Strengthening Borders, Weakening Rights?

Strengthening Borders, Weakening Rights



World Refugee Day honours those who have been forced to flee their home countries to seek safety for themselves and their families elsewhere. At a time when growing global conflicts are displacing millions of people, many countries are also closing their doors to those seeking protection by toughening legislation and criminalizing migrants. After decades of building a reputation as a country that welcomes refugees, Canada has also joined this troubling trend.

With the passage of Bill C-12, Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, Canada has moved away from its longstanding humanitarian values. The barriers it creates may leave many asylum seekers vulnerable, without legal status or access to essential services. Are these laws strengthening border controls at the expense of refugees’ rights? What is the human cost of this Bill, not just for those seeking protection, but for the communities that seek to welcome them?

From 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm at 312 Main, Vancouver. The Multi-Agency Partnership (MAP) BC and the UBC Centre for Migration Studies (CMS) invite you to World Refugee Day 2026  panel discussion entitled ''Strengthening Borders, Weakening Rights?''


Agenda Programme.

12:00 – 12:45 PM: Information Fair with Refugee Serving Agencies
12:45 – 1:00 PM: Opening remarks by MAP BC and CMS
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Bill C-12 and the Human Cost of Canada’s Border Reform
2:30 – 2:50 PM: Storytelling
3:00 – 3:30 PM: Information Fair with Refugee Serving Agencies
About the Speakers
Panel Discussion: Bill C-12 and the Human Cost of Canada’s Border Reform
Moderator
Dr. Lisa Ruth Brunner — Research Associate, University of British Columbia Centre for Migration Studies
Speakers
M. Yanni Nicolidakis-Mustafa — Lawyer, Edelmann and CoSaleem Spindari — Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and owner of Spindari Immigration Consulting Services
Dr. Evelyn Encalada Grez — Assistant Professor, Labour Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, Simon Fraser University

Storytelling
Diary Marif — Kurdish Writer and Journalist


Questions? Please contact admin.migration@ubc.ca.
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

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