One Voice Canada is a non-profit created to support vulnerable migrants, primarily students. One Voice was founded in 2019 to address the pervasive abuse and exploitation of international students. After receiving inquiries from individuals on a work permit the organization expanded its focus to include migrant workers.
One Voice helps connect the vulnerable to necessary social services and provides direct support as required. In addition to providing support, we effort to raise awareness to the plight and systemic issues harming vulnerable students in Canada.
One Voice is BC based and works in coordination with non-profits in BC and across Canada.
This is a voluntary organization comprised of professionals with diverse backgrounds, as well as with current and former international students.
Guiding Values of One Voice
- Social Justice
- Open and Honest Communication
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Respect
- Accountability
- Compassion
What we do?
Awareness: After identifying key international student concerns, One Voice creates awareness through various ways in the community; events, media, workshops, seminars, rallies, protests and more. As well as creates evidenced-based reports with data collected to inform public on the issues.
- educating and guiding student on their rights and protection in Canada
- support that is available through non-profits and government agencies.
Support: Provide support and resources or referrals to students as needed.
Advocacy: One Voice understands the importance of advocacy in the community on certain issues and concerns when it involves students, raising these concerns after creating awareness and following up with key stakeholders or different levels of government is how we help create change. Our work is evidence-based, and we advocate for certain policy changes to help remove systemic barriers and to help prevent exploitation.
In Essence providing (ASA – Meaning Hope in Punjabi) to International Students.
Why we do it?
Many international students in Canada are vulnerable given their difficult circumstances and lack of a support system. This vulnerability has resulted in mistreatment of many students. After hearing of the hardships faced by international students, numerous professionals and local non-profits have come together to address the systemic issues adversely impacting international students and local communities.