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OCASI

@ocasi.bsky.social
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Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants

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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 22h
What do we do with the truth once we know it? On #NDTR, a powerful message from today’s Yellowhead Institute gathering: learn the history, listen to Survivors, challenge denialism and protect the truth for generations to come. 🧡 #EveryChildMatters
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Today, OCASI honours residential school Survivors, the children who never returned home, their families, and communities. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility, reflected in how we learn, listen, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples. #TruthAndReconciliation
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Great to be in Ajax for OCASI’s Central East Regional Meeting — and back in person with members from across the region after seven years of virtual gatherings. Thanks to Community Development Council Durham for the warm welcome. We talked funding, services, health and successful settlement.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
People from across Toronto came together at Christie Pits today to stand up and march for migrants' rights and call for end to exploitation and policies that deepen migrants' precarity, a stop to deportations, and the renewal of work and study permits. #StatusforAll #MigrantJustice
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Investment in immigrant and refugee settlement and integration is an investment in Ontario. At today’s South Regional Meeting in Hamilton, OCASI members highlighted the strength of collaboration across the region — and why funding and service models should support, not undermine, that collaboration
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Toronto brought the energy today ⚡ At OCASI’s Toronto Regional Meeting, members stressed that strong economic outcomes depend on strong social outcomes. Canada cannot afford to lose skilled workers, or employers’ investment in them, because work permits cannot be renewed. #OCASI
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
When services for immigrants and refugees are cut, the whole community loses. Today’s active, solutions-focused OCASI Central West meeting highlighted the need for stable funding to support services that enable newcomers to contribute their skills and full potential
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Today’s OCASI North Regional Meeting in North Bay highlighted the strength of connections across Northern Ontario’s immigrant and refugee-serving sector. Members face funding and policy uncertainty, but strong relationships, shared purpose and solidarity span the region
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
At OCASI’s West Regional Meeting in Chatham, one message was clear: Ontario’s role in settlement is increasingly critical. Social outcomes — housing, child care, language, trust and belonging — aren’t separate from economic outcomes. They make successful integration possible #OCASI #Ontario
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Across Ontario, our member agencies do vital work in challenging circumstances. At today’s OCASI East Regional Meeting, members called for stronger collaboration and collective messaging to challenge anti-immigrant narratives and highlight immigrant contributions @ymcaottawa.bsky.social
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“How do we navigate this period of austerity while needs remain and, in many cases, are increasing?” asks Debbie Douglas, C.M in her September blog. Read it in our September newsletter; also see OCASI and sector updates, events, reports and funding opportunities. oca.si/h3j47e
an image of OCASI Executive Director Debbie Douglas, and an image of her blog
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Portage students protested unfair work-permit denials. Calgary Police called CBSA. Ten now face removal orders. Migrants have the right to protest without fear. Today we are joining 250+ orgs to defend it. Join us: MigrantRights.ca/RighttoProtest #DefendRightToProtest @MarkJCarney
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"How did we go in less than twenty-four months from dreaming and planning for a broad regularization program ... to this place of increased deportations", writes Debbie Douglas, C.M in her August blog. Read the blog and more in OCASI's August 2026 newsletter at oca.si/318ix5
oca.si
OCASI In the Field #169 - August 2026
envoke.com email marketing message archive
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
"In Gratitude and Solidarity" - read the latest blog from Debbie Douglas, OCASI ED, in the July edition of our newsletter, OCASI In The Field. Also read updates from OCASI, sector news, funding opportunities, reports and events. oca.si/kz9ad4
oca.si
OCASI In the Field #168 - July 2026
envoke.com email marketing message archive
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
We are proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Debbie Douglas, on her investiture into the Order of Canada on June 25, 2026 at Rideau Hall. Watch the ceremony: shorturl.at/mO8Hc
A photo of Louise Arbour, the Governor General of Canada and Debbie Douglas standing side by side, at Rideau Hall.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
OCASI calls on the government to strengthen immigrant services, social infrastructure, reduce poverty, and invest in a Canada where everyone can thrive. ocasi.org/ocasi-federa...
ocasi.org
OCASI Federal Pre-Budget Submission – 2026 | OCASI
Toronto / May 2026 OCASI made a written submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, for its annual pre-budget consultation. Canada’s immigrant and refugee serving sector is a vital ...
