Migration: Our toolkit is jam packed with options

Anna Vogt and Rebekah Sears had the chance to testify before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on Oct 23rd. The Committee is currently studying forced migration and as part of the broad scope of the study, it is interested in learning more about the context and root causes of why people migrate.

The Ottawa Office put together a submission focusing on the Latin American context, but with implications for addressing forced migration globally. The submission highlights solutions that do not solely depend on resettlement. While resettlement is important, refugees coming to Canada represent only 1% of those in need of a durable and lasting solution worldwide. 

Through initiatives, such as testifying before the Parliamentary Committee, the Ottawa Office raises awareness about the vast array of other tools accessible for addressing forced migration. These tools include, among others, examining the root causes of why people are migrating, working to support local level peacebuilding, and examining the ways Canada’s own practices abroad may be contributing to forced displacement. You can read both the oral and written submission on our website and follow along with the Committee’s work as the study continues.

Conferences, learning and travel

It has been a busy few months for the MCC Ottawa team, participating in multiple learning activities, conferences and travels. As we engage with government and Canadians on policies impacting our program around the world, it is vital that we are always learning, growing and connecting with others.

In September, Public Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator Leona Lortie attended a symposium, Israel, Palestine and International Law, featuring the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, Michael Lynk. Read a reflection here. In mid-October Leona then traveled to Palestine and Israel to take in the context in person, as part of an MCC Learning Tour.

Director, Anna Vogt, attended MCC Canada’s AGM in Winnipeg, including a learning day on MCC’s work on migration around the world – from resettlement to addressing root causes of forced migration.

That same week, Policy Analyst Bekah Sears attended the annual conference of Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) in Ottawa, on Canada’s role in the world. The next week, Bekah travelled to St Paul Minnesota to take part in a Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) conference, Prophetic Action: Christians Convening for Palestine. Read a reflection here.

November is shaping up to be just as busy, with Bekah attending and presenting at the Parliament of the World's Religions. in Toronto; Anna, Bekah and Program Assistant Monica Scheifele presenting on the vocation of advocacy at the 2018 MCC Ontario Peace Conference in Cambridge, and the whole team convening a meeting with our provincial counterparts in Kitchener, moving forward with advocacy, together!