JIAS CANADA/UIAFC JOINT TASKFORCE ON IMMIGRATION

In March 2006, the Planning Allocations and Services Committee of UIAFC (PAS) recommended that a joint JIAS Canada/UIAFC taskforce be convened to review Canadian immigration issues as they intersect with Jewish national communal needs and concerns. 

In its discussion of the objectives for the taskforce, it was agreed that the taskforce would function as a think-tank over the year to take a position on Canadian immigration as well as assess the impact of immigration on Canada and our own communities.  What do we want our role to be now and in the future? 

The taskforce will have representatives from PAS and JIAS Canada and will consult with CIJA and CJC on an as needed basis.

The National Jewish Demographic Study based on the 2001 census, revealed that our national Jewish community is growing only slightly (net growth of approximately 14,000 from 1991 to 2001) mainly because of immigration.  An underlying concern that has fuelled the need for this review is the belief that stronger Jewish communities across the country are critical to our existence, politically and economically.   

A small sub-committee of the taskforce is currently working on the “Terms of Reference” for the taskforce and on receiving feedback from experts as well as service providers across the country.  The taskforce is planning to present a working paper to the UIAFC Board at its June meeting. 

The taskforce is co-chaired by Brenda Gewurz of the UIAFC Board and Stephen Green of the JIAS Canada Board.