Canada and Exclusive Citizenship: Migrants and Undocumented Workers
In December 2023, the JHC partnered with Righting Relations Canada and Canadians for A Civil Society to host the Ignite Change Global Convention, a ten-day commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the signing of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On the third day of the convention, the discussions centered on the complexities of migration and the multifaceted realities faced by migrants and undocumented workers in Canada. The sessions highlighted that Canada’s immigration system transcends a simplistic binary of “Canadian” versus “immigrant,” encompassing a spectrum of statuses—temporary and permanent—and the associated economic and social vulnerabilities that affect newcomers.
Panels such as Immigration in Canada featured experts who shared first-hand insights into the challenges faced by migrants and the support systems available to them. A key theme emerged around the conceptualization of citizenship, with presentations examining how definitions of citizenship can serve as barriers to accessing rights, in contrast to the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These barriers are felt deeply by those affected, as stated by speaker Rocio Gonzalez in her presentation Women Migrant Justice:
“The idea of a migrant is to have an opportunity to live a better life, or a new life, in a better environment…[but] as time goes by, it feels like the opportunities close.”
Presenters addressed the dual challenges that migrants encounter in an increasingly globalized world: labor exploitation and systemic racism. These issues persist due to insufficient legal protections and their inadequate enforcement, leaving many migrants in precarious situations characterized by marginalization and limited access to essential services. The necessity for cohesive global advocacy efforts was emphasized, aiming to ensure equitable treatment and dignified living conditions for all migrants.
We encourage you to spend some time exploring some or all of the fascinating and important presentations from Day 3 of the Ignite Change Global Convention, found below. Each presentation and the folks behind them contribute to building a stronger, more equitable, and barrier-free Canada.
Ignite Change Day 3 presentation playlist
Click on the + to the right to expand each presentation and access the YouTube recording.