Date: February 25, 1993
Author: Valentina Krčmar, Mothers for Peace – Bedem Ljubavi (Toronto Chapter)
Addressed to: Ms. Danielle Lavoie, Employment and Immigration Canada
View the Original Letter: krcmar book 2_Part71.pdf
About This Letter
In this letter dated February 1993, Valentina Krčmar writes to Employment and Immigration Canada, addressing concerns about the treatment of Bosnian refugees arriving in Canada during the height of the war in the Balkans. The correspondence is directed to Ms. Danielle Lavoie and follows up on an earlier letter sent to Malton Neighbourhood Services — a local organization assisting newcomers — after troubling reports surfaced regarding their handling of refugee cases.
Krčmar’s tone is measured yet firm. She speaks as both an advocate and witness, drawing attention to the “irregularities at Pearson Airport” that had been reported to her organization. While brief, her message conveys the deep frustration of those trying to ensure that war survivors — many of them women and children — were met with compassion rather than suspicion upon their arrival in Canada.
“We would appreciate if you would look into their practices, especially since Malton Neighbourhood Services did not show high level of sensitivity in such a difficult case.”
The letter further reveals discrimination faced by Bosnian translators who were asked to resign, a chilling reflection of the mistrust and prejudice that sometimes shadowed the refugee resettlement process.
“Furthermore, they even asked the translators of Bosnian origin to resign.”
Through this appeal, Krčmar once again exemplifies the moral clarity that defined Mothers for Peace: refusing to remain silent when bureaucracy failed to protect the vulnerable. Her closing line — requesting to be informed of the outcome — reinforces her commitment to oversight and accountability, insisting that human dignity must guide every policy and every official decision.
