For the last several years, changes to a refugee system described as ‘broken’ have been an important priority. With the current election and the potential changes it could bring, what better time to consider what all these ‘reforms’ have meant for refugee policy – and refugees – in Canada? Read more »
On February 5, a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court of Canada rejected an appeal application that sought to have the Safe Third Country Agreement deemed unconstitutional. The appeal came from the Canadian Council for Refugees, the Canadian Council of Churches and Amnesty International, who were appealing a Federal Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the STCA. Read more »
In November, Judge Phelan ruled that the Safe Third Country Agreement violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This ruling was good news for refugees and advocates alike, ensuring that refugees would not be turned away in spite of the fact that they had entered Canada through the US. But despite this ruling, the border still remains closed to many refugees at risk of being sent back to dangerous situations. Read more »
Janet Hinshaw-Thomas was arrested under a law meant to detain smugglers and traffickers. Her actions, however, were far from criminal activity; she was simply showing compassion to Haitian refugees. Canada’s current focus on border security and safety has thrown the baby out with the bathwater: it has not ensured refugee safety but rather is hindering it. Canada must address these issues in order to provide a safe haven for refugees. Read more »
The federal court of Canada recently declared that the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US is unconstitutional. This is great news for refugees and refugee advocates in Canada. The decision also means Canada has the opportunity to take the lead in finding lasting solutions for refugees. Read more »
For the last several years, changes to a refugee system described as ‘broken’ have been an important priority. With the current election and the potential changes it could bring, what better time to consider what all these ‘reforms’ have meant for refugee policy – and refugees – in Canada? 
In November, Judge Phelan ruled that the Safe Third Country Agreement violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This ruling was good news for refugees and advocates alike, ensuring that refugees would not be turned away in spite of the fact that they had entered Canada through the US. But despite this ruling, the border still remains closed to many refugees at risk of being sent back to dangerous situations. 
The federal court of Canada recently declared that the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US is unconstitutional. This is great news for refugees and refugee advocates in Canada. The decision also means Canada has the opportunity to take the lead in finding lasting solutions for refugees. 
