DOMINION OF CANADA

Basic information:

Geography: The northern part of North America,

spanning from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the
Pacific Ocean in the west and north into the Arctic
Ocean.

Neighbouring Countries: United States to the south and west (including the state of
Alaska), Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark) to the northeast, and France's Saint
Pierre and Miquelon to the southeast.

Capital: Ottawa

Current Prime Minister: In the middle of a federal election; using Justin Trudeau’s
policies until a new Prime Minister has been appointed.

Population: 41,528,680

Ethnic Grouping:
●​ European (69.8%)
●​ South Asian (7.1%)
●​ Indigenous (5%)
●​ Chinese (4.7%)
●​ Black (4.3%)

Official Languages: Two official languages; French and English (spoken by 98.1% of the
population). Many others spoken, but are not official for Canada

Religion: (stats from 2021)

●​ Christianity was the most reported religion at 53.3%
●​ No religious affiliation (34.6%)
●​ Islam (4.9%)
●​ Hinduism (2.3%)
●​ Sikhism (2.1%)
CANADA’S HISTORY OF REFUGEE ACCEPTANCE
1770-1779 (The Quakers):
●​ Refugees from the American Revolution.
●​ Properly known as the Religious Society of Friends; a Christian group that arose from
the religious turmoil of puritanical (practicing or affecting strict religious or moral
behavior) England.
●​ Settled in what is now Southern Ontario.
●​ Persecuted in Europe for their religious beliefs; migrated to North America from
England and Ireland in the 1820s.
●​ At the beginning of the 20th century, several Quaker settlements were found ub
western Canada.
●​ The service bodies of the Society of Friends were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for
their postwar relief and reconciliation work (1947)

1780-1789 (Black Loyalists):

●​ Thousands of African Americans (Black Loyalists) joined the tens of thousands of
American refugees who had supported the British cause during the American
Revolution.
●​ They were promised freedom and land, and most were runaway slaves.
●​ Around 3000 African Americans went to Nova Scotia and settled near Shelburne,
Digby, Chedabucto, and Halifax.

1830-1860 (Poles Fled Eastern Europe):

●​ Thousands of Poles fled Eastern Europe after Russia, Prussia, and Austria annexed
Poland in 1793, beginning a period of brutal occupation and oppression.
●​ A Polish uprising became brutal, forcing a great number of Poles to flee to Canada to
escape economic, political, and military reprisals.
●​ During the second half of the 19th century, Poles continued to come to Canada in
search of a better life (many became successful businessmen, farmers, politicians,
etc.)
●​ During the first decade of the 20th century, a large wave of Polish refugees
immigrated to Canada.

1870-1899 (Jewish refugees):

●​ Thousands of European Jews came to Canada to escape religious persecution,
revolution, and the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization.
●​ The first wave of Jewish refugees came from Germany in the aftermath of the failed
revolutions of 1848.
●​ The second wave came from the Pale of Settlement, a region in Eastern Europe and
Russia that had a large Jewish population.
●​ Anti-semisitsm increased (between 1881-1914), and Jews faced worsening
restrictions on mobility rights and economic freedoms.
 ●​ The peak year for Jewish immigration was 1914, when 18,000 refugees, mostly
artisans, small merchants and unskilled workers, arrived in Canada.

1900-1939 (Ukrainian refugees, early 20th century):

●​ Thousands of Ukrainians fled to Canada, seeking refuge from religious and political
oppression, and to escape the ravages of civil war.

1940-1949 (Ukrainians and WWII):

●​ Millions of displaced Ukrainians sought refuge in Western Europe and North America
(1945-1952, WWII).
●​ Between 1945 and 1952, 35,000 to 40,000 Ukrainians settled in Canada.
●​ Those who came to Canada during the post-Second World War period tended to
gravitate toward the urban centres of Quebec and Ontario rather than the Prairies.
●​ Ukrainian immigration to Canada peaked in 1949 and by 1951, there were nearly
400,000 Ukrainians in Canada.

1950-1959 (UN Convention):

●​ An international agreement that defined who was a refugee and the protocols that
guided the relationship between refugees and their host nations.
●​ entered into force in 1954 to deal with Second World War refugees and Displaced
Persons.
●​ expanded in 1967 to include refugees from other parts of the world facing a broader
range of social, economic, political and religious afflictions.
●​ Canada signed both treaties.

1960-1969 (Canada’s first Bill of Rights):

●​ Prime Minister John Diefenbaker introduced Canada's first Bill of Rights.
●​ The Bill of Rights was a federal charter that recognized and protected the human
rights and fundamental freedoms of Canadians
●​ Supported the right to life, liberty and personal security, and provided Canadians with
freedom of speech, assembly and association.
●​ Also expressed Canada’s respect for the dignity and worth of the human person and
its respect for moral and spiritual values regardless of race, colour, religion, sex or
national identity.

1970 (Chilean refugees):

●​ Chile attempted to establish a socialist system through democratic means under
President Salvador Allende.
●​ The rise of socialism and communism in Chile alarmed both internal and external
forces, including the Chilean military.
●​ The Chilean military overthrew Allende’s government in 1973, led by General
Augusto Pinochet.
●​ A capitalist dictatorship was installed under Pinochet, reversing Allende’s socialist
reforms.
 ●​ Chile experienced over a decade of political repression, economic instability, and
severe social restrictions.
●​ Between 1973 and 1978, approximately 13,000 Chileans fled to Canada to escape
persecution.
●​ By 1978, Chilean immigration accounted for nearly 2.5% of Canada’s total
immigration.

