Video Examines Refugees' Struggle to Cope in Adopted Land

Mennonite Central Committee
Saturday, 10 June 2000

WINNIPEG, Man. -- A new 30-minute video produced by Mennonite Central Committee examines the difficulties facing refugees arriving in Canada and urges viewers to help newcomers feel more welcome.

"We hear about the situations that force people to flee their country," says Ed Wiebe who coordinates refugee programs for MCC in Manitoba. "What we don't often realize is how difficult it is for refugees and refugee claimants to start a new life once they're here."

The video--I Am Not a Stranger--uses dramatization and interviews to encourage Canadians to be more hospitable to refugees. It challenges viewers to put themselves in the shoes of a refugee to better understand what they are going through. A discussion guide accompanies the video which was produced with financial assistance from the multiculturalism program of Department of Canadian Heritage, The Winnipeg Foundation, and The Thomas Sill Foundation.

Last year about 22,500 refugees landed in Canada of which 12,500 were refugee claimants. Refugee claimants are those who make their way to Canada and request refugee status at a port of entry. In contrast to sponsored refugees processed overseas, claimants do not have the usual financial and social supports.

The refugee situation worldwide is becoming more desperate even as many countries like Canada are becoming more restrictive. Wars, civil strife, natural disasters and economic hardships are the primary causes of displacement.

The twentieth century has produced the largest number of refugees in history. According to United Nation estimates, 22.5 million people are now classified as refugees or "people of concern". Less than one per cent will be permanently resettled. No one wants them, including Canada. In 1979, almost 25 per cent of all new immigrants to Canada were refugees. By the late 1990's, that number was reduced to 10 per cent.

I Am Not a Stranger is available from MCC offices across Canada and is priced at $39.95. Call 1-888-622-6337 within Canada for the MCC office nearest you. Outside of Canada call 1-204-261-6381.

For more information, and a study guide for I Am Not A Stranger, visit the I Am Not A Stranger section of the MCC web site.

For more information, or to contact Mennonite Central Committee, see their website at: www.mcc.org