The CRAVE and OIDG mobilized for asylum seekers
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The day allowed participants to meet free of charge with Me Esther Louis, LL.B., lawyer, as well as M. Michelange Obas, immigration consultant.
The Centre de recherche-action sur le vivre-ensemble (CRAVE) and the Observatoire international pour la démocratie et la gouvernance (OIDG) organized, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, a Day of Solidarity and Support for asylum seekers and refugees.
The activity is part of the Programme d'accompagnement personnalisé aux Demandeurs d'asile et réfugiés (PAPDAR), funded by the Fondation pour les communautés noires with partial support from the Government of Canada, and also benefiting from financial support from Groupe 3737.
In his address, Dr. Ambroise Guillaume, president of CRAVE and OIDG, presented the objectives and relevance of PAPDAR. He emphasized that this program represents a concrete response to the current migration crisis, marked notably by the termination of several immigration programs in the United States and by increasingly restrictive policies toward immigrants.
Mr. Guillaume noted that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which affects approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals, is plunging many families into uncertainty. This situation is prompting a growing number of people to seek protection in Canada in order to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Dr. Guillaume also highlighted the many challenges faced by asylum seekers: delays in accessing social assistance, difficulty finding affordable housing, rapid integration into the job market, and a lack of information about available resources.
He noted that several of them have already been victims of discrimination and racism, and that it is essential to provide them with support that fosters harmonious integration while respecting their rights.
The day gave participants the opportunity to meet free of charge with Me Esther Louis, LL.B., a lawyer, and Mr. Michelange Obas, an immigration consultant, in order to receive personalized advice and gain a better understanding of the steps related to their immigration situation.
Participants also benefited from the expertise of Ms. Ruth Desamours, employability project coordinator at Femmes en Emploi, a project partner, who answered their questions and guided them through the process of integrating into the Quebec job market.
For his part, Mr. Michel Jean Gilles, an administrative resource person, provided support on several practical matters, including: • Comparative evaluation of credentials; • Work permit applications and renewals; • Study permit applications.
The event was also marked by an inspiring musical performance by committed artist Jean Jean Roosevelt, who helped create a warm and supportive atmosphere, true to the spirit of the day.
Through this initiative, CRAVE and OIDG reaffirm their commitment to the reception, support, and integration of asylum seekers and refugees, while contributing to building a more inclusive, equitable society that respects human dignity.