Edmonton Newcomer Centre 10170 112 Street NW Edmonton AB T5K 2L6
June 14 - 20, 2026
Week of Action
A national campaign leading up to World Refugee Day, June 20th.
Our Canada includes immigrants and refugees!
Let's remind everyone from June 14th to June 20th.
Why a Week of Action?
World Refugee Day is June 20. Let’s take the whole week to show, together, that across Canada we stand with refugees and newcomers, no matter where we come from or what language we speak.
When we act together, we are stronger than any attempt to divide us.
About Our Open Letter to the Prime Minister
World Refugee Day: A Call to Uphold Canadian Values
Our Canada includes Refugees and Immigrants!
Some politicians are actively counting on social permission from the few and silence from the many to deflect blame and anger toward refugees and immigrants for problems decades in the making through neglect. To prevent the horrors we see playing out in the U.S., we need to end the silence and raise our voices now.
It’s time to come together to make our voices loud, proud and visible to turn the tide on rising anti-refugee and anti-immigrant sentiment. The vast majority of people in Canada support refugees and migrants and expect Canada to continue being a humanitarian leader in the world.
Join us ahead of World Refugee Day in calling on our Prime Minister to uphold Canadian values, because we know we’re better and stronger together.
Read the Letter
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A2
World Refugee Day: A Call to Uphold Canadian Values
Dear Prime Minister,
We are writing to you, thousands strong, as concerned people from across Canada on the occasion of World Refugee Day. Each year on June 20, we join people around the world in celebrating the inherent value of welcoming refugees to our country.
This is fundamental to Canadian values. Year after year, thousands of people in every province and territory have built community and connection through sponsoring, resettling, and supporting refugees seeking safety in the promise of Canada.
But this year feels different.
As leaders in other countries recklessly stoke hatred toward migrants and refugees, we are proud to live in a country that welcomes newcomers of all backgrounds. We want no part of the horror unfolding in the United States, where neighbours are turned against each other and families are violently deported without a hearing. Yet we are not immune to rising anti-immigrant sentiment here in Canada. Newcomers are experiencing it every day, as many of us can attest.
Canada has long been a leader in offering protection to those fleeing war and persecution, to women escaping gender-based violence, and to LGBTQIA+ refugees seeking a new home where they are free to be themselves. We are rightly known for our fair adjudication of refugee claims, highly skilled resettlement organizations, and strong private sponsorship programs.
This is who we have been as a country, and who we want to continue to be.
Yet this tradition, which has so greatly shaped the fabric and quality of our country, is under threat from a vocal minority who mistakenly (or cynically) link refugees to social problems decades in the making — issues that affect us all and deserve serious attention, but should never be used to undermine safe refuge and due process for people fleeing persecution.
The danger of giving oxygen to anti-migrant and anti-refugee sentiment is real. We are deeply alarmed by steep reductions in refugee admissions from abroad, the closure of private sponsorship pathways, and changes to the refugee claims process that will deprive people of a fair hearing.
People in Canada want a just and well-managed refugee system that reflects our reputation as a safe haven in an unforgiving world. According to the latest Ipsos poll, three out of four Canadians believe people fleeing war and persecution should have the opportunity to seek refuge here. When refugees arrive, they gain a safe home, and Canada gains future citizens who strengthen our communities, enrich our culture, create jobs, and build our economy.
For 75 years, the UN Refugee Convention has upheld the right to seek safety as a universal human right — one Canada has long honoured. On this World Refugee Day, we invite you to uphold this principle at the heart of Canadian values, recognizing that none of us is safe until all of us are safe.
As you prepare for the next session of Parliament, we ask you to:
- ensure Canada welcomes and resettles more, not fewer, refugees;
- protect fair hearings for those seeking asylum in Canada; and
- uphold and strengthen Canada’s global refugee leadership in defending human rights and gender equality.
Canada is beautiful because we speak many languages, come from many places, and across our differences, we look out for each other. We expect our leaders to carry on that legacy and help make this a country where all families can thrive.
If you do, an overwhelming majority of Canadians will stand with you to make it a reality.
Because we are better and stronger together.
Sincerely,
Help us reach 5000 signatures!
