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Our Work
Our ministry provides assistance to refugee claimants to prepare, apply and present their refugee claim. We also help refugee claimants in accessing legal assistance. This can include filing and preparing appeals following negative decisions, as well as initiating Humanitarian and Compassion applications for failed refugee claimants. We offer guidance to successful refugee claimants throughout their journey, as they become Convention Refugees, then Permanent Residents and finally Canadian citizens. In addition, we offer support to refugees as they go through the rigid process of family reunification.
Advocacy
The ministry works to address barriers for refugee protection and settlement at legislative, program and policy levels by:
- advocating in such matters as domestic violence and human trafficking
- increasing public awareness of emerging refugee issues and changes in policy
- maintaining strong collaboration with Canadian Council for Refugees in developing strategies to protect refugee rights
- advocating through communication with different Canadian Embassies, processing Permanent Residence applications for family members left behind to conclude family reunification
Heartwarming Reunions
To see a family torn apart is truly devastating, that is why our ministry is honored to share a glimpse of our triumph on family reunification cases.
A father was forced to leave behind his newborn child, his wife and three other children for fear of persecution from his country of origin. This man came to Canada as a refugee claimant and succeeded in receiving protected person status in Canada. In spite of his success, the trauma from his past and the long years of separation from his family was simply too much to bear for this man. Through counselling, consistent communication, and guidance, we were able to help this man to overcome his depression and focus on getting his family to join him here in Canada. We offered help to complete all the complex documentation involved, and assisted the family left behind to submit all necessary requirements and meet deadlines to complete their application for Permanent Residence. The refugee ministry along with this father ensured that the language barrier, and lack of technology and other resources did not hinder the family’s chance to be reunited. Though it took 6 long years to finally reunite this family, the pain of the years apart was erased by their love as they hugged together as a family at the airport here in Canada.
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During tough times when the ministry is forced to deal with irresolvable cases, these powerful stories of family reunification provide us with strength and hope. Nothing can compare to the joy of family reunification.
The mere thought of a little girl barely four years of age, finally reunited with her mother and grandparents here in Canada after being left alone in an orphanage 3 years ago, provides the ministry more than enough reason to continue our service and advocacy in spite of the great challenges we face on a daily basis. Through the help of the refugee ministry, this little girl is now here in Canada and surrounded with love from her family. This little girl is now home, and will no longer face the future alone.
All services provided by the refugee ministry are free of charge. We welcome refugee claimants at different stages of their refugee claim. All work is made possible by one staff and a group of hard-working, meticulously selected volunteers who contribute their time and effort big-heartedly to our ministry.
Where can you get help and assistance?
We are located at:
85 Park St. East
Windsor, Ontario N9A 3A8
You can contact us by:
Phone: 519-256-0506 ext. 2
Email: sfalodun@dol.ca
In order to serve you better, please note that walk-ins are welcome, but due to high volume of clients and unpredictable outside duties of staff; appointments are strongly recommended.