Organizations in Canada that are Against Displacement

Displacement is a major issue affecting many Canadians across the country. It occurs when individuals or communities are forced to leave their homes, often due to economic, political, or environmental factors. In some cases, displacement can lead to the loss of livelihoods, cultural heritage, and social networks, making it a particularly devastating phenomenon. Fortunately, several organizations in Canada are working to combat displacement and protect the rights of affected individuals and communities.

What is Displacement and Why is it a Problem?

Displacement refers to the forced relocation of individuals or communities from their homes or land. This can occur for various reasons, including the construction of infrastructure projects, land grabs, environmental disasters, or conflict. Displacement often results in the loss of homes, land, and livelihoods, as well as social and cultural networks. Displaced individuals and communities may face a range of challenges, including poverty, marginalization, and loss of identity.

Displacement is a complex issue that affects many Canadians across the country. Indigenous peoples, refugees, and low-income communities are particularly vulnerable to displacement. The impacts of displacement can be far-reaching and long-lasting, affecting not only individuals and communities but also the environment and wider society.

Organizations Fighting Against Displacement in Canada

Fortunately, several organizations in Canada are working to combat displacement and protect the rights of affected individuals and communities. Here are some of the most notable organizations:

1. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) is a non-profit research organization that conducts research and analysis on a range of social, economic, and environmental issues. The CCPA has conducted extensive research on displacement and its impacts, particularly on low-income communities and marginalized groups. They have published several reports and policy briefs on displacement and have advocated for policies and programs that support affected communities.

2. Amnesty International Canada

Amnesty International Canada is a human rights organization that advocates for the protection of human rights in Canada and around the world. They have conducted extensive research on displacement and have documented cases of forced evictions and other forms of displacement in Canada. They have also advocated for the rights of displaced individuals and communities and have called on the Canadian government to address the root causes of displacement.

3. The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers

The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers (CARL) is a non-profit organization that advocates for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Canada. They have been involved in several cases involving displacement, including cases related to the Safe Third Country Agreement and the deportation of refugees to unsafe countries. They have advocated for the rights of displaced individuals and have called on the Canadian government to provide protection and support to refugees and asylum seekers.

4. The Canadian Environmental Law Association

The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is a non-profit organization that advocates for environmental protection and sustainable development. They have been involved in several cases involving displacement, including cases related to the construction of infrastructure projects and the protection of Indigenous lands. They have advocated for the rights of affected communities and have called on the Canadian government to prioritize environmental protection and Indigenous rights.

Government Acts and News for this Topic

Several government acts and policies address displacement in Canada. These include:

• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): This declaration recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination, land, and resources. It also calls on governments to obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before approving any projects that may affect their lands or resources.
• The Canadian Environmental Assessment Act: This act requires that all major infrastructure projects undergo an environmental assessment to identify and address potential environmental impacts. This includes assessing the potential impacts on local communities, including the risk of displacement

Some sources for the government acts and news mentioned in the article:

1. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP): https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html
2. Canadian Environmental Assessment Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-15.2/
3. “Canada needs to do more to protect human rights in wake of UN condemnation of Site C: advocates” (article from CBC News): https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-needs-to-do-more-to-protect-human-rights-in-wake-of-un-condemnation-of-site-c-advocates-1.6136457
4. “Amnesty International Canada Urges Canada to Address Forced Evictions and Housing Discrimination” (article from Amnesty International Canada): https://www.amnesty.ca/news/amnesty-international-canada-urges-canada-address-forced-evictions-and-housing-discrimination
5. “Refugee lawyers launch legal action over Canada-US border agreement” (article from The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/22/refugee-lawyers-canada-us-border-agreement-legal-action