Our community is comprised of people of all migration statuses who contribute to community. Limiting access to services based on migration status creates a fundamentally unjust system in which sections of our community are excluded, exploited, and denied access to their basic human rights. Fear of detention or deportation means people do not access necessary services, like healthcare, and do not report crimes they witness. It is our stance, therefore, that sanctuary organisations benefit the entire community. Honouring the land and actions of the First Nations that have lived on this land since time immemorial, we want to build inclusive, equitable and just communities that are in solidarity with Indigenous and global movements against dispossession. To that end, we will create safer access to services for all people based on need rather than status.

Policy Directive:
All residents of the Cowichan Valley should have access to services and supports regardless of immigration status.

Policy:
Cowichan Intercultural Society will serve newcomers to Canada in the Cowichan Valley regardless of immigration status.

Procedure:
No referrals will be made to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). If an individual is suspected of committing a criminal offense, a referral will be made to the local RCMP detachment.