Walking for Our Future: Support the TS2023 Families

What is TS2023?

TS2023 refers to special measures launched by the Canadian government (IRCC) following the February 6, 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes. The program ended on January 3, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/earthquakes2023.html

The core purpose of this program was to provide a safe haven and legal pathway to Turkish and Syrian citizens who, because of the devastation and hardship in the earthquake zone, could not return to their home countries individuals who at the time already held legal temporary status in Canada (as visitors, students, or workers) and who were invited to come to Canada and granted the right to obtain a work permit.

TS2023 permit holders include engineers, healthcare workers, teachers, small business owners, and people from many other professions. What we all have in common is this: we came to Canada trusting in this country, we put our labor into building a life here, and now, as our work permits expire, we are being pushed toward an uncertain future.

Who We Are ?

We are the TS2023 Civil Initiative a volunteer solidarity movement bringing together thousands of individuals and families who have built their jobs, their homes, and their lives on this soil; who have worked, paid taxes, and integrated into their communities. Among us are families with young children, teenagers in school, and professionals who have worked the same jobs for years. What brings us together is our shared determination to make our voice heard, peacefully and respectfully, together.

What We Are Doing Right Now ?

Right now, as the TS2023 Civil Initiative, we are holding awareness actions in various cities, particularly Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Our goal is to make our voice heard directly by the Canadian government, the Prime Minister, and decision-makers step by step, through our own effort.

One of the goals of these actions is for them to build toward a larger gathering in front of Parliament in Ottawa, amplifying our voice. Ahead of that gathering, an awareness walk from Toronto to Ottawa will take place. This walk is being led by Sefika Ozlem Yaman Sahin. Ozlem is taking to the road not only for herself, but because her 12-year-old son's future has been thrown into uncertainty. The steps a mother takes to secure her child's tomorrow have also become a symbol of the shared struggle of every family under the TS2023 umbrella. She will walk both for her son and on behalf of every TS2023 permit holder in this country facing the same uncertainty.

As the expiration date for work permits under TS2023 approaches, thousands of people are facing the same questions:

• What will happen to the life, the job, the home we've built over the years?

• What will happen to our children's schools, friends, and futures?

• Will the labor we gave in good faith to Canada go unrewarded?

This uncertainty doesn't just affect us it directly affects our children's futures too. Rather than staying silent, we have chosen to make our voice heard peacefully, respectfully, and resolutely. Our goal is not to blame anyone; it is to open a dialogue with decision-makers toward a fair and humane solution in the country we have given our labor to.

Why This Donation Campaign Matters So Much ?

A 450-kilometer walk requires accommodation, safety measures, transportation, health support, and organization. Ozlem, who is undertaking this walk, is already grappling with an uncertain future and now also trying to cover these costs. The donations raised will go directly toward:

• Securing safe accommodation along the walking route,

• Meeting participants' safety and health needs,

• Organizing the Grand Rally in Ottawa,

• Campaign materials and advocacy efforts carried out with institutions and government

This is not just a walk. The steps Ozlem takes today for her 12 year old son will be a step of hope tomorrow for the children of thousands of TS2023 families and perhaps, one day, for you too.

Support Us

We are not alone on this road, but we cannot walk it alone either. Every donation you make will help carry this walk, and our voice, to Ottawa and before decision-makers. Help support the future of thousands of families and thousands of children.

Let's make our voice heard together. Let's walk together for our future.