The Realities of Refuge: Film Screening and Discussion

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Dec. 10, 2015) - On December 10^th, International Human Rights Day, the Halifax Refugee Clinic and the Nova Scotia Health Coalition are teaming up with the Halifax Central Library to present the documentary Seeking Refuge, followed by a panel discussion about the current refugee system in Canada.

Seeking Refuge follows newly arrived claimants awaiting their hearings, and portrays the struggles of navigating the Canadian refugee system. This story goes through the lengthy journey that many of the claimants had to go through to be accepted as refugees in Canada, and explores the complicated process that many people have to follow. This documentary shares the joys of being accepted and the sorrow of being denied asylum. From border crossings to refugee shelters, this is a look at the lives of people who have to navigate this system after escaping war, persecution, rape, and political unrest.

"At a time of increased worldwide awareness and national attention to issues surrounding forced migration, this event will be a great opportunity to dissect and dispel some myths about refugees and refugee claimants," says Julie Chamagne, Executive Director of the Halifax Refugee Clinic.

"It will be a chance for people to hear personal stories, ask questions, get better informed about refugee issues and create relationships with new members of our community."

The documentary will be followed by a panel discussion, which is composed of three refugees who now call Canada home, as well as Peter Showler, former Chairperson of the Immigration and Refugee Board and former Director of the Refugee Forum at the University of Ottawa. The panelists will speak to the barriers they faced coming here, Canada's complex and changing refugee system, and answer questions from members of the audience.

The event is being sponsored by Wickwire Holm. Light refreshments will be served. The panel will conclude at 8PM but attendees are welcome to stay on for networking and socializing with members of the Halifax Refugee Clinic and others who attended the viewing.

About the Nova Scotia Citizen's Health Care Network

Formed in 1996, the Nova Scotia Citizens' Health Care Network's goal is to stop the privatization of the public health care system, ensure high levels of care, and create a forum for people and communities to discuss issues in health care.

The Network is a coalition of local health committees, community groups, organized labour, faith groups, women's organizations, students, and individuals dedicated to protecting and extending public health care to include services like pharmacare, dental care, long-term care, mental health care and home care.

The Network is political but non-partisan and receives no government funding.

About the Halifax Refugee Clinic

The Halifax Refugee Clinic is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, community based organization that provides no-cost legal and settlement services to refugee claimants in Nova Scotia who are unable to afford the services of private legal counsel. The settlement services provided are tailored to the needs of the client, and include services such as employment counselling, assistance applying for work, help accessing income assistance, and long-term housing support. The Refugee Clinic was created to ensure that some of the world's most vulnerable and persecuted people receive support and representation while they seek a safe haven in Nova Scotia.