We believe that Canada has an important role in offering safe haven to those fleeing persecution and war. For people who cannot safely return to their home countries, we guided them through the refugee determination system. For those in Canada without legal immigration status, or who are inadmissible, we assisted them in seeking humanitarian and compassionate exemptions to what would otherwise be the harsh impact of the law.

Emmanuel made his way to Canada after fleeing violence and extortion in his home country. Like many refugees, his path to Canada was not straight-forward or easy. After finally arriving in Canada, he was faced with navigating the complex refugee claim process with minimal English.

Embarkation lawyers assisted Emmanuel with his legal process, including an eventual Federal Court motion to stop his deportation. Eight years after leaving his home country, Emmanuel became a proud permanent resident of Canada. After he regularized his status, Emmanuel sponsored his partner, Jolene, and her daughter, Maria, to Canada. After eleven years of legal uncertainty and family separation, Emmanuel, Jolene and Maria now live together – as a family – in Canada. Victor started his own successful small business that employs Canadians.

His journey – from refugee with an uncertain future to a successful business owner – exemplifies the deep economic, cultural and social contributions immigrants and refugees make to Canada.