Canada Scales Back Refugee Resettlement Targets Amid Housing Crisis
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of cabinet on Monday in Ottawa, where the Liberal government pledged $50.4 million to the agency. Grandi’s visit comes a week after the federal government announced plans to cut overall immigration levels by 20 per cent for 2025, including refugees and protected persons.
Refugee Resettlement Targets
The government cited pressures on available housing as one of the reasons for the new policy. Grandi believes that Canada remains a global leader in resettlement, but that pro-refugee sentiment is fragile in an economic or housing crisis, and it would be "really negative" to see it destroyed.
Integration Challenges
Without good housing, integration is difficult or threatens social cohesion between residents in Canada who are impacted by the housing crisis and people coming and competing for housing, Grandi said. He believes that in these situations, it is wise to put things in order, to stabilize, to consolidate, because otherwise, high numbers coming could create problems, could create backlash locally.
Government’s Plan
The newly set targets would see the projected number of refugees granted permanent resident status in Canada reduced by 14,400 in 2025 compared to the plan set out last year. The reduction is even steeper for protected people in Canada and their dependants abroad, which is expected to drop by 31 per cent compared to the government’s previous plan.
Reactions
The move has drawn condemnation from migrant groups, including the Canadian Council for Refugees, who called the new plan dangerous and a betrayal. "It is not an exaggeration to say that the action taken today will rob children of their futures and destroy families. People will lose their lives," said the council’s president, Diana Gallego, in a statement when the Liberals revealed their new plan.
Conclusion
Canada’s decision to scale back its refugee resettlement targets amid a housing crisis has sparked controversy. While some see it as a necessary measure to stabilize the housing market, others believe it is a betrayal of the country’s commitments to refugees. As the government continues to grapple with the challenges of housing and immigration, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact Canada’s reputation as a welcoming country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the new refugee resettlement targets?
The newly set targets would see the projected number of refugees granted permanent resident status in Canada reduced by 14,400 in 2025 compared to the plan set out last year. - Why are the refugee resettlement targets being scaled back?
The government cited pressures on available housing as one of the reasons for the new policy. - What does the Canadian Council for Refugees think of the new plan?
The council has condemned the new plan, calling it dangerous and a betrayal. - Is this a betrayal of Canada’s commitments to refugees?
Some believe it is, while others see it as a necessary measure to stabilize the housing market.
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