G. Jones states the City of Windsor does not have an Access Without Fear status but it does have many positive practices that are currently in effect. G Jones provides a brief overview of how this matter came before the Committee. The report of the Manager of Social Policy and Planning dated August 16, 2017 entitled "Response to CQ14-2017: Information Report on the Sanctuary City Movement in Canada, attached as Appendix "A" was referred to the Diversity Committee for their review and consultation. This matter has been visited by the Committee during several meetings but no recommendation has yet been put forth
The memo from Gemma Symth dated September 25, 2018 is attached as Appendix "B" as additional background information.
G. Jones refers to the City of London 'Free of Fear Services for All Policy' as a sample of the type of Policy that is used by some municipalities:
- The City of London provides services to residents regardless of their immigration status.
- When you apply for, or use City services, City of London employees will not ask about immigration status or personal information unless there is a legislative requirement to do so. In such cases where immigration status must be documented, staff will not disclose your immigration status to the Canadian Border Services Agency or to the police.
- In many cases, City services may be accessed with proof of identification only. Proof of identification or residency is not necessarily an official government document. Depending on the service, proof of identification or residency can be as simple as a telephone bill that shows your address.
In response to a question posed by G. Jones regarding what is the will of the Committee, R. Al-Saadi responds she wants to pursue this matter further, and to free people from being questioned about their immigration status. She adds she is concerned that underlying barriers will be created, i.e. housing for refugees.
S. Evans suggests inviting Gemma Smyth to a future meeting.
Moved by Y. Huff, seconded by R. Al-Saadi, That Gemma Smyth, Associate Professor of Law, University of Windsor and Mary Ellen Bernard, Manager Social Housing & Policy BE INVITED to attend the next meeting of the Diversity Committee. Carried.