Key Takeaways:
- Canada’s refugee system has become slower and more constrained compared to 10 years ago when the country responded to the Syrian crisis.
- The number of pending refugee claims has increased significantly, from 9,999 in 2015 to 295,819 in 2025.
- Settlement workers and advocates attribute the delays to a combination of factors, including post-COVID backlogs, changing public mood, and lack of funding.
- The Canadian government has introduced new policies and legislation, such as the Strong Borders Act, which critics say may block vulnerable people from making claims and fail to account for individual circumstances.
- Refugees and newcomers are facing increased isolation and depression due to cuts in funding for support programs.
Introduction to Canada’s Refugee System
The Canadian refugee system has undergone significant changes over the past decade. Ten years ago, the country responded to the Syrian crisis by rapidly resettling 25,000 refugees in just 100 days. However, the system today is far slower and more constrained. Settlement workers and advocates say that the current system is "night and day" compared to the one that existed during the Syrian crisis. The federal government’s ability to respond to refugee crises has been hindered by domestic pressures, including rising living costs, affordable housing challenges, and pressure on public services.
The Current State of Refugee Resettlement
The data from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada shows a significant increase in pending refugee claims, from 9,999 in 2015 to 295,819 in 2025. This increase has led to longer processing times, with some applications taking up to four years to process. The experience of Amal Kago, who came to Canada from Sudan in 2003, highlights the difference in the system. She recalls the process being "better" back then, but when she helped co-sponsor a vulnerable woman from Sudan, the process took five years. Rasha Youssef and Hamoudi Saleh Baratta, who arrived in Canada in 2014, also express dissatisfaction with the current refugee approach.
The Impact of Changing Public Mood
The changing public mood in Canada has also affected the refugee system. Christina Clark-Kazak, a professor of public and international affairs, says that the government is acutely aware of the need to respond to domestic pressures, particularly from Conservative-leaning voters who are less supportive of accepting refugees. This has led to a shift in the government’s approach to refugee resettlement, with a greater emphasis on security and border control. The introduction of new legislation, such as the Strong Borders Act, has raised concerns among critics who say it may block vulnerable people from making claims and fail to account for individual circumstances.
The Effects of Funding Cuts
The funding cuts for refugee support programs have also had a significant impact on the system. Regis Chiwaya, who oversees private sponsorship and settlement programs at MOSAIC, says that he has seen "less and less" funding for their programs from both federal and provincial governments. This has led to increased isolation and depression among newcomers, as they struggle to access essential services and support. Youssef and Baratta, who have both benefited from these programs, express concern about the cuts and the impact they will have on future refugees.
The Need for a More Efficient and Humane System
The Canadian government’s approach to refugee resettlement needs to be re-examined. The current system is slow, inefficient, and often inhumane. The introduction of new legislation and policies, such as the Strong Borders Act, has raised concerns among critics who say it may block vulnerable people from making claims and fail to account for individual circumstances. The government needs to find a balance between security and compassion, ensuring that those who are fleeing persecution and war are given a fair chance to rebuild their lives in Canada. As Baratta says, "I just call for politicians and people in power to not politicize humanitarian causes." A more efficient and humane system is needed, one that prioritizes the needs of refugees and provides them with the support and services they need to thrive in their new home.