1971-1975 (Bangladesh Liberation War):

●​ Ongoing conflict between Muslims of West Pakistan and East Pakistan over political
and economic differences.
●​ Disputed elections sparked the Bangladesh Liberation War between West and East
Pakistan.
●​ East Pakistan gained independence and became the state of Bangladesh in 1971.
●​ Fears of persecution and economic instability led many to flee the region.
●​ Initially only a few hundred Bengalis fled to Canada, but between 1971 and 1986,
hundreds more arrived through family reunification.

1976-1979 (Immigration Act):

●​ Canada faced growing pressure to revise outdated immigration policies (unchanged
since 1962).
●​ The Immigration Act was introduced (proclaimed in 1978), laying the foundation of
modern Canadian immigration policy.
●​ Key objectives established;
-​ Support for Canada’s demographic, economic, social, and cultural goals
-​ Family reunification
-​ Non-discrimination in immigration selection
-​ Fulfillment of international refugee obligations
-​ Cooperation among federal, provincial, and voluntary sectors for newcomer
integration

1979-1980 (Indochinese refugees):

●​ The fall of Saigon ended the Vietnam War, triggering mass displacement across
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
●​ Over 2.5 million Indochinese refugees fled the region in the following two decades,
many by sea; becoming known as "boat people."
●​ Canada resettled more than 60,000 refugees from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.
●​ Approximately half were resettled through the private sponsorship program.
●​ The UNHCR awarded Canada the Nansen Medal (1986), recognizing the
Canadian people’s compassionate and pioneering response to the crisis.
1990-1999 (Refugees in Canada):
●​ Asylum seekers had come to Canada from all over the world (specifically Latin
America, Easter Europe, and Africa)
-​ Asylum seeker → someone who claims to be a refugee, but whose claim has
not been definitively evaluated
People who arrive in Canada can apply for refugee status at any border, airport or
immigration office inside the country, even people who would be turned away by other
countries, and their claim will be examined.
●​ Legislation concerning such claims is important to prevent human smuggling and
abuse of the asylum system that may have a negative impact on people who are truly
in need of international protection.

1999-2001 (Kosovar refugees):

●​ Civil war in Kosovo between Serbs ad ethnic Albanians led to mass displacement.
●​ Thousands of ethnic Albanian Kosovars fled to neighbouring countries, especially
Macedonia and Albania.
●​ In response to a UNHCR appeal and pressure from the United States, Canada agreed
to resettle Kosovar refugees.
●​ Under Operation Parasol, over 7,000 Kosovar refugees were airlifted to military bases
in eastern Canada in May 1999:
-​ 5,051 from Macedonia (emergency evacuation)
-​ 2,239 from Albania (for family reunification)
●​ Refugees spent an average of two months on military bases, then moved to various
cities across Canada.
●​ According to Memories of Kosovo, up to 70% of the refugees chose to remain in
Canada permanently.

2000-2011 (Kare refugees from Thailand):

●​ Canada accepted the first group of 810 Karen refugees from Thailand in the fall.
●​ The Karen people, primarily from Myanmar (Burma), also reside in northern and
western Thailand near the Myanmar border.
●​ Their history is marked by political struggle and persecution, prompting waves of
displacement during the 1990s and 2000s.
●​ Many Karen refugees fled to Thailand, where they lived in camps but faced pressure
and forced evictions by the Thai government.
●​ Canada continued to accept Karen refugees, ultimately resettling a total of 3,900.

2007-2015 (Bhutanese refugees):

●​ Since the early 1990s, Bhutanese refugees of ethnic Nepalese descent lived in seven
camps in eastern Nepal due to ethnic persecution.
●​ Canada joined eight countries (Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, the U.S., and the U.K.) in addressing this protracted refugee situation.
●​ As part of a multi-year resettlement commitment, Canada pledged to resettle up to
6,500 Bhutanese refugees by 2015.
 ●​ Nearly 6,600 Bhutanese refugees have since been resettled in Canada.

2009-2015 (Iraqi refugees):

●​ A U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq, toppling the government of Saddam Hussein.
●​ The conflict resulted in up to 600,000 Iraqi deaths in the first three to four years.
●​ More than two million Iraqis were forced to flee, primarily to Jordan and Syria.
●​ Canada pledged to resettle 23,000 Iraqi refugees as part of a multi-year effort.
●​ By the end of 2015, Canada had resettled more than 25,475 Iraqi refugees.

2015-2016 (Syrian refugees):

●​ Violent conflict forced millions of Syrians to flee, primarily to Lebanon, Jordan, and
Turkey.
●​ More than 4 million Syrians were registered as refugees with the UNHCR, creating
one of the largest humanitarian crises of the generation.
●​ #WelcomeRefugees Initiative; between November 2015 and February 2016, Canada
resettled 26,166 Syrian refugees to communities across the country.
●​ This effort was supported by Canadians, private sponsors, service providers, corporate
Canada, and all levels of government.
●​ More Syrian refugees were expected to arrive in 2016 and beyond.

REFUGEE CRISIS
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/refugees
https://www.unhcr.ca/in-canada/refugees-in-canada/

The UNHCR emphasizes that sustainable solutions to refugee issues can only be
achieved through comprehensive international cooperation.

UNHCR's mandate is the (legal) basis for UNHCR's activities and the rationale for its
existence. It informs what UNHCR is supposed to do and for whom.

Refugee → "Owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the
country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of
the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country
of his former habitual residence, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it."

At the end of June 2024, 122.6 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced from their
homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously
disturbing public order.
●​ These are forcibly displaced, but the number of refugees under the UNHCR (UN
Refugee Agency) are 43.7 million refugees, (32 million refugees under UNHCR's
mandate, and 6 million Palestine refugees under UNRWA's mandate).
 ●​ There were also 72.1 million internally displaced people and 8 million asylum
seekers.

