Halifax Refugee Clinic named recipient of 2020 ISANS Award
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) was pleased to announce the Halifax Refugee Clinic as the recipient of this year’s ISANS Award. The award was presented virtually at the Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020.
The ISANS Award recognizes an individual, community group, business or employer who has demonstrated exceptional and innovative efforts in welcoming immigrants to Nova Scotia and in assisting them to successfully integrate into the community.
The Halifax Refugee Clinic has worked for 20 years to provide legal representation to refugee claimants in Nova Scotia. The clinic works to ensure refugees are given a fair opportunity to present their cases before the Immigration and Refugee Board and that, their rights and their integrity are fully respected throughout the process. In addition, the clinic has provided settlement and educational services to those they serve.
The clinic and ISANS have been long time partners, sharing opportunities, research and information to support one another – assisting with complex immigration matters and family reunification. They have been working together on housing, social services, the Walk for Refugees and many different projects and advocacies – especially regarding access to health care for refugees (Immigrant Health and Wellness Network, the Health Fair). The best example of this strong partnership is the successful joint advocacy for the need of a Newcomer Health Clinic that was established in 2014 by the NSHA.
About
The Halifax Refugee Clinic is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, community based organization that provides no-cost legal and settlement services to refugee claimants in Nova Scotia who are unable to afford the services of private legal counsel. The Halifax Refugee Clinic was created on June 1, 2000 to ensure that some of the world’s most vulnerable and persecuted people receive support and representation while they seek a safe haven in Nova Scotia. The Clinic relies on volunteers from the legal community to represent refugee claimants before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Complimentary to the legal services, the Clinic provides in-house settlement services and acts as a liaison between the claimant and access to other services available in the Province.
Quotes
“The Halifax Refugee Clinic has been a key advocate in our community for the last 20 years providing services to refugee claimants. As they celebrate 20 incredible years of service, we could not be more honoured to present them the ISANS Award.” – Jennifer Watts, ISANS CEO