The CCR was created in 1978 and has grown steadily since then.  It has come to be recognized as a key advocate for refugee and immigrant rights in Canada, educating the public and putting issues onto the agenda of the various players in immigration and refugee law and policy in Canada, including parliamentarians, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, and the Immigration and Refugee Board.  Many of the national media also consult the CCR as a reliable and accurate voice on breaking refugee issues.  We currently have over 180 member organizations across Canada.

The Canadian Council for Refugees is a non-profit umbrella organization committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. The membership is made up of organizations involved in the settlement, sponsorship and protection of refugees and immigrants. The Council serves the networking, information-exchange and advocacy needs of its membership.