and migrants can thrive.

This brief guide lists the main concerns for refugees, immigrants and migrants and proposes solutions. Between now and election day, ask candidates what they will do to support these solutions.

Toronto / April 21, 2021

The 2021 federal Budget tabled on April 19, 2021, recognizes that immigration is vital to Canada’s economic growth and looks ahead to prepare for an anticipated increase in post-pandemic immigrant arrivals.

Toronto / April 16, 2021

On April 14, 2021 Minister of Immigration Marco Mendicino announced a temporary public policy that would provide new pathways to permanent residency for essential workers and international graduates.

COVID-19 Recovery and Reconstruction

Proposals and recommendations from OCASI and other civil society organizations:

Reconstruction and Reset: A Plan for Canada
By Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change. September 2020

COP-COC RECONSTRUCTION ET RÉTABLISSEMNENT: UN PLAN POUR LE CANADA
Septembre, 2020

A solidarity statement by OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants

Toronto / June 2, 2020 – We are in solidarity with Black Communities in Canada and across North America amidst the pain and rage we feel at the taking of another Black life - again. We mourn Regis Korchiniski-Paquet who died last week in Toronto.

We mourn George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor – brutally killed in the United States, victims of anti-Black racism and White supremacy.

Novel Coronavirus/CORVID-19

The novel coronavirus outbreak - now named as CORVID-19 - has us all worried for our own health and the health and safety of our loved ones.

October 10, 2019

What we want
We want policies and services that support immigrants and refugees so they can thrive as members of our communities.

This must include a meaningful discussion about the reality of structural racism in Canada. It robs newcomers and our communities of the opportunity to realize their full potential. Let’s face divisions head on and focus on strategies that we know work to foster greater equality, unity, individual and community wellbeing, and shared prosperity. We can do better.

On October 21, 2019 Canada will hold a general election that will determine the next government of Canada.

A vibrant democracy must include all voices. If you can vote in these elections, vote! If you cannot vote, become involved by asking your candidates where they stand on the issues that matter most to you.

A Call to End Genocide: OCASI Statement on Calls For Justice by the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls