Community Access - Anti-Discriminatory Integration of Newcomers
In order to ensure that immigrants and refugees gain equal, adequate and universal access to social services, OCASI works to advance the principle that there should be non-discriminatory eligibility for services for all immigrants and refugees.
Adequate accessibility must also be based on the service delivery system being sensitive to the needs of the immigrants and refugees. OCASI is committed to ensuring that an analysis of racism and discrimination facing immigrants and refugees be integrated into the development of our policies and programs.
Contents
Education, Skills and Language Training
Acquiring official language skills is a critical factor in settlement for new immigrants, one that is necessary for participating effectively in the labour market as well as other aspects of society.
Health
OCASI works with community partners to ensure that marginalized equity seeking groups, such as recent immigrants and refugees to Canada, especially those from racialized communities, have adequate access to health services.
Housing and Homelessness
Affordable housing is critical for immigrant and refugee communities that are already experiencing high levels of poverty.
Labour market and Employment
How do we make sure that marginalized people are able to access and enjoy the rights and benefits of effective labour market participation?
Racialization of Poverty
Racialization of poverty and high levels of poverty among recent immigrants continue to be key areas of concern for the immigrant and refugee-serving sector in Ontario.
Racism and Racial Profiling
OCASI is concerned about ongoing racial profiling by police services across Ontario and at Canadian ports of entry.
Violence against women
Immigrant women face multiple burdens in their roles as mother, wife, and worker in Canada.
Related Updates
Municipal Election 2006
OCASI has compiled a list of municipal issues and concerns, including questions for candidates.
October 27, 2006
Immigrants Should Be Allowed To Vote
OCASI writes to Toronto Star to advance voting rights for permanent residents.
October 26, 2006
Toronto Municipal Election Debate on Equity and Inclusion
Ward 20 - Trinity Spadina candidates debate issues that affect immigrants, refugees and racialized communities.
August 24, 2006