STORY: In 2019, funding for Legal Aid for Refugee Claimants in Ontario was eliminated by the Provincial government. This threatened access to justice for people whose very lives were at stake. Not having legal representation at a refugee claim hearing could mean people would get deported back to the very threats to their lives they had fled from, simply because they could not navigate on their own what is a complex and confusing system even for lawyers.
COMPASS participated in a province-wide campaign that included numerous meetings, appeals for public engagement, policy papers, trips to Queens Park, and letters to the Federal government. We were successful because we worked together with partners and others who believed no one should be denied access to the supports they need to seek justice.
Our advocacy also involves speaking out about injustices, wrong perceptions, and false assumptions. It includes challenging with facts, figures, and stories and with distinct calls for change. We look to create opportunities to speak about the unique needs of refugee claimants and the barriers to justice that can loom large in every aspect of their lives. This includes networking with people and organizations to learn best practices and enhance coordination and quality of services.
COME and add to a growing story of impact that needs no ending. COME and help us ensure that we become so valuable to our community that we could not, not, be here; that none of us could imagine being without each other.