International Women's Day - March 8

YWCA Metro Vancouver dedicates this year’s International Women’s Day to mothers without legal status in Canada.

Several years ago, YWCA Metro Vancouver front line staff began seeing an increasing number of mothers without legal status. These women, who had left their relationships because of abuse, found themselves without permanent status after their ex-partners cancelled their Canadian sponsorship applications.

While trying to rebuild their lives and still adapting to a new country, these women are truly living in limbo – unable to work or collect income assistance, yet unable to leave Canada and take their children with them. When a mother is without permanent legal status in Canada, she and her children have nothing to live on. These women can only rely on the generosity of others to provide basic needs like housing, clothing and food.

The YWCA is committed to highlighting the challenges that mothers without status face and helping them to find a way to access basic supports for survival and provide for the needs of their children.

Read Olivia's story.

Mothers Without Legal Status in Canada - Information for Service Providers
This free downloable booklet explains the experiences of mothers without legal status and how service providers can best help them.

Find out more about Mothers Without Legal Status in Canada.