| Private Sponsorship of Refugees |
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The 1976 Immigration Act was a milestone in Canada's response to refugees, establishing "refugees" as a class distinct from immigrants. The "Boat People" crisis of the late 70s and early 80s mobilized Canadians to respond. For the first time, ordinary people across the country became involved in assisting refugees to settle in Canada through private sponsorship, changing forever the way Canadians would view their role in Canada's resettlement program. The clarified the humanitarian goals of the program and established the need to offer protection and a durable solution to refugees in need of resettlement.
The year 2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the cialis viagraOver 200,000 refugees who would not have otherwise been able to come to Canada were resettled since 1979.
Canada is one of the few countries in the world that annually offers resettlement places to thousands of refugees. Groups across Canada have become important partners, offering additional sponsorships above the government numbers, allowing for over 3500 refugees to come to Canada every year who otherwise would not have had the chance.
In private refugee sponsorship, Canadian citizens, organizations and associations can sponsor refugees through , and . Private sponsorship does not rely on public resources, but rather taps the energy and funds of faith communities, ethnic groups, families and other benevolent associations. Private sponsors offer personalized local support that the government is not able to provide. Ultimately, private sponsorship has shown itself to be fulfilling for both refugees and the sponsors, as refugees gain an opportunity to establish themselves in a new land and sponsors gain a way to play a meaninful role in helping refugees become future Canadians.
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