FORM MB-SANCTUARY: Declaration of Sanctuary and Safety Commitment

PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
FAMILY DIVISION

FORM MB-SANCTUARY: DECLARATION OF SANCTUARY AND SAFETY COMMITMENT

Supplemental Filing to Adoption Application 2026-MNITOBA-001

PREAMBLE

The Province of Manitoba files this supplemental declaration in recognition of changing circumstances affecting the State of Minnesota and its residents. This declaration addresses Manitoba's commitment to safety, sanctuary, and human dignity as core principles of the proposed adoption.

PART A: ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF CIRCUMSTANCES

Manitoba acknowledges the following:

1. Recent events in Minnesota have created an atmosphere of fear among immigrant communities, mixed-status families, and many residents who previously felt secure in their homes.
2. Enforcement actions have resulted in family separations, workplace disruptions, and tragic loss of life.
3. These circumstances have transformed what began as a friendly proposal into something more urgent for many Minnesotans.
4. Manitoba does not presume to judge American policy, but we do affirm our own values and what we would offer.

PART B: COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

Manitoba hereby commits that, upon adoption of Minnesota:

1. No Immigration Raids: Canadian immigration enforcement does not conduct the style of workplace or community raids currently occurring in Minnesota. This practice would not extend to any territory under Manitoba's jurisdiction.
2. Family Unity: Manitoba commits to family unity as a paramount value. Families will not be separated based on immigration status. Children will not be left without parents.
3. Due Process: Every person within Manitoba's jurisdiction is entitled to legal process, representation, and appeal. No one will be removed without proper procedure and opportunity to be heard.
4. Sanctuary Principles: Local services—healthcare, education, emergency services—will not be used as immigration enforcement mechanisms. People can seek help without fear.
5. Path to Status: Manitoba will work with the federal government to ensure fair, accessible paths to permanent status for Minnesota residents, regardless of their current documentation.

PART C: HEALTHCARE WITHOUT FEAR

Manitoba specifically commits:

1. Universal healthcare coverage will extend to all Minnesota residents from day one of adoption.
2. No one will be asked about immigration status when seeking medical care.
3. No medical facility will be used for enforcement purposes.
4. Mental health services will be available for those traumatized by recent events.
5. Community health workers will provide outreach to ensure all residents know they can safely access care.

PART D: COMMUNITY PROTECTION

Manitoba commits to:

1. Workplace Safety: Workers cannot be detained or removed from workplaces in the manner currently occurring. Labour protections apply to all workers.
2. School Safety: Schools are protected spaces. Children will not be separated from parents due to school attendance records or location.
3. Religious Freedom: Houses of worship are protected. Faith communities providing sanctuary are supported, not targeted.
4. Community Support: Resources will be allocated to help communities rebuild trust and heal from recent trauma.

PART E: TRANSITION SUPPORT

Manitoba commits to providing:

1. Legal assistance for all residents needing to establish Canadian status
2. Translation and interpretation services
3. Employment transition support
4. Family reunification assistance where families have already been separated
5. Trauma-informed services for affected communities
6. Community liaison officers to build trust between authorities and communities

PART F: DECLARATION

Manitoba declares:

"We believe that every person has inherent dignity. We believe that families should stay together. We believe that safety is a human right, not a privilege based on paperwork. We cannot undo what has happened, but we can offer something different going forward. We can offer a place where going to work doesn't mean risking never coming home. Where a traffic stop doesn't become a family's worst nightmare. Where children don't grow up afraid. This is what 'Friendly Manitoba' means when it matters most. Not just politeness, but protection. Not just niceness, but safety. Not just words, but commitment. The door is open. It will stay open."

DECLARED at Winnipeg, Manitoba, this _____ day of __________, 20____.

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PROVINCE OF MANITOBA
Per: The Honourable Premier
With the support of the Legislative Assembly