Mostly arose from the conflict in Ukraine and Sudan, especially in the first half of 2024.

Top Host Countries

-​ As of mid-2024, just over one-third of all refugees under the UNHCR's mandate,
along with others in need of international protection, are hosted in:
-​ The Islamic Republic of Iran
-​ Türkiye
-​ Colombia
-​ Germany
-​ Uganda.

-​ New internal displacements occurred in 16 countries, with six of them – Sudan,

Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, Haiti and Mozambique –
accounting for 90 per cent of people who were forced to flee within their own country
in 2024.

In the 1990s, on average 1.5 million refugees were able to return home each year. Over the
past decade that number has fallen to around 385,000, meaning that growth in displacement is
today far outstripping solutions.

HOW CANADA’S ASYLUM CLAIMS WORK

●​ The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program, for people who need
protection from outside Canada and
●​ The In-Canada Asylum Program for people making refugee protection claims from
within Canada

Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program (GAR: Government Assisted)

●​ The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), along with private sponsors,
identifies refugees for resettlement. A person cannot apply directly to Canada for
resettlement. After they are identified, it takes time to process the cases.
●​ Private sponsors across the country also help resettle refugees to Canada. Some do
this on an ongoing basis. They have signed sponsorship agreements with the
Government of Canada to help support refugees. These groups are known as
Sponsorship Agreement Holders.

In-Canada Asylum Program

The asylum program works to provide refugee protection to people in Canada who:
●​ have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of torture, or cruel or unusual
punishment in their home countries,
 ●​ Refugees who are seeking asylum within Canada have wait times between 18-24
months for refugee claims and 12 months for refugee appeals.

*Canada has different programs to resettle refugees. In addition to the Government-Assisted

Refugees (GAR) program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, Canadian
citizens and permanent residents are also able to help refugees build a new life in Canada
through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program.

Help finding where refugees will live in Canada.

We work closely with offices abroad to learn about the background and unique needs of
government-assisted refugees coming to Canada.

We decide which city will best suit each refugee's needs, based on things like:

●​ the language they speak

●​ where family and friends live in Canada
●​ ethnic, cultural and religious communities in the area
●​ medical needs
●​ availability of settlement services

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) is a contribution program through which the
Government of Canada provides income support and other assistance to resettled refugees to
establish themselves in their new home.

They receive a:

●​ one-time household start-up allowance (same for all provinces)

●​ A Monthly Income Support is provided on a monthly basis which varies by province.
○​ Lasts for a year after the refugee arrives or if they can find support

THEY ALSO HELP WITH:

●​ greeting at the airport,

●​ temporary housing,
●​ help with finding permanent housing,
●​ help with registering for mandatory federal and provincial programs,
●​ orientation to the community, a service that includes
○​ providing contacts for safety and emergency services,
○​ introducing refugees to the city where they have settled,
○​ explaining
■​ public transportation,
■​ Canada's education and health care systems,
■​ Canadian laws and customs, and
■​ the local climate,
 ●​ personal finance help in areas such as
○​ budgeting,
○​ setting up a bank account and
○​ using debit and credit cards,
●​ basic "life skills" support for high needs clients, and
●​ referrals to other refugee programs.

AIRPORT CLAIMS (INCREASED CAPACITY)

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processed a record 41,350 asylum claims at
airports of entry last year, a 140-per-cent increase from 2022, and a 400-per-cent increase
from 2019. Nine out of 10 claims were made in either Ontario or Quebec.

Asylum seekers can stay until the federal government decides whether they qualify for
refugee status. The average refugee claim takes about two years to process.

Unsuccessful refugee applicants will be ordered deported but they can first appeal their
decision, if they choose, and remain in Canada until after their appeal is heard. A typical
appeal takes roughly a year to sort out.

Most of Canada’s asylum claims are coming from:

●​ Mexico
●​ India
●​ Haiti
●​ Turkey
●​ Colombia

This is different from the typical refugee backgrounds we are seeing in line with current
crises, such as Ukraine, South Sudan and Palestine.

This is mainly due to policy. Before Canada made passengers arriving here by air from
certain countries demonstrate they are just visiting, for instance by proving they had a return
ticket home and funds in a bank account. Now that rule dropped.
●​ Airports do not have the resources to properly screen applicants.

This is mainly the reason for Canada’s influx of asylum claims, because otherwise Canada is
often geographically isolated and able to take in refugees (far away from other countries).

Canada is not a Cartagena signatory. The Cartagena Declaration is a framework for Latin
America.​

●​ Canada is not bound by it, nor does it formally apply the broader Cartagena definition.
However, many asylum seekers arriving in Canada (e.g., from Colombia, Haiti,
 Mexico) are from Cartagena-participating countries, and may have already faced
Cartagena-style protection before coming here.

However, recent asylum claims at Canadian airports reflect a "Cartagena-style" refugee

profile, even if Canada doesn’t officially use that framework.

"Evaluating the Role of National Policy Loopholes in Shaping Refugee Flows"

●​ Brings in Canada’s airport example.

●​ Invites debate on whether asylum policy should be tightened or humanized.
●​ Allows countries to debate border controls vs. humanitarian need.

"Expanding Refugee Definitions in Response to Regional Crises"

●​ Encourages debate on whether the 1951 Convention is still enough.

●​ Can compare Cartagena (Latin America) and the OAU Convention (Africa).
●​ Good for discussing how definitions affect real refugee protectionss

The 1951 Convention provides the internationally recognized definition of a refugee and
outlines the legal protection, rights and assistance a refugee is entitled to receive.