Week of Action Overview
Mobilize your network
June 14 | Day 1
Email supporters and activate networks
Open Letter to the PM
June 15 | Day 2
Share the Open Letter to the Prime Minister
Community spotlight
June 16 | Day 3
Highlight Events, stories, local gatherings
End the STCA
June 17 | Day 4
Amplify CCR assets, support the legal challenge
Community spotlight
June 18 | Day 5
Highlight Events, stories, local gatherings
Indigenous solidarity
June 19 | Day 6
Share stories of solidarity for Indigenous rights and justice
World Refugee Day
June 20 | Day 7
Events, celebration and hilighting refugee voices
Join an Event in Your Local Community
Alberta
Edmonton | June 18, 2026
Citizenship Ceremony
Habesha Legal Professionals Association of Canada (Habesha LPAC)
Calgary | June 6, 2026
MP Salma Zahid to speak to African community. Discussion focused on processing delay from Africa
Manitoba
Canadian Muslim Women's Institute Inc.
Winnipeg | June 18, 2026
We are collaboratign with the Winnipeg Settlement Sector and are hosting an event at the Central Park on WRD.
Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations (MANSO)
Winnipeg | June 18, 2026
contact: Nadia Mahmood
A large gathering of of 500 people for World Refugee Day at Central Park Winnipeg MANSO is partnering with many organizations to plan this event, including Accueil francophone, Welcome Place, City of Winnipeg, Together Project, Immigrant Centre, West End Biz, NEEDS Inc., Red River College Polytechnic, Mennonite Central Committee, Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute, Family Dynamics, Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, 1 Just City, Réseaux d’Immigration Francophone, Elmwood Community Resource Centre, Resilia Community Wellness Centre, Immigration Partnership Winnipeg, Knox Church, The Excel Empowerment Centre, Louis Riel School Division, SEED Winnipeg, Mosaic Family Resource Network, Age & Opportunity, and Winnipeg Newcomer Sports Academy, Winnipeg Initiative for Refugees
Regional Connections Immigrant Services
Winkler | June 20, 2026
World Refugee Day Celebration. Partner: Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership
Naomi House
Winnipeg | August 20, 2026
The event is planned as our way to commemorate refugee day. “Explore the refugee highway,” An immersive experience. Get a small taste of the challenges that refugees and displaced people face. Visit different stations along the refugee highway and make decisions based on the difficulties you are presented with. Any choice could change the outcome of your situation. It is a family friendly event.
Manitoba Bridges For Economic Growth & Cultural Integration INC
Winnipeg | June 20, 2026
We are bringing together Somali Community Leaders, Refugees, and Newcomers together, sharing information about BILL-C12, and raising awareness
Nova Scotia
Halifax Immigration Partnership
Halifax | July 1, 2026
Walk with refugees which happen to commemoration World Refugee day.
Ontario
Refugee 613
Ottawa | June 20, 2026
Activities, live music, entertainment, and performances throughout the event. Opportunities to enjoy performances from local artists and community members. Food and light refreshments will be made available for attendees. There will be kid and family-friendly activities, children’s programming and interactive activities. Community connection opportunities to meet and connect with refugees, newcomers, community members, and local organizations.
Center for Peace Canada
Scarborough | June 20, 2026
Word Refugee Day 2026, Participants are Sri Lankan Tamils.
www.centerforpeace.ca
Afghan Women Organization's Refugee and Immigrant Service
North York | June 19, 2026
To demonstrate compassion, acknowledge, and celebrate refugees, we have undertaken very successful outreach event in the community. At this event, we not only distributed our own literature about AWO programs but also used various forms of expressive arts, such as calligraphy, poetry, very short storytelling/writing, and painting. We will create stories from this experience for our website, social media, and profile the refugees’ plight, challenges, aspirations, and contributions. Social Media Team and some other colleagues will run the event while we recruit volunteer artists. Based on that experience and on the enthusiasm and contributions of participating colleagues, we have started recruiting artists for collaboration on June 19th.
Citizens for Public Justice and the Anglican Diocese of Niagara
Ottawa | June 24, 2026
Organized by Citizens for Public Justice and the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. A book launch event for the new book A Renewed Canadian Welcome, with a particular focus on rights for LGBTQ+ refugees and migrants.
Canadian Centre For Victims Of Torture (CCVT)
toronto | June 20, 2026
We have an event for world refugee day- art exhibition where our clients (refugees) will showcase their artwork for the community. Community members can vote on their favorite piece and the winner will receive a prize. This is to empower clients and help them build their confidence. The second activity is International day in support of victims of torture, in which we have guest speakers, performances and more for our clients.
Talent Bridge Fair Migration Coalition
| June 25, 2026
We’re bringing together employers and other supporters of refugee labour mobility. The coalition is a group made up of organizations. Talent Beyond Boundaries, ThriveON, Fragomen, Beacon and others. We are doing a podcast (date tbd) and a winery event on the 25th.
Matthew House Toronto
london | June 19, 2026
contact: Maria Franco
we are planning a community event in partnership with LUSO, Southwest, YMCA, Western, etc.
