Refugee Sponsorship Update (Feb 22, 2026)

Dear Friends,

The situation is urgent.

Our Committee continues to press MP Will Greaves to help move this family’s application forward. But while paperwork waits, their reality in Islamabad is becoming more dangerous by the day. Here is what is happening now:

• The Pakistani government is deporting Afghan refugees daily in large numbers.
• Afghan refugee visas are no longer being renewed.
• New laws forbid Pakistani landlords from renting to Afghan refugees without visas. Landlords who have Afghan tenants without visas risk heavy fines or even jail. Authorities now require landlords to report the names of everyone living in their properties.
• Afghan refugees are being denied access to basic necessities, including the ability to purchase food from vendors.

This family is at real risk of displacement, detention and deportation.

They have two children and extended family here in Canada waiting for them. They have housing and financial support that is in place. Canada represents safety, stability and reunion. 

But time matters. Delay has consequences. We need immediate pressure on our federal representatives to accelerate this file.

You can help right now:

• Please sign and send the template letter to:
  

Mr. Will Greaves, MP
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

[No postage is required]

• Write your own letter or email using the talking points
• Email directly: will.greaves@parl.gc.ca
• Call the MP Will Greaves’ constituency office: 250-363-3600
  (Use the phone script if helpful)
• Do all three — letter, email and phone call.

Numbers matter.

The MP’s office tracks how many letters, emails and calls they receive. Volume signals urgency. 

We cannot afford silence. Please act today.

With gratitude and determination,

James Bay United Church Refugee Sponsorship Committee

Raymond Yee
Elvira Sentes
Karen Dickey
Bev Tracey
Marg Lunam
D’Arcy McPherson
André Fontaine