Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

1. Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto)

According to its website, MCC Toronto is a "progressive" Christian church that was established in 1973 (n.d.a). In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs of MCC Toronto stated that the church "provides assistance and support to LGBTQ+ refugees, refugee claimants, and newcomers" in Canada (MCC Toronto Director 2024-04-24).

The MCC Toronto website states the church runs programs assisting those who identify as LGBTQ+ and who have "experienced discrimination, violence or threats of violence or other forms of persecution," due to their "gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation" (n.d.b). The website further notes that since 2007 [the year the church's LGBTQ+ refugee program was created (MCC Toronto n.d.a)], MCC Toronto has helped "over 8,000 LGBTQ+ refugees and brought 75 LGBTQ+ refugees" to Canada under these programs (MCC Toronto [2022]).

1.1 Requirements to Obtain Support Letters

MCC Toronto provides "letters of support to registered program participants for use at refugee hearings" (MCC Toronto n.d.c). MCC Toronto's Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs stated that their organization issues documents such as membership letters and support letters "confirming the involvement" of individuals at MCC Toronto (2024-04-24). The same source noted that these letters are "typically" issued by the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs (MCC Toronto Director 2024-04-24).

The information in the rest of this section was provided by MCC Toronto's Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs:

The organization issues membership letters to attest to its members' affiliation with MCC Toronto and includes details on their level of participation and the date they joined church programs, as they may be relevant to their immigration case. Support letters are given to members who also volunteer and contribute "their time and efforts" to the church's initiatives.

Membership and support letters are "primarily" requested for the purposes of an Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada hearing, but church members may "occasionally" request a reference letter to help with their employment process.

To obtain a letter, individuals must have attended orientation sessions during which they received information about LGBTQ+ programming, "self-identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community," and "actively participated in the program for at least one month" (MCC Toronto Director 2024-04-24).

1.2 Procedures to Produce Support Letters

The information in the following paragraph was provided by MCC Toronto's Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs:

Before issuing a letter, we cross-check our internal database to confirm the member's attendance at orientation … If there is any discrepancy with dates, we typically reach out to the member and ask for tangible evidence of their involvement. … The issuance of letters is done on a priority basis. This is usually issued closer to the member's hearing date provided they have been an active member of the program for at least 1 month. … We maintain an electronic copy of the letter for our records, typically storing it for at least seven years. (MCC Toronto Director 2024-04-24)

A sample of a support letter (Attachment 1) and a membership letter (Attachment 2), provided by MCC Toronto's Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs to the Research Directorate, are attached to this Response.

2. Rainbow Refugee

According to its website, Rainbow Refugee is a Vancouver-based charity founded in the early 2000s that supports people "fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status" (n.d.a). Rainbow Refugee provides "support, information, and system navigation to refugees and refugee claimants seeking refugee status in Canada" and manages a program to privately sponsor refugees to Canada (n.d.a). The Rainbow Refugee website specifies that the organization's Inland Program assists individuals "already in British Columbia, Canada who have fled persecution in their country of origin based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status" (n.d.b).

2.1 Requirements to Obtain Support Letters

The information in the following paragraph was provided by Rainbow Refugee's Co-Executive Director of Programming & Advocacy in correspondence with the Research Directorate:

Rainbow Refugee provides support letters to its members, participants, and volunteers who have registered and "actively engaged" in the organization's programs and services for "at least two months." These support letters are issued at the request of an individual to demonstrate their involvement with Rainbow Refugee. Individuals "typically" request such letters to support their IRB refugee claim, but letters can also be produced for proceedings with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and appeals with the Federal Court. Letters are also "[o]ccasionally" requested by individuals affiliated with the organization to support their release from immigration detention (Co-Executive Director 2024-05-07).

2.2 Procedures to Produce Support Letters

The information in the following section was provided by the Co-Executive Director of Rainbow Refugee:

The requestor fills out "a basic intake form" after they first contact Rainbow Refugee; the organization uses that information to create a file in their case management software which contains membership records and "detailed notes relevant to providing psychosocial support." The organization conducts an assessment of the individual's needs and refers them to the relevant programs. The Inland Program Coordinator drafts the "initial letter based on their knowledge of the individual, staff input, [case management software] notes, and other information." The Co-Executive Director of Programming & Advocacy then reviews the letter for "accuracy, country conditions, and compliance with guidelines." After this review, the final letter is signed by the Co-Executive Director of Programming & Advocacy, with the "possibility of other authorized personnel signing in specific cases." The content of the letter depends on the individual's level of participation and familiarity with the organization's staff.

The process to issue such a letter "typically takes up to a couple of weeks"; however, if "expedited processing is required," members can approach the organization's staff. Electronic copies of all issued letters are kept for "at least" five years. Rainbow Refugee does not charge any fees to provide letters of support or for any of its other services (Co-Executive Director 2024-05-07).

