Migration is not the issue; the issue is how governments around the world manage migration flows.
- 23 hours ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
Canada must enhance cooperation internally to address migration in accordance with human rights protections and defence: "people-centred, international cooperation, national sovereignty, rule of law and due process, sustainable development, human rights, gender-responsive, child sensitive, whole-of-government approach and whole-of-society approach.”
Canada must effectively apply international migration policies "protecting and fulfilling human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their migration status, without any kind of discrimination"; and "recognizing the positive role and contributions of migrants for inclusive growth and sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination, including by enriching societies through human, socioeconomic and cultural capacities."
UN, General Assembly, Progress Declaration of International Migration Review Forum, June, 2022.
At the Mary Ward Centre, this commitment continues through advocacy and collaboration with faith-based and community partners.
In March 2026, the Mary Ward Centre sent a letter to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, calling for migration policies rooted in dignity, justice, and the protection of vulnerable communities.
Later, on April 30, 2026, together with Catholic Community Services of York Region, Catholic Crosscultural Services, Silent Voice Canada, and Becoming Neighbours, the Mary Ward Centre sent a second letter to The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, expressing concern about the federal decision to introduce co-payments for medications and supplemental services under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
Catholic social teaching reminds us that welcoming the stranger is not simply a policy choice—it is a moral responsibility.
Migration policies must protect people, not create new barriers.
We invite you to read both letters and reflect on why compassionate, evidence-based migration policy matters for all of us.