“Article 1 of the 1951 Convention defines a refugee as someone who "owing to well-founded
fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular
social group or political opinion, is outside the country of [their] nationality and is unable or,
owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail [themself] of the protection of that country; or who,
not having a nationality and being outside the country of [their] former habitual residence, is
unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it."”

"Reassessing Asylum Procedures in Response to Air Travel-Based Claims"

●​ Targets the airport asylum issue in Canada.

●​ Opens discussion about border infrastructure, appeals, and abuse of system vs.
protection of rights.
●​ HERE you would talk about America’s border issue:

“There has been a steady rise in the number of people seeking asylum at a major border
crossing south of Montreal, border officials said Tuesday amid concerns that Trump
administration policies could drive another massive influx of migrants to Canada.”
-​ Asylum claims at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle point of entry has increased since the
start of the year, with a high of 1,356 applications in March and 557 claims as of
Saturday for April.
RECALL: Canada and America follow the Safe Country Accord: refugees seeking asylum
must take it in the first “safe” country they cross in.
​ CARNEY: "The situation has changed in the United States, the possibility of a wave
of asylum seekers exists now, and Canada and the United States must work in close
collaboration to manage this situation." When the capacity is full for Canada, we have to
work collaboratively with the States to ensure there is an equal balance. We cannot
house all of the refugees.

“Country policies and how to accept refugees”

●​ The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), along with private sponsors,
identifies refugees for resettlement. A person cannot apply directly to Canada for
resettlement. After they are identified, it takes time to process the cases.
●​ Private sponsors across the country also help resettle refugees to Canada. Some do
this on an ongoing basis. They have signed sponsorship agreements with the
Government of Canada to help support refugees. These groups are known as
Sponsorship Agreement Holders.

Canada has two main refugee programs: the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement
Program for those outside the country, and the In-Canada Asylum Program for people already
here. Refugees from outside Canada cannot apply directly. They must be identified by the
UNHCR or private sponsors like Sponsorship Agreement Holders, who work with the
government to resettle them. Programs like Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR), Private
Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR), and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program
help support these individuals. For asylum seekers already in Canada, they must show a
well-founded fear of persecution or risk of torture. The wait time for claims is between 18 to
24 months, and appeals take up to 12 months. Despite long processing times, these systems
are critical. They save lives and offer hope to people fleeing war, violence, and human rights
abuses. Canada believes we must keep supporting and improving these programs, because
offering safety isn’t just policy, it’s a moral responsibility. Thank you, and I yield the
remainder of my time to the Chair.

“Resettlement after being granted asylum”

Caring for refugees doesn’t end when they arrive in Canada, it begins there. Through the
Resettlement Assistance Program, the government helps refugees start fresh with a one-time
household allowance and monthly income support, which lasts up to a year. But care goes
beyond money. Refugees are greeted at the airport, given temporary housing, and helped to
find a permanent home. They are matched with the right city based on their language, culture,
medical needs, and family connections. They’re guided through registering for programs,
learning how to use public transit, and understanding Canada’s health, education, and legal
systems. Refugees even get support in opening a bank account, budgeting, and adjusting to
life in a new country. For high-needs individuals, basic life skills training is also provided.
This isn’t just support, it’s dignity, stability, and a real chance for refugees to thrive. That’s
why Canada strives to continue care for refugees after they arrive. Because welcoming
someone means helping them build a life, not just giving them a place to stay. Thank you, and
I yield the remainder of my time to the Chair.
CARTAGENA DECLARATION (1984)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkszXKPSNTo

The Cartagena Declaration on Refugees is a non-binding regional agreement adopted by

10 Latin American countries in 1984 in Cartagena, Colombia.​
It broadens the definition of “refugee” beyond the 1951 UN Refugee Convention to
include:

People fleeing “generalized violence, foreign aggression, internal conflicts,

massive violation of human rights or other circumstances which have seriously
disturbed public order.”

●​ Countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Costa Rica use this expanded definition to grant
asylum more generously than required under international law.
●​ It recognizes regional realities, such as civil wars and drug-related violence, which
don’t always fit traditional refugee criteria.
●​ It has inspired modern refugee protection models worldwide.

DUBLIN REGULATION

The Dublin Regulation is an EU law that establishes rules for asylum seekers entering
Europe. It says that the first EU country an asylum seeker enters is responsible for
examining their claim.

●​ To prevent "asylum shopping,” where people apply in multiple countries

●​ To streamline and organize refugee processing across the EU
●​ To avoid confusion or duplication of claims

US and CANADA
●​ The United States received the highest number of applications, totalling
approximately 730,400
●​ In the U.S.: At the end of fiscal year 2024, the backlog of asylum cases pending in
courts stood at nearly 1.5 million.
●​ The US tariffs not only affect Canadians, but their refugees as well. In April 2025, the
US imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian automobiles. This move thearned over 500,000
Canadian jobs and has led to production slowdowns and layoffs.

BARRIERS TO ACCESSING ASYLUM

https://refugees.org/more-barriers-to-asylum-access/?

1. Strict Legal Requirements

●​ You have to prove that you’re fleeing persecution based on specific grounds: race,
religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
●​ It’s not enough to be escaping poverty, natural disasters, or general violence; and
many people are.
 ●​ Evidence is often hard to get: asylum seekers may flee in a hurry and leave behind
documents or witnesses.

2. Complex Bureaucracies

●​ The legal systems in many countries are slow, understaffed, or even intentionally
difficult to navigate.
●​ Applications can take months or years to process.
●​ There’s often little to no legal aid; and you’re expected to argue a complicated legal
case in a language you might not speak.

3. Hostile Political Climates

●​ Many governments are under political pressure to reduce immigration.

