• Français
Find Your Local Union
Subscribe to E-news
 
Login
Scholarships
Contact

UFCW Canada - Union Logo

Canada's Private Sector Union

  • About Our Union
  • Media & News
  • Resources
  • Issues
  • Action Centre
  • Join the Union
Media & News

Directions Newsletter

UFCW Canada marks Refugee Rights Day 2015 – April 4

Refugee Rights Day 2015 – April 4
8.5"x11" 11"x17"

Toronto – April 2, 2015 – In 1985, on April 4, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that refugee claimants in Canada were fully protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including their right to legally challenge a denial of their refugee status by the government.

According to the United Nations, Canada had 160,279 refugees and 17,468 asylum-seekers in 2014. However, according to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Tribunal Statistics, only 19,900 claims for residency were finalized in 2014, while 16,500 claims remained pending.

The justice denied by the delayed claims process is just one hardship. The actions of the Conservative Government, specifically its limitations on gaining permanent residency status and citizenship, have also led to substandard protections for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives in Canada.

Refugee Rights Day provides the opportunity to reflect on what happens to newcomers once they have landed in Canada as refugees — and on the importance of a safe haven for those fleeing violence and persecution.

This April 4, UFCW Canada honours the contributions of newcomers to Canada, many of whom face daily struggles to achieve a pathway to permanent residency status. And we can call on all levels of government to protect the rights of refugees by making status in Canada secure; by creating a broad, inclusive, and effective refugee resettlement program; and by fostering welcoming communities that embrace people of all backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.

This Refugee Rights Day, let us redouble our efforts to ensure that we are once again a country that prides itself on compassion, as we renew our commitment to working toward a Canada that is accepting, fair, and socially just towards refugees and all newcomers.


In solidarity,
 

Paul R. Meinema
National President

  • Media & News
    • News
      • Topics
        • Agriculture
        • By the Numbers
        • Campaigns
        • Directions Newsletter
        • Politics
        • Human Rights, Equity and Diversity
        • Women and Gender Equity
        • Young Workers
        • Health & Safety
      • Press Releases
    • Media
    • Subscribe to E-news

Media Contact

For media inquiries, please email [email protected] with the word ‘Media’ in the subject line.

  • Find our brand guidelines here.
  • Join the Union
  • About Our Union
    • About Our Union
      • Find Your Local Union
      • National President
      • National Council
      • Constitution
      • Union History
      • UFCW Canada Annual Report
      • Brand Guidelines
      • Join UFCW Canada
  • Media & News
    • Media & News
      • News
      • Media
      • Subscribe to E-news
  • Resources
    • Resources
      • Stand for Canada, Shop UFCW-made
      • The National Defence Fund
      • Migrant Members
      • Union Training & Scholarships
      • Member Discounts
      • Health & Safety
      • UFCW Canada Equity Grant Program
  • Issues
    • Issues
      • Leukemia Fundraising
      • Political Action
      • Women and Gender Equity
      • Social Justice
      • The Union for Agriculture Workers
      • UFCW Pride – Union Pride!
      • Young Workers
      • Food Justice
      • Global Solidarity
      • Uber Drivers United
      • Conscious Cannabis
  • Action Centre
    • Action Centre
      • Affordability for All
      • Violence is not part of the job: Respect Frontline Workers!
      • Make Truth and Reconciliation a paid day of recognition and remembrance
      • Paid Sick Days Now!
      • Migrant workers deserve permanent residency
      • End the Heritage Inn Lockout Now
  • Join the Union
    • Join the Union
      • Why UFCW Canada
      • Union Advantage
      • Union Facts
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Everything About Unions
      • Industries We Represent
      • Workplaces We Represent
      • How to Join a Union
      • Join Now

Login

FacebookXYoutube2Instagram

Copyright © 2025 UFCW Canada. All Rights Reserved
United Food and Commercial Workers Union
Canada's private sector union