Sanctuary Policy

Sanctuary Policy

Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) recognizes that access to essential services, including legal support, health services, housing, public safety, and social services, is often limited due to immigration status. Many migrant workers and individuals with precarious immigration status experience barriers such as fear of deportation, discrimination, and exclusion from critical services.

Precarious immigration status includes migrant workers who do not have regularized immigration status or are non-status, recognizing that many people are undocumented permanently or temporarily during their migration process.

No CBSA or law enforcement on MWC premises

MWC premises and programs are no-law enforcement zones, where Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers or other law enforcement agencies are not permitted entry. 

MWC staff will only let law enforcement officers onto MWC premises in the following circumstances:

  • When a lawful warrant is presented at the time of entry;
  • When a migrant worker explicitly requests their presence; or
  • When there is an immediate risk to life or safety.

Personal information

MWC holds all information in strict confidentiality. MWC is not affiliated with the government, we are an independent non-profit organization. MWC will never share information related to immigration status with CBSA, IRCC, or police.

MWC is a worker-side organization; we do not advise employers, nor will we ever share any information with them without the explicit consent and direction from the migrant worker.