A sample of a support letter, provided by Rainbow Refugee's Co-Executive Director of Programming & Advocacy to the Research Directorate, is attached to this Response (Attachment 3).

3. The 519

According to its website, The 519 was created in 1975 as a community centre in Toronto (The 519 n.d.a). The same source indicates that The 519 is a City of Toronto agency and a registered charity "committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ community" (The 519 n.d.b). The 519 operates on a framework based on "Service, Space, and Leadership" to meet the needs of their community, which it describes as follows:

Service: We respond to the evolving needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, from counselling services and queer parenting resources to coming out groups, trans programming, and senior's support.

Space: We provide free, accommodating and non-judgemental space where individuals, organizations and non-profit groups can meet, organize and work towards their goals.

Leadership: We share knowledge and insight gathered on the ground through consulting and workshop services, best practice research and public engagement campaigns. (The 519 n.d.b)

According to its 2022 annual report, The 519 served 1,028 refugee claimants that year under its New to Canada program (2023-06, 12). According to the same source's website, after conducting a "brief intake," The 519 Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic for LGBTQ+ individuals provides virtual and/or in-person "one-time free consultations" to support LGBTQ+ immigrants, refugees and residents living "within" the organization's "catchment area," namely the streets of Bloor, Gerrard & Bay, and Parliament in Toronto (The 519 n.d.c). The website further notes that this service is "generally available bimonthly" (The 519 n.d.c).

3.1 Requirements and Procedures to Obtain Support Letters

The information in the following section was provided by The 519's Manager of Refugee Support Services in correspondence with the Research Directorate:

1. Issuance of Official Letters: Yes, The 519 issues a Statement of Advocacy to registered clients of the Newcomer Settlement Department who are refugee claimants.
2. Request for Letters: The letters are issued upon the client's request. To obtain this document, individuals must provide proof that they have received a Confirmation of Referral, Notice to Appear, Instructions for Streaming of Less Complex Claims at the Refugee Protection Division (IRB), or any other official document from IRB that confirms the client’s completion of the eligibility interview and status as a refugee claimant.
3. Reasons for Requesting Letters: These letters are specifically requested and provided for legal proceedings related to immigration matters based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression.
4. Requirements to Obtain a Letter: To be a fully registered client of The 519 Newcomer Settlement Department, individuals must self-identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, complete an intake process, and attend an information session that familiarizes them with The 519 and the community we serve. The intake form is exclusively available to refugees and newcomers who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
5. Procedures for Issuing Letters
   
   1. Verification of Membership or Involvement: Before issuing a letter, we verify that each individual requesting the letter is fully registered, which includes completing the intake and attending an information session in full.
   2. Authorization to Issue Letters: The managers and coordinators of the Newcomer Settlement Department are authorized to issue these letters.
   3. Processing Time and Expedited Process: It takes 7-21 days for each support letter to be processed. There is no expedited process available.
   4. Fees for Issuance: There are no fees associated with the issuance of the letter.
   5. Record-Keeping: We maintain an electronic copy of the letter issued for 5 years.
6. Description of the Letter: The attached letter is a formal statement of advocacy, dated with the date of issuance. It is addressed "To Whom It May Concern" and is signed by either a manager or coordinator of the Newcomer Settlement Department at The 519. The letter confirms the client's registration with The 519's Newcomer Settlement Department and completion of The 519's Newcomer Information Session. It also states the client's self-identification as a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and their access to The 519's programs and services specific to 2SLGBTQ+-identified refugee claimants.
   The letter is affixed with The 519 official logo at the top left of each page and includes official markings such as The 519's address, charitable registration number, and manager's or coordinator's contact information. It is formatted as a formal business letter and is signed by the issuer. The content of the letter emphasizes The 519's commitment to providing support services for LGBTQ+-identified refugees and newcomers to Canada. It also highlights the organization's history of offering settlement services and community programs for diverse LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers. (Manager 2024-04-25)

A sample of The 519's Statement of Advocacy letter, provided to the Research Directorate by the The 519's Manager of Refugee Support Services, is attached to this Response (Attachment 4).

4. Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place)

The MIIC Welcome Place website describes itself as Manitoba's "largest refugee settlement" agency, with staff who work with "multicultural, multi-linguistic and multi-faith communities in Manitoba to support all classes of newcomers and refugees" ([2021]). The website also states that MIIC Welcome Place has been operating for "over" 75 years and is governed by a "multi-faith" volunteer Board (MIIC Welcome Place [2021]). The same source indicates that MIIC Welcome Place both "monitors government policies towards newcomers and refugees and works cooperatively with federal, provincial and non-government agencies which are concerned for their welfare," and "ensures through its programming and community connections with other like-minded and specialized agencies that newcomers and refugees access and receive services that are necessary" (MIIC Welcome Place [2021]). The MIIC Welcome Place website states that the organization aims to "develop comprehensive and enriching programs" to help newcomers and refugees become familiar with the skills needed for life in Canada and find permanent accommodations (n.d.a).

