Events › No Place for Refugees: Is Canada Becoming Less Welcoming?

June 20th marks World Refugee Day, a day that honours the people who have been forced to flee their home countries to seek safety for themselves and their families elsewhere.

Today there are over 122 million refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide, with conflicts and authoritarianism growing in various parts of the world, increasing the global need for asylum. A small number of those refugees make harrowing journeys and arrive out our doorstep to seek asylum. 

Historically, Canada has welcomed refugees and developed a reputation as a safe harbour for people seeking to start a new life free from fear and persecution. However, policy changes in recent years have increased the barriers for those fleeing persecution. Are we becoming a less welcoming society?

Join us for a lunchtime event where we’ll feature stories of resilience from refugees who now live in Canada and a panel conversation on what's at stake for asylum seekers in this critical moment. The panelists will include:

- Saleem Spindari, former Executive Committee member of the Canadian Council for Refugees

- Thanh Lam, Executive Director of Gordon Neighbourhood House

- Aleks Dughman-Manzur, Co Executive Director of Rainbow Refugee Society

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This event is presented in partnership with MAP BC, and generously supported by the City of Vancouver. 

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Registration is not required to attend, but it helps us anticipate attendance and send you updates about the event, as needed.