●​ Populist and nationalist rhetoric can turn public opinion against asylum seekers,
labeling them as "illegal immigrants" or "threats" rather than people in need of
protection.
●​ Policies like deterrent detention, pushbacks, and offshore processing make it
physically and legally harder to apply.

4. Dangerous Journeys

●​ Reaching a safe country often means risking your life: crossing deserts, jungles, or
oceans.
●​ People rely on smugglers, face exploitation, or end up in detention centers, refugee
camps, or worse.
●​ Even at the border, they might be turned away, denied the chance to apply for
asylum (a violation of international law).

5. Lack of International Solidarity

●​ The system relies on a few countries to take in most of the world’s refugees.
●​ Many nations either refuse responsibility or contribute very little to support host
countries.
●​ Burden-sharing is uneven, and international cooperation is often more about
managing than solving the issue.

6. Mental and Emotional Toll

●​ People seeking asylum are often traumatized from war, persecution, or loss, and the
system offers very little emotional or psychological support.
●​ Waiting in limbo without work, education, or stability can make things worse.
●​ The uncertainty of not knowing if or when you’ll be deported is crushing.

7. Language and Cultural Barriers

●​ Communicating your story, understanding the legal process, and integrating into a
new society is incredibly hard without support.
●​ Misunderstandings, translation errors, or cultural biases can derail even valid asylum
claims.
INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORKS AND
THEIR EFFECTIVENESS

https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/refugees-asylum-seekers-and-migrants/?

https://globalcompactrefugees.org/news-stories/revitalizing-refugee-protection-how-glob
al-compact-effectively-complements?

ENHANCING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

AND BURDEN SHARING

US Tarriffs

Canada announces $65 million in international assistance funding to support needs of

Palestinians

This funding will support the provision of food, water, emergency

medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving
assistance in the region.

INTEGRATION
Refugees have consistently made up over 10 percent of the annual inflow of newcomers to
Canada in the last decade.

A vast array of indicators is used in the literature to quantify the many facets of integration.
Examples include
●​ labour force participation
●​ Income
●​ house ownership
●​ Wealth
●​ residential segregation
●​ language skills and use
●​ educational attainment
●​ social networks
●​ cultural consumption patterns
 ●​ physical and mental health,
●​ Fertility
●​ marital status
●​ various attitudes. H

First, refugees are admitted to Canada primarily on humanitarian rather than economic
grounds. While immigrants create economic capital, the primary consideration for refugees is
their need for Canada’s protection.

Recall: Canada’s refugee protection system consists of two main components: the in-Canada
refugee protection system, and the refugee and humanitarian resettlement program.

GARS: Government Assisted Refugees

PSRS: Privately Sponsored Refugees
LCRS: Private sponsor groups often community or faith-based organizations

ECONOMICS: In short, the employment earnings of refugees at first and fifth year since
landing are comparable to family class immigrants’ earnings, and, as expected, much lower than
skilled worker immigrants and Canadian average’s figures

Interestingly, refugees also show the greatest improvement between the two interviews with an
increase of over 20 percentage points. In comparison, family class shows the weakest
progression, from almost 40 per cent at six months after arrival to less than 50 per cent at two
years since arrival.
-​ Maybe put forth a program that can help with interviewing?

Among refugees, the earnings of PSRs and LCRs are similar at just below $20,000 whereas
GARs report the lowest earnings at around $10,000.

The difference between GARs on the one hand and PSRs and LCRs is:
●​ most LCRs have been in the country for a certain period by the time they land, thus have
an advantage over newly arrived GARs and PSRs,
●​ sponsors often arrange PSRs’ employment prior to their arrival unlike GARs, who are
financially supported by the RAP.
SOCIO-CULTURAL INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES
Socio-cultural integration is a much more elusive concept to define and to quantify than
economic integration.

In terms of various attitudes towards Canada, a similar proportion of refugees to other immigrant
categories cite “Canada’s better quality of life” as one of the reasons why they would like to
remain in Canada permanently: 55 per cent of refugees (GARs and PSRs) compared to 58 per
cent of economic and 49 per cent of family class immigrants. However, they show a greater
appreciation of certain aspects of Canada’s life, namely “peace/absence of war” and “political or
religious freedom,”

INTEGRATION SERVICES

Motion to Convene an Informal Working Group on Housing Stability for

Newcomers

Many integration service providers in Canada target all newcomers, including refugees, while
some specialize in certain ethnic groups or only refugees or some categories of refugees.
Although funding sources vary, most service are delivered by non-governmental organizations.
Integration services to refugees are grouped into three areas: reception, orientation, and housing;
employment and language; and counselling and social support. They are discussed in
detail below.

●​ Resettled refugees are eligible to receive orientation and housing support services
immediately after arrival and may be directed to these and other services by their sponsor.

HOWEVER: Refugee claimants, on the other hand, are not received by anyone when they arrive
at a port of entry unless they have friends or family already residing in Canada. Instead, they rely
on word-of-mouth for information as to where to go.This makes them more prone to housing
insecurity and inability to integrate properly.

●​ Although mostly excluded from the federally funded integration services, refugee
claimants are eligible for some integration services in certain provinces.
●​ Regardless of categories, studies indicate that low income and high rents constitute a
major obstacle for all types of refugees in finding permanent housing.

Motion to Create an Informal Working Group on Strengthening Language and

Employment Support for Refugees

➤ Focuses on building capacity for refugees with low formal education or official language
skills.​
➤ Allows Canada to lead in expanding access to inclusive training programs.
In Canada; GARs, PSRs, LCRs, and protected persons have access to federally and
provincially funded employment and language services that cater to all permanent resident
newcomers. Language training is accordingly one of the largest program
areas in newcomer settlement services.