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
thestar.com
Ford government quietly reverses medical residency rule that excluded most immigrant physicians
The rule required candidates to have at least two years of Ontario high school to be considered for first round of matching for residency placements.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
International Day for the Elimination of RACIAL Discrimination - March 21, 2026

In Canada:
•	50% of all federally incarcerated women are Indigenous
•	Indigenous adults are incarcerated at 10x the rate of non-Indigenous adults
•	Black adults are incarcerated at 4x the rate of white adults

Fully implement Indigenous Justice Strategy & Black Justice Strategy!
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Reposted by OCASI
David Macdonald @davidmaccdn.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Corporate profits hit a new all time high of $676 bil in 2025, besting the previous 2022 record www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quo... @policyalternatives.ca
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Federal Budget Falls Short on Canada’s Commitment to Immigrants and Refugees: - End limits on settlement services - Stop scapegoating immigrants and refugees - - #Statusforall Read our statement: oca.si/j5c48j
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
End Poverty! Let's start with: - Healthcare for all - Affordable housing for all - Raise the rates
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
Our October newsletter is out! Register for our AGM (Oct 22 3:45-5:30pm), read the latest blog from Debbie Douglas - OCASI Executive Director, and catch up on sector updates, events, resources, and more! mailchi.mp/ocasi/ocasi-...
mailchi.mp
OCASI In the Field #159 - October
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
By @pampalmater.com www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0...
hilltimes.com
National interest should include the rights of Indigenous women
Bill C-5 is a major setback to reconciliation and the path to ending violence against Indigenous women and girls.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Remembering the revolt that started the end. @OCASI_Policy
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Standing with minorities. @OCASI_Policy #endreligioushate
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
2024 was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel. 2025 could be even worse. We must be committed to protecting humanitarian workers and the civilians they serve. #worldhumanitarianday #actforhumanity
Title: 379 aid workers were killed in 2024.
Subtitle: It is the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel.
World Humanitarian Day, August 19, 2025
Image: A doctor with a stethoscope stands on the right-hand side
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
Stop Bill C-2 Webinar - August 27th at 7PM ET (4PM PT/ 5PM CT/ 8PM AT) Register to get the zoom link: tinyurl.com/stopC-2 #statusNow
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Supporting today's youth for a stronger, better future! @OCASI_Policy #internationalyouthday #youthleadtheway #immigrantyouth #refugeeyouth
Title: Youth Lead the Way
Background image: silhouettes of young people jumping for joy
Subtitle: Standing with today's immigrants and refugees for a brighter tomorrow; International Youth Day, August 12, 2025
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
Standing in solidarity with the world's Indigenous nations @OCASI_Policy #internationaldayfortheworldsindigenouspeople
Title: Standing with Indigenous Peoples for a Better World
Subtitle: International Day for the World's Indigenous People, August 9, 2025
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Remembering the tens of millions of African people enslaved and exploited under the transatlantic slave trade. @OCASI_Policy #EmancipationDay
Title: "Emancipation Day, August 1, 2025"
An image of a fist raised in solidarity.
Caption: "13 million people were enslaved and removed from Africa. 10.5 million made it to the Americas between 1500-1870. The rest were killed or chose death over slavery."
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
WAGE faces 80% budget cuts. This threatens decades of progress in women’s rights, 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion & gender justice. This affects us all. OCASI joins organizations across Canada to speak out: ow.ly/vxwp50WxCsO
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Standing in solidarity with women and girls of African descent! @OCASI_Policy #InternationalDayforWomenandGirlsofAfricanDescent
Title: Rising Together
Image: An older Black woman in a powerful pose
Subtitle: International Day for Women and Girls of African Descent
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
"Have we taken a a giant oppressive step backwards to a time when ‘minority rights’ were constantly attacked and rolled back or didn’t exist at all?" asks Debbie Douglas @ocasi_policy in her latest blog. Read the July issue of OCASI In the Field: us2.campaign-archive.com?u=0806a3498f...
us2.campaign-archive.com
OCASI In the Field #156 - July
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Nicholas Keung @nicholaskeung.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
“Did it have to take almost a dozen people viciously beating my mother, ripping her hijab off, tearing out clumps of her hair, stomping on her neck, her back, for us to say that this environment has become unsafe for us?” www.thestar.com/news/gta/mus...
thestar.com
Muslim woman’s hijab ripped off in attack involving 10 people at Oshawa Pizza Pizza, anti-Islamophobia group says
Police say the incident was captured on store surveillance video, and they are working with Hate Crime and Equity and Inclusion units to investigate if it was a hate motivated offence.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Solidarité avec les réfugiés : Mettons fin à l’Entente sur les tiers pays sûrs ocasi.org/solidarity-r...
