The Power of Good Intentions

Canada’s program of private refugee sponsorship has been held up as a model for the world. Could the program be even better?

This University of Toronto Magazine article examines Canada’s pioneering private refugee sponsorship program.

According to Audrey Macklin, a U of T law professor, research suggests that privately sponsored refugees fare better in their new home than those who come through the government-assisted program. The reasons are clear: privately sponsored refugees arrive to a network of advocates who provide material support and also advice, contacts and instant social relationships. But, as Macklin noted, relatively little is known about the sponsors themselves.

Also in the article Senator Omidvar relates how she would make some tweaks, including more formal training for individuals and groups sponsoring refugees and required background checks for participants. She also recommends changes to the tax laws that would allow people to treat contributions to a private sponsorship effort as charitable donations. “Governance of sponsorship groups should remain organic, she says, but some capacity building should be put in place.”

Read more from this University of Toronto magazine article about private sponsorship.