Sanctuary Movements in Mid-sized Cities in Canada: An Exploration of the Strengths and Limitations of Local Sanctuary Policies and Practices

Current research on sanctuary city movements in Canada has focused on Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver. There is a shortage of scholarship on sanctuary policies and practices in nongateway cities, despite the growing presence of sanctuary movements in these areas. This paper explores the strengths and limitations of Canadian sanctuary or access without fear policies and practices in the context of mid-sized cities in Ontario, specifically Hamilton, Ajax, London, and Kitchener. A thematic analysis of policy documents, city reports, and a transcript of a special council meeting is conducted to help determine the strengths and limitations of local sanctuary. The findings indicate that local sanctuary policies are limited because of the constraints of municipal governments related to their legislative authority and structure. Moreover, as an internal policy, sanctuary only influences city-run services and city staff, leaving the conduct of local law enforcement largely unaffected. While local sanctuary has many limitations, it remains a meaningful designation. The policy highlights the reality of non-status or precarious legal status residents and envisions belonging and inclusion in the city beyond one's immigration status.