Legislation

Toronto/April 25, 2011 - Refugee and immigrants rights groups, legal clinics, and women's organizations are calling on all federal parties to reject a proposed change to Canada's immigration law that will make women more vulnerable to violence and abuse.

The Government of Canada has proposed the introduction of a conditional residence period of two years or more for some sponsored spouses. OCASI has serious reservations and concerns about the proposal, which would increase the vulnerability of women and put them at risk.

Regulatory changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW) were implemented on April 1, 2011.

The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) is deeply concerned that the changes will do little to reduce the vulnerability of migrant workers and give them effective protection from exploitation and abuse.