-​ Employment services often involve workshops on resume writing and interview skills,
and job search tools.
-​ A number of programs funded by federal and provincial goernments assist all immigrant
and refugee newcomers with their job search.
-​ For example, the federal government funds settlement services, including
employment-related services, through the Immigrant Settlement and
Adaptation Program. These services are open to permanent residents and
refugees who have received a positive refugee status determination by the
IRB.
-​ At the provincial level, the Newcomer Settlement Program in Ontario and the
Immigration Settlement Program in Nova Scotia fund the same type of
-​ programming.

First, refugees, particularly GARs and PSRs, show a poor self-assessment of official language
skills upon landing: 69 per cent of GARs and PSRs are unable to speak French or
English upon landing compared to 6 per cent of LCRs and 36 per cent of other immigrant
categories. (LCRs show better language skills, partly because they have been residing in Canada
for some time by the time they are granted permanent residence.)

Motion to Hold a Moderated Caucus on Mental Health and Social Support Services for
Refugees

➤ Acknowledges global mental health gaps without targeting specific countries.​

➤ Creates room for Canada to propose enhancements to the Interim Federal Health Program.

●​ All refugees, including refugee claimants, have access to the Interim Federal Health
program (IFH), which addresses basic and emergency health needs. However, the
program does not address mental health needs and high dental needs.

Motion to Create an Informal Working Group on Socio-Cultural Integration Standards for

Refugees
Resettled refugees are eligible to attend Canadian Orientation Abroad sessions, in which
employment, rights and responsibilities, Canadian culture and life, among other
things, are discussed before they depart for Canada.

●​ In terms of service gaps, studies suggested that finding affordable permanent housing may
be one of the greatest challenges facing refugees in the early stage of settlement.
 Regarding language and employment, some refugees may benefit from language training,
employment services, and employment-related training targeted at newcomers with low
levels of formal education. Refugees may also benefit from services on mental health
and family counselling. However, a comprehensive study on the usage and effectiveness
of the existing services is warranted before new programs are developed.

HUMAN RIGHTS CONSIDERATIONS IN THE

ASYLUM PROCESS
Regardless of their status in a country, both regular and irregular migrants have human rights,
including the right to freedom from slavery and servitude, freedom from arbitrary detention,
freedom from exploitation and forced labour, the right to freedom of assembly, the right to
education for their children, equal access to courts and rights at work.

Framing asylum seekers as “criminals” and ascribing to them a supposed propensity for
violence is alarming. This rhetoric disregards the humanity of those seeking refuge and fuels
xenophobic attitudes. The Canadian government’s own data shows that the vast majority of
people detained under Canada’s immigration system pose no security risk;

GOOD: Canada has been a consistently strong voice for the protection of human rights and
the advancement of democratic values. This started with our central role in the drafting of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1947-1948 to our work at the United Nations
today.

BAD: Many are held in provincial jails with the regular jail population and are often
subjected to solitary confinement. Those with psychosocial disabilities – or mental health
conditions – experience discrimination throughout the process.

Immigration detainees are not held on criminal charges or convictions, but many experience
the country’s most restrictive confinement conditions, including maximum-security provincial
jails and solitary confinement. They are handcuffed, shackled, searched, and restricted to
small spaces with rigid routines and under constant surveillance.

“To put it simply, immigration authorities discriminate against people with disabilities by
making the conditions of their detention harsher and the terms of their release more onerous
than for many other detainees,” Muscati said. “Instead of subjecting people with
psychosocial disabilities to punishing conditions in immigration detention, the government
should provide psychosocial, legal, and other support services that respect their autonomy
and dignity in the community.”

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) remains the only major law enforcement
agency in Canada without independent civilian oversight. CBSA’s unchecked exercise of
its broad mandate and enforcement powers has repeatedly resulted in serious human
rights violations in the context of immigration detention, Human Rights Watch and
Amnesty International said.

Motion to Open Debate on "Developing Mechanisms for Civilian Oversight of

Immigration Enforcement Bodies"
➤ Framing encourages transparency and accountability as a global standard.
➤ This allows Canada to support international oversight norms without being singled out.
(CBSA)

Canada has also taken upon itself certain important obligations in international law, including
the humanitarian duty to protect refugees. Yet historically, and still today, some of these
rights and duties are not fulfilled. There are laws on the books that allow for the detention of
asylum seekers, and for the mandatory detention of certain groups of refugees including
children. Some newcomers are denied the right to healthcare even in the face of
life-threatening medical conditions. And despite years of advocacy for fairness and
accountability, there is still no independent oversight body over the Canada Border Services
Agency despite the Agency’s power over the lives and liberty of people entering Canada, and
some problematic practices.

Motion to Introduce a Draft Resolution on "Guaranteeing Mental Health Support for

Migrants in Detention or Asylum Processes"
➤ Focuses on supporting vulnerable populations (like those with psychosocial disabilities).
➤ Canada can frame its involvement as part of its healthcare and human rights values.

All refugees, including refugee claimants, have access to the Interim Federal Health program
(IFH), which addresses basic and emergency health needs. However, the
program does not address mental health needs and high dental needs.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has highlighted an urgent need to reduce
disparities in risk factors, improve access to services and effectively respond to the mental
health needs of immigrants and refugees. By working to improve the mental health outcomes
for this population, service providers will also contribute to their clients’ and patients’
settlement and integration outcomes
-​ The steps required to prevent and treat emotional distress in immigrants and refugees
involve the persons with whom migrants come into contact as much as they do the
migrants themselves. Sensitizing Canadians — immigration officers, settlement
workers, teachers, neighbours, health and mental health personnel — to the ways in
which culture can affect encounters between themselves and newcomers helps
eliminate major sources of distress for migrants and facilitates effective mental health
care.
-​ No single governmental body or level of government is, or can be, responsible for the
mental health of Canada's immigrants and refugees. For newcomers to adapt to and
 integrate with Canadian society, their strengths, needs, and perspectives must be taken
into account by decision-making bodies at each level of government, by planners and
service providers.

