Social Assistance at Risk for Those Seeking Protection

The Diocese of Niagara has joined with our partners and 160 organizations across Canada in expressing grave concerns about certain provisions contained in the current omnibus budget bill. The Bill, C-43, would open to the door to denying social assistance to refugee claimants and other vulnerable people seeking Canada’s protection. In an open letter to the Minister of Finance the organizations ask for the withdrawal of sections 172 and 173 of the bill, which would allow provinces to deny social assistance based on immigration status.

"We're called to welcome the stranger and to share our resources with those in need," says the Reverend Bill Mous, Director of Justice, Community and Global Ministries. One of the ways the Diocese has lived out this commitment is through the sponsorship of refugees in partnership with the Government of Canada. As a result of this important ministry we have direct experience of the challenges those seeking Canada's protection face as they begin life in our country. Many struggle to find work, particularly those who suffer from physical or mental health conditions or experience significant language barriers. Social assistance is often the only way to secure adequate food, clothing, and shelter. If this legislation passes, refugee claimants could be denied this crucial lifeline that allows them to survive and begin to rebuild their lives in Canada.

For a detailed backgrounder about the impacts of the proposed legislation visit our partner, the Canadian Council for Refugees. This legislative initiative is similar to the denial of healthcare to refugee claimants, which the Federal Court recently ruled was “cruel and unusual”.

The organizations signing the letter represent a wide range of sectors, including health, poverty, human rights, faith communities, refugees, women and legal advocates. The full letter can be viewed here.