Considering the anti-immigrant and refugee winds that are sweeping the United States — and, sadly, buffeting Canada too — it’s welcome news that Montreal has became the fourth Canadian city to declare itself a “sanctuary city”.
The designation already adopted by Toronto, Hamilton and London, Ont., (as well as dozens of U.S. cities) is meant to ensure that undocumented migrants can access services regardless of their immigration status and without being reported to the Canada Border Services Agency. Indeed, city staff are not supposed even to ask to see immigration documents.
But if the experience of non-status residents in Toronto is anything to go by, it isn’t enough to declare yourself a sanctuary city. You must enforce it.
Indeed, a new study from Ryerson University’s Centre for Immigration and Settlement found Toronto has never dedicated adequate leadership, planning or funds to follow through on city council’s 2013 commitment to make Toronto a sanctuary city.
As a result, the report says, the program “remains somewhat of a pilot project, with a rather small contingent of city staff championing the ideals of the policy in the face of steep challenges and powerful counter-influences.”
How does that translate on the ground? Consider Mary, a Namibian asylum seeker who stayed in Toronto after her refugee application was denied. She told the Star she has been asked to leave city-run shelters “or else we’ll call immigration on you.”
Further, the Ryerson study found Toronto are “flagrantly ignoring” their own board’s policies on undocumented migrants by asking victims, witnesses and complainants about their immigration status and passing it on to border services. (Spokesman Mark Pugash says police don’t ask for immigration documentation “unless it’s relevant. But if you become aware of (illegal immigration status), you are required by law to report it.”)
City council already knew it was failing undocumented migrants. A 2015 audit commissioned by the city found more work was needed to “ensure a consistent and informed approach by front-line staff.” And last fall the city started a program to discuss ways to support the sanctuary program with staff in each service area.
Regardless, it’s clear from the audit and the Ryerson report that there is much work to be done if Toronto is truly going to be — not just declare itself — a sanctuary city. City staff and police must get on with it.
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