Following every Canadian federal election as new ministers are being installed in their posts, the Centre for Public Dialogue sends letters of introduction. These types of letters are significant for several reasons. They allow the centre to begin a relationship with ministers in a positive way. The letters are an opportunity to bear witness to the perspectives of those impacted by issues through sharing about the challenges the Minister is likely to deal with, and they build a foundation for ongoing dialogue with the minister.
This was the context for a letter sent to the new minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship by the Centre for Public Dialogue and World Renew. The CRC has a long history of supporting refugees and World Renew is a Sponsorship Agreement Holder with the Government of Canada, which is the system by which churches are able to sponsor refugees directly to resettle in provinces across the country.
This type of advocacy alongside follow up in letters, phone calls, and in person meetings from individual church members is an important part of Christian witness in the public sphere. This work is significant and is part of the effective welcome of refugees to local communities.
- The Centre for Public Dialogue Team
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