Marc Miller (HOC-CDC Credit: Melanie Provencher, House of Commons Photo Services)

By Office of Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada

limiting amount of newcomers

Letter: Immigration Minister’s office clarifies response to Premier Smith on asylum seeker

Sep 20, 2024 | 3:17 PM

Letter to the Editor, in response to: Welcoming Week events start in Red Deer as Premier Smith says no to more asylum seekers

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The world is facing unprecedented flows of asylum seekers, and Canada is not immune to these trends. While we reimposed a partial visa on Mexico and are bringing forward integrity measures to reduce asylum volumes, we must address the reality on the ground.

Coming out of our Forum for Ministers Responsible for Immigration last May, we all agreed to a coordination table on how to support and better integrate asylum seekers into the labour market and ensure their fair distribution across the country.

Throughout the summer, officials and Minister Miller have met with their provincial counterparts to discuss roles, responsibilities, and Federal funding for those willing to support asylum seekers.

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The reality is that Quebec and Ontario are facing disproportionate pressures, compared to any other province in the country – as they have been welcoming the majority of asylum seekers.

We are willing to coordinate with our counterparts on transfers and supports, however any movement of asylum seekers will require both their consent and the consent of the provinces and territories. Coordination in this process is intended to be equitable, and fair.

As we work towards a fair and sustainable approach to managing the volume of asylum seekers, the Federal Government expects the full collaboration of all provinces and territories. We will have proper incentives for those willing to welcome asylum seekers, and will take a holistic view with regards to other immigration programs based on participation – as this is work we cannot do alone, nor unilaterally. All options remain on the table.

Responding to the volume of asylum claimants in a way that distributes the challenges – but also the skills and experience that asylum seekers bring – requires collaboration and engagement, and we remain committed to working together in partnership with the municipalities, provinces and territories, and key stakeholders.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of rdnewsNOW or Pattison Media. Column suggestions and letters to the editor can be sent to news@rdnewsNOW.com.

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