Motion to Discuss "Combating Xenophobic Rhetoric Against Asylum Seekers Through

International Cooperation and Media Accountability"
➤ Focus is on global discourse, not targeting any nation.
➤ Canada can reinforce its commitment to human dignity and evidence-based policy.

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF ASYLUM

SYSTEMS
Refugee claim volumes have significantly increased and are expected to continue to rise in
Canada. Budget 2022 announced a temporary investment of $87 million, representing close
to 10% and 20% above base funding respectively for fiscal years 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to
2025.
●​ The additional funding has and will help increase the number of refugee protection
claims finalized over the two-year period. While the additional temporary funding
provides much‑needed assistance, the IRB (IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE
BOARD) remains under significant pressure as the number of new refugee claims
continues to outpace funded capacity. In 2023, annual asylum intake more than
doubled to approximately 140,000 claims (a year-over-year increase of 128%), while
funded capacity remained constant.

Too Many Refugee Claims, Not Enough The IRB is working on long-term plans to
Resources focus on the most important changes.
Temporary funding from Budget 2022 is
helping to expand capacity, improve
processes, and use technology more
effectively.

The IRB also plans to ask for more funding

to keep things running smoothly and ensure
it can meet its responsibilities in Canada’s
immigration and refugee system.

Hiring and Keeping the Right People It’s getting harder to hire and keep skilled
employees because the job market is so
competitive. This includes both support staff
and decision-makers.

The IRB is improving how it hires and

 trains staff. For example, the Refugee
Protection Division (RPD) has a plan to
actively recruit new decision-makers and
will use better tools to assess applicants.

They’re also looking to reduce how much

hiring is needed by automating more tasks
and making work more efficient. This will
let employees focus on more meaningful
work, which can make jobs more satisfying.

To keep good employees, the IRB is

offering training and career development
opportunities, and continuing efforts to
maintain a healthy, supportive workplace.

Strain on the Immigration and Refugee The IRB will also improve how it schedules
System as a Whole hearings, and update its operations as
needed. It will continue supporting people
without legal representation—offering
resources like videos and the Navigator
Program. Interpreter recruitment will also
be ramped up based on the expected number
of claims from different countries.

Investing in technology
The Immigration and Refugee Board
(IRB) has already made progress using
technology—but now it wants to go even
further and become fully digital. This
means making the whole process more
efficient and easier for people to use.

●​ More Online Access: People

involved in a case—like claimants,
appellants, and their
representatives—will be able to
access their case info online
through the My Case portal.​

●​ More Digital Information: The

IRB will work with other
immigration and refugee
organizations to make more
information available online.​

●​ Automating Repetitive Work: To

save time and improve efficiency,
the IRB wants to automate
common tasks like data entry.
 This will free up employees to
focus on more complex and
meaningful work.​

●​ Better Scheduling & Case

Management: The IRB will
improve how it handles and
prioritizes cases (triage), and
make scheduling faster and more
efficient to handle the large
number of claims.​

●​ Technology & Staff Training: To

support this digital shift, the IRB
will continue to invest in better
technology and improve how it
manages data. It will also adjust
how it hires and trains staff to
make sure they’re ready for this
digital approach.

🔹 Topic: Leveraging Technology to Improve Efficiency

●​ Digital transformation is no longer optional — it is essential. Canada is committed to
evolving from a technologically enabled to a fully digital tribunal, enhancing access
to justice and operational efficiency.
●​ Tools such as the My Case portal, task automation, and digital scheduling are being
implemented to support both staff and claimants. We encourage Member States to
consider how innovation and automation can help reduce backlogs while upholding
the rights of asylum seekers. Canada is open to collaborative efforts in this area.”

🔹 Topic: Supporting Self-Represented Claimants and Language Access

Canada recognizes the barriers faced by refugee claimants without legal representation or
sufficient language support. In the IRB,are expanding resources such as informational videos
and the Refugee Appeal Division's Navigator Program, and increasing interpreter recruitment
based on expected intake.

We urge Member States to consider how language services and accessible resources can
promote fairness in refugee processes, especially for vulnerable populations. Canada looks
forward to a shared dialogue on ensuring that no one is left behind in the asylum process.”
ALLIANCES
Europe and the Commonwealth

Canada is reinforcing its relationships with European nations, particularly France, the United
Kingdom, and Germany. Prime Minister Carney's recent visits to Paris and London aimed to
solidify these alliances, focusing on shared values and mutual interests. ​

Additionally, Canada is exploring deeper connections with Commonwealth countries,

including Australia and New Zealand. Discussions around a potential CANZUK alliance,
which would enhance trade, defense cooperation, and mobility among Canada, Australia,
New Zealand, and the UK, are gaining traction.

Indo-Pacific Region

In the Indo-Pacific, Canada is expanding its strategic partnerships. It is in talks to join an

expanded version of the AUKUS pact with the U.S., Britain, and Australia, focusing on
emerging military technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Canada has also concluded talks for a key defense pact with the Philippines, aiming to boost
joint combat drills and military cooperation in response to regional security concerns. ​

Arctic Collaboration through the ICE Pact

Recognizing the strategic importance of the Arctic, Canada has entered into the Icebreaker
Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) with the United States and Finland. This trilateral agreement
focuses on constructing a fleet of polar icebreaker ships to counter the growing influence of
Russia and China in the Arctic region.

