08/04/2026
ICYMI: Damayan BC held its Annual General Assembly on July 12 at Trout Lake Community . Over 30 members, clients, and allies gathered to celebrate Damayan BC's work over the past year and collaborate on migrant resource network planning.
After lunch, we reflected on Damayan BC's activities from 2025 to 2026, including: support for community events with partner organizations; becoming an affiliate member of the International Migrants Alliance Canada; logo redesign and ongoing website development; public and ongoing case intake training; connecting 4 migrants in precarious situations to pro bono lawyers and community resources; and starting a resource guide for wraparound support for undocumented and precarious workers.
Next, we delivered a primer on Bill C-12, based on analysis from the International Migrants Alliance Canada All Members Meeting in June 2026. Bill C-12, the "Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act", became law in March 2026 and affects all migrants and immigrants in the country. The bill (a) poses a significant threat to the rights and safety of migrants and refugees, (b) expands the state's power to cancel immigration documents and block legitimate refugee claims arbitrarily, and (c) worsens the risks of detention, deportation, and family separation.
To illustrate these impacts, we screened a short documentary by Education4All, a campaign by AWARE: Alberta Workers Association for Research and Education. "Canada's Invisible Children" tells the stories of children in Alberta who have been denied access to school due to their family’s precarious immigration status, even before the passage of Bill C-12.
Afterwards, we mapped assets and gaps in migrant resources across the Lower Mainland. Our program ended with a cultural performance from members of Migrante BC.
We registered 8 new volunteers from the AGM, and we're always on the lookout for more people to join. Our focus areas include case intake, project support, education and training, research and advocacy, and communications. Training is provided and time commitments are flexible. Sign up to volunteer through the link in our bio today!
Photos courtesy of Jepren Solis
