COVID-19: A Systems Change Moment
April 2020 - Toronto
Debbie Douglas’ April blog is her inaugural vlog (video blog)! She sends a shout-out to OCASI member agencies across the province, and calls for real structural and systemic change.
OCASI latest articles
Income Support Webinar – Pandemic Response
Type:
OCASI webinar on income support and benefits for refugees, migrants and people with precarious immigration status was hosted on April 2, 2020.
Webinar title: COVID-19 Pandemic Response - Income Support and Benefits for People with Precarious Immigration Status
Presented by Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic
Speakers:
Avvy Go, Clinic Director
Jin Chien, Staff Lawyer
Media Release: Extend Government Benefits To All Residents
Policy:
Type:
For Immediate Release
March 18, 2020/Toronto
COMMUNITY GROUPS CALL ON CANADIAN GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND EI BENEFITS AND CANADA CHILD BENEFITS TO ALL RESIDENTS OF CANADA
As organizations working with low income people of colour, immigrants, refugees and people with precarious status, we welcome the $82 Billion aid package announced by the Canadian Government to to help Canadians through COVID-19 crisis.
Healthcare For Precarious Immigrants
Policy:
Type:
March 16, 2020 / Toronto - OCASI wrote to Ontario Minister of Health -Christine Elliott, and Minister of Children, Community and Social Services - Todd Smith to ask the people with precarious immigration status are included in the Ontario government's actions to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
OCASI specifically asked the Ministers to ensure that all Ontario residents have access to free, universal and expanded healthcare, including testing, without regard to immigration status or length of residence in Ontario.
COVID-19 Screening Checklist
Policy:
Type:
The Ontario government has developed a screening tool and other information and resources that can be used by community organizations to support communities in staying safe and healthy.
These resources are shared by Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
OCASI is concerned about ensuring all refugees, immigrants and migrants are included in provincial as well as federal and municipal government responses to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Ontario Drafting Emergency Legislation Changes to Cover COVID-19 Epidemic
Policy:
Type:
Premier Doug Ford announced today that the province will be introducing new employment protection legislation this week for employees required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.