Immigrant, Refugee, and Migrant Workers’ Rights
Demanding dignity and fairness for all
Policy Goal
Become a safe place for newcomers to live and work by endorsing the Solidarity City Declaration, including full access to public services and supports for migrants, regardless of immigration status; and enhance access to legal rights and protections for undocumented and temporary foreign workers.
Pathways to Change
Oppose deportations and detentions and support pathways to citizenship for all non-status immigrants;
Respect the confidentiality of all information relating to immigration status, and refuse to share any such information with any government or law enforcement agencies except when court-ordered;
Refuse access to city properties and public buildings to Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and implement a policy of non-cooperation;
Expand the protection of Labour and Human Rights laws to all city residents and workers employed in Vancouver, regardless of immigration status, and enhance access to legal services for undocumented and temporary foreign workers;
Advocate for the inclusion of undocumented workers in public benefits programs such as the Medical Service Plan (MSP) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP);
Enforce the Employment Standards Act in private residences that employ temporary foreign workers by conducting routine audits of compliance and introducing steep financial penalties and, where appropriate, criminal charges for the exploitation and abuse of migrant workers.
Ensure resources for Immigrants, Refugees & Migrants are easily accessible (both physically and digitally) and are available in as many languages as possible including ASL and Braille.
Make abortion accessible within the City of Vancouver’s Access without Fear/Sanctuary City policy framework, which allows undocumented people to
Resources
Note: The resources on each of our policy pages are a starting point for learning about various issues and organizations doing work in these areas. This is not a comprehensive list and VOTE Socialist is not affiliated with the organizations listed here. We hope that these resources will help you reflect on and consider community engagement with the pathways to change suggested. We organize and lead with courage not fear, with transformative vision not limits. Vote on October 15!
Learn more about the Migrant Workers’ Centre: Migrant Workers Centre
Know the employment standards for migrant workers and how to file a complaint: Employment Standards for Migrant Workers in British Columbia
An online resource centre worth knowing about: BC Refugee Hub