4.1 Programs

According to the MIIC Welcome Place website, in 2001, the organization signed an agreement with IRCC to become a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) [1] and has since been resettling refugees to Canada by privately sponsoring them (n.d.b). MIIC Welcome Place's 2022-2023 annual report notes that 132 individuals were sponsored between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 ([2023], 11).

According to the MIIC Welcome Place website, the organization assists refugee claimants in "navigating the refugee claims process" through its In-Canada Protection Services program (n.d.c). The same source further notes that these services include:

• Making a refugee claim from inside Canada
• Applying for permanent residence
  …
• Finding a lawyer to assist with claim process
• Applying for provincial health card
• Applying for Employment and Income Assistance
• Training on the refugee claim process and cultural adaptation
• Preparing refugee claimants for their immigration hearing
• Assistance finding temporary accommodation
• Community partnership with Legal Aid Manitoba. (MIIC Welcome Place n.d.c)

The MIIC Welcome Place's 2022-2023 annual report states that under its In-Canada Protection Services program, 1,464 refugee claimants were assisted between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 ([2023], 11).

4.2 Support Letters

The information in the following paragraph was provided by the Assistant Director of MIIC Welcome Place in correspondence with the Research Directorate:

MIIC Welcome Place does not provide any membership or other forms of letters to individuals in support of their refugee claim. Refugee claimants can obtain support letters from "various sources" and organizations that are "knowledgeable" about their claim. MIIC Welcome Place provides free notary services for "important" documents as required by refugee claimants (Assistant Director 2024-04-18).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] The Government of Canada signs agreements with organizations to make them Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) responsible for helping refugees resettle in Canada. They are "often" organizations with a "religious, ethnic, community or humanitarian" focus. SAHs are "ultimately responsible for each refugee" sponsored under their agreement (Canada 2024-03-21).

References

The 519. 2023-06. Bringing It Home: 2022 Annual Report. [Accessed 2024-05-01]

The 519. N.d.a. "Our History." [Accessed 2024-04-30]

The 519. N.d.b. "About The 519." [Accessed 2024-04-30]

The 519. N.d.c. "Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic for LGBTQ+ Individuals." [Accessed 2024-04-30]

Assistant Director, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). 2024-04-18. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Canada. 2024-03-21. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)."Sponsorship Agreement Holders: About the Program." [Accessed 2024-05-13]

Co-Executive Director, Rainbow Refugee. 2024-05-07. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Director, Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). 2024-04-24. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Manager, The 519. 2024-04-25. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). [2023]. Annual Report 2022-2023. [Accessed 2024-05-03]

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). [2021]. "Mission and Vision." [Accessed 2024-05-02]

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). N.d.a. "Goals." [Accessed 2024-05-02]

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). N.d.b. "Sponsorship Services." [Accessed 2024-05-03]

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) Inc. / Welcome Place (MIIC Welcome Place). N.d.c. "In-Canada Protection Services." [Accessed 2024-05-03]

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). [2022]. "Our Human Rights Work." [Accessed 2024-04-17]

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). N.d.a. "About Us." [Accessed 2024-04-19]

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). N.d.b. "LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs." [Accessed 2024-04-17]

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). N.d.c. "I am an LGBTQ+ Refugee Claimant or Newcomer IN Canada." [Accessed 2024-04-19]

Rainbow Refugee. N.d.a. "Home." [Accessed 2024-05-03]

Rainbow Refugee. N.d.b. "Refugee Claim from Inside Canada." [Accessed 2024-05-03]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites, including: Austrian Red Cross – ecoi.net; The Canadian Press; CBC; Factiva; The Globe and Mail; Toronto Star; UN – UNHCR, Refworld.

Attachments

1. Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). 2024. Sample of a letter of support. Sent to the Research Directorate by the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs at MCC Toronto, 2024-04-24. Translated into French by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada.
2. Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto). 2024. Sample of a membership letter. Sent to the Research Directorate by the Director of LGBTQ+ Refugee Programs at MCC Toronto, 2024-04-24. Translated into French by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada.
3. Rainbow Refugee. 2024. Sample of a letter of support. Sent to the Research Directorate by the Co-Executive Director of Programming & Advocacy at Rainbow Refugee, 2024-05-07. Translated into French by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada.
4. The 519. 2024. Sample of a statement of advocacy. Sent to the Research Directorate by the Manager of Refugee Support Services at The 519, 2024-04-25. Translated into French by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada.