In consideration of recent events, cities across Canada have examined ways to signal that they are open to refugees and migrants. Some municipalities, like Montreal and London, Ontario have passed motions in their city councils proclaiming that their city is now a Sanctuary City.

Cities that have already voted on these motions have heard stories of continued police checks, lack of proper funding from the municipality, and the ineffectiveness of the motions themselves. This episode of Rabble Radio explores the sanctuary city movement and how symbolic motions could lead to an effective approach to migrants.

Nigel Bariffe is an educator in the Toronto District School Board and a long-time advocate for marginalized and racialized communities. He is currently the President of the Board of Directors for the Urban Alliance on Race Relations.

Jaggi Singh is a writer and community organizer based in Montreal . He has worked with Solidarity Across Borders, No One Is Illegal, and other migrant rights groups.

Image: Jonathan Malboeuf – Flickr.com

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