Matthew House Toronto
Toronto, Ontario | June 20, 2026
contact: Ellie Farrell
“Matthew House is planning Matthew House Toronto is hosting Walk With Welcome, a World Refugee Day celebration focused on refugee history, community welcome, and support for refugee claimants rebuilding their lives in Canada.
This family-friendly event invites the public to learn more about Canada’s history of refugee reception and the ongoing realities faced by refugee claimants today. The day begins with a guided Welcome Walk from Ireland Park to Matthew House, where participants will explore meaningful Toronto landmarks connected to stories of arrival, displacement, resilience, and belonging.
The walk is designed to be both educational and engaging, helping participants see Toronto through the lens of refugee experiences and the communities that have shaped the city across generations. Along the route, guests will learn about the ways refugees and newcomers have contributed to Toronto, while also reflecting on the challenges people continue to face when seeking safety, shelter, and stability.
After the walk, guests are invited to a picnic celebration at Matthew House featuring food, raffle opportunities, activities, informational exhibits, and the opportunity to connect with community members and a refugee ambassador.
While still in the planning stages we are in contact with the JIAS and are hoping to have the Sponsorship Stories exhibit. All proceeds support Matthew House Toronto’s work providing shelter, settlement support, and community-based welcome to refugee claimants in Toronto.”
Romero House
Toronto | June 6, 2026
Romero House and the Neighbourhood Community organize a street party on Wanda Road every year on the first Saturday of June. The event is well known as the Wanda Street Party.
This year, we will have a table at the event with a sign that says “We Are Better Together.” We will also provide a box and sheets of paper for participants to share their opinions and thoughts about refugees, which they can place in the box; later, we will display those thoughts.
The responsible person at the table will provide information about World Refugee Day and the “We Are Better Together” collective action initiative to the participants.
Quaker Committee for Refugees
Toronto | June 12, 2026
contact : Eusebio Garcia
Refugee Art Show
Friday, June 12 10:00 AM -9:00 PM; Saturday, June 13 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Free Admission. Official Opening: Friday, June 12 at 6:00 PM.
Québec
Centre Communautaire LGBTQ+ de Montréal
Montréal | June 20, 2026
On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the LGBTQ+ Community Center and the Table de concertation des organismes au service des personnes réfugiées et immigrantes (TCRI), in collaboration with Funambules Médias, are pleased to invite you to an outdoor panel screening of the Quebec film *On sera heureux*, directed by Léa Pool. This evening will be an opportunity to gather, share, and reflect collectively on the realities faced by people seeking protection in Quebec. The screening will be preceded by a short panel bringing together engaged voices to kick off the discussion and highlight the experiences, challenges, and solidarity within our communities. 📅 Saturday, June 20 🗣️ Panel starts: 8:00 PM 🎬 Screening starts: 9:00 PM 📍 Normanville Park (Jean-Talon or Jarry metro) 🪑 Bring your blanket or chair 🍿 Drinks and popcorn provided 🎟️ Free event 🔞 Screening recommended for ages 12 and up
SINGA Québec
Montreal | June 20, 2026
Evening with music, buffet, screening of the film ‘Ru,’ and a chat with our guest of honor, Mrs. Kim Thúy.
CREDIL
Joliette | June 25, 2026
BBQ
Action Réfugiés Montréal
montreal | June 18, 2026
Contact: Meghri Bakarian
An art exhibition titled Echo of Shadows featuring storytelling and sound presentations created by beneficiaries from our three different programs.
In collaboration with Université Laval, participants were offered a creative space through community art workshops, and this exhibition will showcase the artwork developed during these sessions.
In addition, through another collaboration with the Chapelle musicale du Bon-Pasteur, we were able to provide a second series of workshops over the past few months, culminating in a presentation on July 18th.
This exhibition is therefore organized by Action Refugees Montréal (ARM) in collaboration with Université Laval and the Chapelle musicale du Bon-Pasteur.”
Maison Internationale de la Rive Sud
Longueuil | June 20, 2026
We have planned an event around the theme: “Invisible Crossings – Living the Journey of a Refugee.” Participants are placed in a fictional context where they must leave their homes quickly. A facilitator introduces the situation: “A crisis has just broken out. You must leave immediately. You have little time to choose what you take with you.” The goal is to provide an immersive experience that allows participants to better understand a significant stage in the journey of refugees: forced departure. Through a simple and supervised simulation, participants are encouraged to reflect on: The urgency of an unforeseen departure, the difficulty of making quick choices, and loss, letting go, and uncertainty. This activity forms the heart of the experience and will be followed by a testimony from a refugee, allowing for a connection to reality.