IRCC Minister Transition Binder 2019: Asylum

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Introduction

Canada’s asylum system reflects our international obligations and humanitarian traditions:

These commitments are grounded in international conventions and domestic law:

Balancing protection and system integrity is key

Foundation of refugee status determination

Who seeks asylum in Canada?

Canada’s Asylum System is a Shared Responsibility

The Federal Government issues work permits and provides coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program.

Provinces and territories are responsible for providing social assistance, education, emergency housing, and legal aid while a decision on a claim is pending.

Municipalities may also provide supports, such as temporary shelter.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)

Federal Court

Asylum Overview

Current State of Play

The Government has also provided compensation for costs incurred by provinces, including through a temporary Interim Housing Assistance (Grant) Program. Thus far, the Government has provided $372M for interim housing pressures and has increased federal funding for legal aid (including a one-time investment of $26.8M, to compensate for shortfalls in provincial funding in 2019-2020).

To date, the Government response to increased asylum claim volumes and irregular migrationhas sought to advance three strategic objectives:

Increase capacity to handle more cases

Improve system-wide management and efficiencies

Managing and discouraging irregular migration

Issues for Consideration

While Government investments and advances are underway:

Key Takeaways

Higher asylum claim volumes are Canada’s new normal

Early briefing

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