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
A call to action on World Refugee Day! Solidarity with Refugees: End the Safe Third Country Agreement ocasi.org/solidarity-r... #WelcomeRefugees #EndTheSTCA #WorldRefugeeDay
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Happy Pride from OCASI!
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Read this powerful statement released by @schliferclinic: "We call on the government to act now—by withdrawing Bill C-2 and ending the Safe Third Country Agreement—before putting more lives at further risk." www.schliferclinic.com/wp-content/u...
schliferclinic.com
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
Happy #pridemonth2025 from OCASI!
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Reposted by OCASI
Nicholas Keung @nicholaskeung.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
“It reflects our belief that being Canadian means more than just a place of birth; it’s about belonging, shared experiences, and a commitment to the inclusive and diverse community we all call home” @LenaMetlegeDiab www.thestar.com/politics/fed...
thestar.com
Canada introduces proposed citizenship by descent legislation
The federal government has tabled a new bill that would allow Canadians born abroad to pass citizenship by descent to children born overseas via a test to prove family ties
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
@ICLMG - we agree! The federal government must withdraw Bill C-2, and withdraw from the Safe Third Country Agreement #STCA Read oca.si/zhdcin our joint statement with Colour of Poverty - Colour of Change, SALCO, CASSA, CCNC-SJ, CSALC
oca.si
Joint_Statement_Bill-C-2_June-2025_[FINAL].pdf
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Joint Statement: Canada puts refugee claimants at risk Bill C-2 is an attack on refugee rights. Canada must withdraw from the #STCA oca.si/zhdcin #refugeeswelcome #statusforall
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
Join Debbie Douglas @OCASI_Policy at Toronto Newcomer Day - May 28 - Nathan Phillips Square. Live music, cultural performances, food, games, giveaways, and a warm welcome from your city. Whether you've been here 5 days or 50 days — all are invited! #TorontoNewcomerDay www.toronto.ca/Newcomerday
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Nicholas Keung @nicholaskeung.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
The findings debunk the myth that immigrants are “Canadians of convenience,” who take advantage of citizenship for the privilege of a Canadian passport but have no intention to stay and keep ties with their adopted homeland. www.thestar.com/news/canada/...
thestar.com
Is Canadian citizenship mostly a convenience? A new study counters the myth
A Statistics Canada report measures immigrants’ attachment to their new country 10 years after arrival.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Our May issue of OCASI In the Field is out! Read the latest blog from Debbie Douglas @ocasi_policy on twitter/X - thoughts on saying goodbye to a beloved long-standing OCASI colleague, and reflections on the recent federal election: mailchi.mp/ocasi/ocasi-...
mailchi.mp
OCASI In the Field #154 - May
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Social Planning Toronto @planningtoronto.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Punishing encampment residents instead of providing the housing people need costs more than anyone wants to pay — ethically, morally, and fiscally. In Ontario, we can’t afford to import this cruel American approach. SPT co-signs this letter. docs.google.com/document/d/1...
docs.google.com
Encampment Justice Coalition — Letter to the Premier
Dear Premier Ford, Ontario’s homelessness crisis has exploded. Last year, 80,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness — more than triple the number since 2018, and nearly three times the number of she...
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
"Although immigration officials said there are other general permanent residence programs available for workers, critics said these other options all have more stringent language and education requirements that the most needed agri-food workers can’t meet."
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Vote For Equity For All Check out our equity priorities ocasi.org/vote-equity-... We call on political party leaders to work towards a future where everyone on these lands will have the means and opportunity to thrive and prosper. #Canadavotes2025 #Vote2025 #elections2025 #cdnpoli
ocasi.org
Vote For Equity For All | OCASI
Priorities for Federal election 2025 The federal election will take place on April 28, 2025. Find out more about how to vote from Elections Canada. This federal election, let’s call on political party...
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Reposted by OCASI
CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 10/04/2025
“Canadians would be better off without the tax cuts and, instead, with stronger public spending, which will have a more stimulative impact on the economy,” @marclee.bsky.social #cdnpoli www.napaneeguide.com/federal_elec...
napaneeguide.com
Can Canada really afford the promised tax cuts?
As each federal party looks to cut taxes for Canadians, it’s exposed a push-and-pull with bringing down the deficit. Read more.
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OCASI @ocasi.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Today, on the 40th anniversary of the 'Singh Decision' OCASI invites you to sign an open letter to federal leaders to commit to policies that honour #refugees. lnkd.in/eZCyW99r Watch our Refugee Rights Day panel (recorded) "Action 2025: Defending Refugee Rights in Canada” youtu.be/jptnLsii9UE
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