Ajax policy would allow access to services for everyone

Yorkregion.com
June 14, 2019
Keith Gilligan

The town wants all residents to have access to services, regardless of a person's immigration status.

The Sanctuary/Access Without Fear Policy means Ajax staff won't ask a person their status when registering for a service.

Jai Sahak, the diversity and community engagement co-ordinator for Ajax, noted in a report to council's general government committee, "Through this declaration, we send a clear message that the Town of Ajax rejects all division, intolerance and xenophobia."

Ajax declared itself a Sanctuary City in June 2017 and it was one of six municipalities to make such a declaration. Edmonton has since declared itself a Sanctuary City.

"Ajax is so unique, as we are the only municipality that's a lower tier, to declare itself a Sanctuary City," Sahak said, during the committee meeting on Monday, June 10.

Town staff would never ask a person their immigration status, he added.

Tracey Vaughan, the director of recreation, culture and community development, said, "Staff would not ask for a specific question, such as 'can we see your documentation.' As residents, they are entitled to the same services as their neighbours."

Mayor Shaun Collier said, "There's a lot of misunderstanding behind this. We're not doing anything we're not already doing today."

People wouldn't be offered free services, nor would someone move ahead of others, Collier said.

"For people going through the (immigration) process, we don't want them to be dissuaded about being part of our town, part of our community and accessing services," Collier said.

"With this formal designation, residents will have access to town services regardless of immigration status, demonstrating that everyone can use our libraries, our parks, and be kept healthy and safe. Such a policy will entitle the town’s undocumented migrants with rights and privileges, but more importantly, obligations," Sahak wrote.

"This declaration is not meant to normalize the situation of undocumented migrants, nor is the Town of Ajax endorsing the illegal entry of immigrants. What this measure does recognize however, is the reality of families and individuals who are in precarious situations for various and often complex reasons and provides a way for them to self-persevere while setting themselves on the path to legal status," he added.

The committee approved the policy and council will consider it when it meets on June 17.