GROUPS
1.)​G7 Presidency
The G7 Presidency is a rotating leadership role held by one of the seven member countries
of the Group of Seven (G7) each year. The G7 is an informal bloc of advanced economies;
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

How does it work?

-​ Set an agenda for that year’s discussion

-​ Host and organize the G7 Summit, where world leaders meet face to face
-​ Coordinate ministerial meetings (on finance, environment, health, foreign affairs, etc.)
-​ Create shared positions/plans

What does the G7 Presidency actually do?

●​ Lead global policy conversations

 -​ The presidency sets the themes and priorities (what topics to talk about)
-​ For example, past presidents focused on COVID recovery, Ukraine, and
climate finance.

●​ Drives Collective Action

-​ This is the main event where the heads of state/government meet to discuss
global issues and show unity (or sometimes disagreement).
-​ The host country picks the location, topics, and manages the logistics and
security.
●​ Builds consensus
-​ The presidency plays a diplomatic role, bridging disagreements and helping
the group arrive at joint statements and policy goals.

Although the G7 is informal, it has enormous influence. Its members represent around 45%
of global GDP (a comprehensive measure of a country's economic output, representing the
total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within its borders over a
specific period, usually a year) and many of the world’s most powerful democracies.

2.)​NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance
formed in 1949 to provide collective security against threats. It currently has 32 member
countries across North America and Europe, including Canada, the United States, the
United Kingdom, France, Germany, and most EU nations.

How does it work?

-​ Based on the principle of collective defense, if one member is attacked, all others
consider it an attack on themselves (Article 5 of the NATO Treaty).
-​ Led by the North Atlantic Council, which includes representatives from all member
states.
-​ Decisions are made by consensus, every member has a say.
-​ NATO carries out joint military exercises, strategic planning, and crisis response
operations.
-​ Countries contribute to NATO missions and defense spending based on agreed
guidelines.

What does NATO actually do?

●​ Provides Collective Defense
-​ NATO's core purpose is to deter attacks and defend its members if deterrence fails.
-​ Article 5 has only been invoked once—after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

●​ Coordinates Military Strategy

-​ Members work together on military planning, cyber defense, intelligence sharing, and
nuclear policy.
-​ NATO runs missions like peacekeeping in Kosovo, support in Iraq, and troop
presence in Eastern Europe to deter aggression (especially from Russia).
 ●​ Coordinates Military Strategy
-​ NATO collaborates with non-member partners around the world.
-​ It addresses emerging threats like cyber warfare, terrorism, climate impacts on
security, and disinformation.
-​ It has centers dedicated to new security domains, like the NATO Cyber Defense
Centre and Space Command.

●​ Promotes Political Unity

-​ Beyond military matters, NATO fosters diplomatic alignment on global issues.
-​ It hosts summits and ministerial meetings where heads of state and defense ministers
discuss security priorities and emerging threats.

Although NATO is a military alliance, it plays a major role in international diplomacy and
global crisis response. It reflects shared values like democracy, individual liberty, and the
rule of law, and remains central to Western security and global stability.

OTHER GROUPS CANADA IS IN ARE:

●​ G20 (Group of Twenty)
-​ Includes major economies from around the world. Canada uses this to
influence global financial governance and development.
●​ Commonwealth of Nations
-​ A group of 56 countries, mostly former British colonies, focused on
cooperation, democracy, and development.
●​ Francophonie (OIF)
-​ Canada is a key member of this global organization of French-speaking
nations, supporting cultural ties and cooperation.

CANADIAN COUNCIL FOR REFUGEES

Established in 1978, the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) 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 over 180 organizations involved in refugee sponsorship and protection and in
newcomer settlement. The CCR serves the networking, information-exchange and advocacy
needs of its membership.

The CCR has been the national voice on refugee protection and newcomer settlement in
Canada for over thirty years, 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.
Speech

Honorable chair and esteemed delegates,

“The greatest nations are defined by how they treat their weakest inhabitants.”
A quote by journalist Jorge Ramos highlights a simple truth about why we are
all here today. As the Delegate of the Dominion of Canada, I am pleased to be
here and work on the pressing issues of improving access to asylum and
enhancing international cooperation in the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees council today.

From the latest numbers in June 2024, 122.6 million people worldwide were
forcibly displaced from their homes, with over 43.7 million being refugees.
What’s even more shocking is that while around 1.5 million refugees were able
to return home each year in the 1990s, the number has fallen to 385,000 over the
past decade. This demonstrates that the growth in crises is overpowering our
solutions.

Unfortunately, the story of refugees does not end only with conflict and
escaping, but instead often marks the beginning of a journey marked by trauma,
barriers, and loss. Those of us who are more fortunate must have the moral
responsibility not only to let the unfortunate into our countries, but also to help
provide them with dignified lives. Canada prides itself and encourages other
countries to follow its current refugee sponsorship program. While we accept
large numbers including up to 50,000 refugees in 2023, we ensure they come
leading dignified lives. Joining the middle class within 5 years of arrival,
Canada can introduce some tactics in how they can deal with integrating
refugees. However within the last year, asylum claims have also risen in
Canada, specifically ones made at the airport. These have caused strains in
certain provinces such as Quebec and Ontario and issues pertaining how to deal
with exceeded capacities must be discussed in this council.

Canada hopes to collaborate with each country to decide how to solve these
issues, to ensure safety for all while maintaining order in our existing
populations.

Thank you, and I yield the remainder of my time to the Chair.