Canada: A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Global Refugee Crisis

June 18, 2021—Ottawa: As the world grapples with an unprecedented refugee crisis, Canada stands out as a global leader in offering sanctuary to those in need. In 2020, Canada welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled worldwide, a feat recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which hailed the nation as "a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement."

Despite these efforts, the call for increased support grows louder as millions remain displaced, yearning for a safe haven. With World Refugee Day on the horizon, Canada is intensifying its commitment. The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, recently met with UNHCR's representative in Canada, Rema Jamous Imseis, to unveil three pivotal initiatives aimed at expanding Canada’s outreach.

New Initiatives to Assist Refugees

The newly announced measures will enable Canada to:

• Offer asylum to a greater number of refugees.
• Welcome refugees through innovative channels.
• Amplify support through community sponsorship.

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

Launched in 2018, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is an innovative program that channels the skills and talents of refugees into economic immigration streams. This initiative not only welcomes more refugees but also redefines the narrative, highlighting their contributions to Canadian society. Today, the Minister announced enhancements to the EMPP, aiming to resettle 500 refugees and their families.

Key improvements include:

• Expedited Processing: Accelerating permanent residence applications for EMPP candidates across several streams, enabling faster integration into the workforce.
• Financial Accessibility: Simplifying access to settlement funds for refugees.
• Fee Waivers: Eliminating fees for permanent residence applications.
• Application Flexibility: Making the process more adaptable to individual circumstances.
• Medical Support: Offering pre-departure medical services to facilitate immigration medical examinations.

Increased Support for Protected Persons

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Canada’s asylum levels have remained stable. Building on this foundation, the country plans to increase the number of protected persons to be welcomed this year from 23,500 to 45,000. Furthermore, efforts are underway to expedite application processing, allowing protected persons to swiftly become permanent residents and integrate into their communities.

Currently, over 40,000 protected persons and their dependents reside in Canada with open permanent residence applications. In 2021 alone, nearly 17,900 protected persons achieved permanent residency.

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program is a globally recognized model that has welcomed over 350,000 refugees over the past five decades. The success of this initiative has inspired similar programs across the globe, from the United Kingdom to New Zealand and most recently, a commitment from the United States.

To further enhance this program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has launched a national call for proposals. This initiative seeks to improve pre- and post-arrival support services for private sponsors, ensuring that refugees receive comprehensive assistance. Up to $3 million over two years will be allocated to bolster nine organizations as part of this endeavor.

Conclusion

As the world faces one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our time, Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to providing refuge and opportunity. Through these initiatives, Canada not only extends a lifeline to those in need but also enriches its own communities by embracing the diverse talents and stories of new Canadians. These efforts reaffirm Canada's role as a beacon of hope and a leader in humanitarian compassion.