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NAWL | ANFD
151, Slater Street, suite 408
Ottawa, ON K1P 5H3
613.241.7570 (Tel)
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Immigrant and Refugee Law
Historically, our immigration law has been developed according to explicitly racist and sexist stereotypes. NAWL believes that in the 21st century, immigration law should respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of all women.
A human rights framework guides NAWL’s recommendations for reform of immigration and refugee law. We defend the need for a gender perspective in immigration and refugee law. The law should take into account the reality of the lives of women who immigrate to Canada or must flee here.
Brief on the Proposed Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Bill C-11)(2001)
In 2001, the government introduced new legislation on immigration and refugee protection. NAWL proposed a series of recommendations to improve this legislation with respect to women.
For example, more than one third of all women who immigrate to Canada are members of the “family class”. Family class members are “sponsored” by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The sponsor agrees to provide for the family member’s essential needs and to make sure that she does not have to apply for social assistance. The sponsorship regime leaves tens of thousands of immigrant women dependent and vulnerable.
Domestic workers who enter Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program are also exceptionally vulnerable. NAWL spoke out in favour of changes to address the plight of these women who are treated as second-class immigrants under Canadian law.
Finally, in certain countries, arranged marriages, widespread conjugal violence and women not being allowed to go to school or work without their father or husband’s permission are still the norm. If women do not conform to religious, social and cultural norms, they may be persecuted. NAWL proposed that gender-based persecution be recognized in the Act as a ground for obtaining refugee status.
Update: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Women (2006)
Some of NAWL’s 2001 recommendations were integrated in the new Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Others were ignored. In 2006, NAWL did a brief update of the impact of the new IRPA on immigrant and refugee women.
Jurisfemme Articles
Fall 2003
“Addressing Trafficking in Women and Children in Canada”, by Denise Sayer
Summer 2003
&The Live-In Caregiver Program, Inequality Under Canada’s Immigration System”, by Tami Friesen
Winter 2000
&Protecting Women's Equality Rights: Refugee Determination”, by Chantal Tie
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Update: Women and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2006) 
