Statement: World Refugee Day
June 20th, 2026
On World Refugee Day, YWCA Toronto extends our solidarity to all those seeking safety.
We acknowledge how immigration and refugee law impact safety, autonomy, and well-being, particularly for women, gender diverse individuals, Black and racialized individuals, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and survivors of violence.
Canada is a settler-colonial state, and aside from the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, we were all once newcomers to this land. Canada is strengthened by newcomers, and we welcome refugees as neighbours, community members, colleagues, friends, and family.
YWCA Toronto continues to call for the repeal of Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, which will exacerbate the vulnerabilities already facing women and gender diverse asylum seekers. We also continue to call on Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider the implementation of co-payment fees under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which will harm newcomer health and lengthen stays in shelters and transitional housing.
As conflict and displacement intensify across the globe, and amidst a cost-of-living crisis here at home, we must respond with compassion, care, and a deep commitment to community.
We call on all levels of government to reject the harmful and untrue narratives that newcomers, whether refugees or migrants, are responsible for systemic issues. Canada must uphold principles of international law and human rights, and its proclaimed proud history as a place of refuge that provides protection to and helps resettle those most in need.
Now more than ever, we must anchor ourselves in humanity, compassion, and respect.
To learn more about government calls to action, read our letter to the Senate on Bill C-12, and our letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on the IFHP.
MEDIA
Sami Pritchard, Director of Advocacy and Communications, YWCA Toronto
437.286.9627 | spritchard@ywcatoronto.org