It was an interesting twist on the Canadian National Anthem, sung today by hundreds of protesters for the National Day of Action outside the offices of Canadian Citizenship and Immigration in Toronto. Doctors, midwives, nurses, social workers, and community members gathered to call attention to the hypocrisy of cutting health care benefits for refugees in Canada to ensure a more “fair” immigration system. As Angela Robertson gave her eloquent and fiery speech, calling out for “Access for Refugees, Access for All”, she declared to Minister Kenney that we are not going back to repeat wrong-doings of previous governments which denied the entrance of hundreds of Indians who sailed to Vancouver from Calcutta on the Komagatu Maru in 1914; that we would not go back to repeat the errs of Canadian governments who declared that “None is too many”, referring to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 40s; that denying people seeking refuge from countries on a “preferred” list (a.k.a. designated countries of origin), would only mirror the horrific wrongdoings that history has revealed as violations of human rights.
It was inspiring to hear the calls to action and encouraging to see the range of everyday working people standing up for a better Canada. As Angela Robertson reminded us, change is possible, stating in her message to Jason Kenney, “We are not going anywhere, but you, Jason Kenney are”.
In the spirit of restoring basic human rights to all refugees in Canada, it’s time to call your MP or call or write Jason Kenney.
RBhuyan