Undocumented people in Toronto could have greater access to city services if a motion before Toronto City Council passes on Feb. 20th.
This motion calls for the city to review and expand “Access Without Fear” policies for city-funded services. The motion also commits City Council to advocate on behalf of undocumented residents of Toronto at the provincial and federal levels.
Last week, the Community Development and Recreation Committee heard from residents, community organizations and academics that the numbers of workers with precarious immigration status in our cities is increasing, especially with the rise of temporary foreign worker programs. The committee agreed that the City of Toronto should take a leadership role in ensuring that everyone living and working in the city be able to access critical city services without fear of being reported to immigration authorities.
We know precarious immigration status makes it even more difficult to stand up against bad bosses or take action around workers’ rights violations. Access to services like shelters, employment training and healthcare provide a crucial safety net that could support more workers to reach out for help when they need it.
The Workers’ Action Centre is part of the Solidarity City Network, which is calling on Toronto residents to contact their city councilors in support of this motion. Sign up to contact your local city councilor .
The Solidarity City Network is also mobilizing residents to come to City Hall on February 20th to help make Toronto the first city in Canada with a comprehensive Access Without Fear policy. To make sure you hear details of February 20th, sign up here.