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<\/a>–> 23 to 30 April<\/b>: Week of Action against Bill C-97’s Anti-Immigrant Provisions<\/div>\nThe Canadian state is attempting to further close Canada\u2019s borders to the global dispossessed, specifically those arriving via the United States.<\/p>\n
Former cop Bill Blair, now \u201cBorder Security Minister,\u201d is currently trying to convince officials in the United States to extend the Safe Third Country agreement to apply to the entire length of the border. If Blair is successful, people who cross the border between official border posts would no longer be able to make a refugee claim. Instead, they would be forced to return to the United States, just as people who arrive at regular border posts have been forced to do since the Safe Third Country agreement was implemented in 2004. The US has not yet agreed to enter negotiations to reopen the agreement, but could do so at any time.<\/p>\n
In addition, legal changes were proposed last week which, among other things, would bar people from making a refugee claim in Canada if they had already made one in certain other countries – currently, the United States, England, Australia and New Zealand. This would shut the door on thousands of people. The proposed changes were buried in the budget bill, Bill C-97.<\/p>\n
Importance of Opposing these Changes<\/b><\/p>\n
Under pressure from the right wing populism which now governs Ontario, Quebec, and now Alberta, Trudeau, just two years after his #welcometoCanada tweet, is joining hands with Trump to exclude people whose homes have become unlivable. The rhetoric used to justify these closures – \u201clegitimate refugees,\u201d \u201cestablished process\u201d vs \u201cillegal immigration,\u201d \u201cflood of claimants,\u201d \u201cbogging down Canada\u2019s refugee system,\u201d \u201cqueue jumpers,\u201d \u201casylum shopping\u201d – is misleading, insulting, dangerous, and immediately harmful to people facing racism on a daily basis.<\/p>\n
Together, these two changes will reinforce Canada\u2019s virtual border wall. If we allow either to pass, thousands more people will be prevented from seeking safety, will be deported, separated from their families, and forced underground.<\/p>\n
Neither the change proposed by C-97 nor the extended Safe Third Country Agreement will stop people from crossing the border. People will continue to come, but with more danger, greater exploitation and vulnerability, and less dignity. Because globally, people are being dispossessed and displaced and need a place to go; because the United States is not a safe country for migrants.<\/p>\n
Urgent Call for Solidarity: Weeks of Action<\/b><\/p>\n
23 to 30 April<\/b>. Solidarity Across Borders urges people to take action immediately against Bill C-97\u2019s anti-immigrant provisions. While the timeline is uncertain, the situation is urgent. Many groups are already asking community members to put maximum pressure (call\/write\/visit\/picket\/media\/occupy) on Liberal members of Parliament so they oppose these sections of Bill C-97 (members of Parliament are listed here: http:\/\/www.ourcommons.ca\/Parliamentarians\/en\/members<\/a>). 20 May to 27 May<\/b>. Solidarity Across Borders is calling for a cross-Canada End Safe Third Country Agreement\/Open the Borders week of action<\/b>.
\n** Contact us at solidaritesansfrontieres@gmail.com<\/a> if you want to let us know what you are doing and want materials we are gathering (fact sheets, images, action ideas).<\/i><\/p>\n
\n** Get in touch at solidaritesansfrontieres@gmail.com<\/a> to let us know about your actions (in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and elsewhere) and get materials we are preparing.<\/i><\/p>\n