EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BC

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BC

Seeking Safe Haven

John Mayr

It’s apparent that in our Society, giving and contributing are deeply rooted in Canada’s multicultural makeup.

Cultural diversity, the fabric of Canada, is nothing short of wonderous. For generations, Canada has been recognized as a giving country. We have welcomed those in need of a safe haven and a home.

Regardless of circumstance, religious or other persecution, war, or famine, Canadians gained the recognition as welcoming people and for the most part, that carries on today.

The past is rarely an indicator of the future, however. We have seen, in a number of our federal governments, both a retraction from the role Canada earned as peacekeepers and a reduction in the numbers of refugees and immigrants welcomed to our country.

A certain focus has been placed on refugees arriving on our southern border, on people crossing into Canada from the United States through areas in Quebec and Ontario. There continues to be debate as to whether “illegal crossings” should be rejected under the Safe Haven Agreement that dictates such refugees and migrants should be making application within the United States, considered by many to be a first country of “safe haven.”

The first world was captivated by the mass movement of people from Africa and the Middle East to Europe. Desperate people risked everything, placing their trust and whatever money they had in people-smugglers and criminals. Heart-wrenching stories of death and drowning accompanied by graphic pictures seized our attention.

Cultural diversity, the fabric of Canada, is nothing short of wonderous. For generations, Canada has been recognized as a giving country. We have welcomed those in need of a safe haven and a home.

For the most part, lost in the emotion were the staggering statistics and numbers of refugees that were accepted by European countries. Germany, Italy, Spain, and France accepted millions of refugees. In comparison, the number of refugees and immigrants Canada accepted is a mere fraction that pales in comparison to those other countries—and this during a time of economic growth, prosperity, and relative stability here.

Our country’s questionable record unfortunately does not stop there. We have only to look within our borders to see the continued deleterious effects of colonialism and the residential school system.

It would be far easier to defend Canada’s record on refugees and immigration had there been a significant recognition of the rights of Aboriginal peoples, along with efforts to address the long-standing problems associated with the Indian Act.

Am I the only person perplexed by the issue of undrinkable water in much of Canada and on a vast number of reservations? Is there not an analogy to the “canary in the coal mine”?

I’d like to propose we take the time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in a land with such opportunity—including the ability to hold government to account without fear of government-sponsored violence against us.

BC Notaries contribute significantly to their communities. There is a predilection to volunteering and community service that is honourable, highly valued, and appreciated.

BC Notaries are generous and giving. As independent legal-services providers, Notaries are often sought out by newcomers to Canada for advice, assistance, and guidance.

BC Notaries rise to the challenge and the nature of that giving is selfless and enduring. s