Position Papers & Backgrounders

International Migrants Day 2018 - OCASI Statement

December 18, 2018 / Toronto – Today, on International Migrants Day, OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants celebrates the struggles, accomplishments and contributions of the thousands of migrant workers and migrants in Canada.

We remind ourselves that all migrants have basic rights in Canada, and these rights must be respected and all migrants treated with dignity.

Respect the Rights of Children and Youth

November 22, 2018 / Toronto – OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants is deeply concerned about the Ontario government’s decision to eliminate the position of the Ontario Child Advocate.

Children and youth in this province will no longer have an independent, non-partisan voice that puts their rights and well-being first. Ontario joins Prince Edward Island and the North West Territories as the only jurisdictions in Canada without an independent voice for children and youth.

Ontario Workers Deserve Respect and Dignity: OCASI Statement on Bill 47

November 20, 2018 / Toronto - OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants calls on the government of Ontario to treat workers with respect and dignity by withdrawing Bill 47 and restoring proactive workplace inspections for compliance with the Employment Standards Act.

OCASI is the umbrella organization for immigrant and refugee serving agencies in Ontario and the collective voice for the sector, with 234 member agencies located in communities across the province.

Concerns: Ministry of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction

OCASI joined civil society organizations to express concerns and questions about the newly-created Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction.

In an Open Letter to the Prime Minister civil society organizations from across Canada described concerns and questions regarding the establishment of the new and unprecedented Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction. The letter points out the following:

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