Administrative frustrations and the complexity of government documents can be a significant potential barrier to citizenship for newcomers. Over the past few months, we have revived and created a few programs to address the high demand amongst our clients for support with government documents and legal navigation.
Last fall, we reintroduced our partnership with the Pro Bono Students Canada Saskatchewan Chapter! This partnership brings law students to our offices to deliver information sessions on immigration law and hold Immigration Law Assistance Clinics. The clinics are held weekly, with students helping our clients with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applications under the supervision of a certified lawyer.
When Stephanie Varsanyi began volunteering with this program, she was surprised at the number of clients we serve and the variety of services we offer. “It is clear to me that GGP fills many roles within the community,” Stephanie said. She is grateful for the opportunity to expand her own knowledge and create new connections. “This experience has taught me a lot about immigration law,” Stephanie said, “I feel so grateful that I get to do this work alongside other great people!”
In December 2022, we introduced the new position of Justice Navigator. Abdul Mojeeb Bari was a perfect fit for the role, with his employment history as a practicing lawyer in Afghanistan, lived experience as a newcomer himself, and local knowledge gained by volunteering to support other refugees with applications and documents at Nest Saskatoon.
Mojeeb’s position is made possible by support from the Saskatoon Community Foundation. His work also relies on a partnership with local legal organization, Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City (CLASSIC) Inc. They facilitate the delivery of free legal services from certified legal professionals, supporting those in need. Our partnership with CLASSIC is twofold: they refer newcomers to us for assistance with immigration documents and in turn, their lawyers provide legal advice to our clients and support our staff.
Mojeeb has found his position with GGP to be immediately fulfilling and engaging. “A typical day at GGP is an amazing and busy day for me,” Mojeeb said, “I usually start my day with preparing documents for upcoming appointments. Then, I will hear clients’ requests and problems, usually they want to submit applications to the IRCC.”
Mojeeb’s favourite part of his position so far is the people: “Since I joined GGP, I have been really surprised by my colleagues’ behaviour with clients. They warmly welcome clients and treat them like their family members. It’s my pleasure to work with these wonderful people…and to help vulnerable people, make them smile and happy.”
