Minister Hussen Wraps Up Productive Visit to Morocco
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Minister’s Visit Highlights
On December 14, 2018, in Ottawa, ON, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, concluded his week-long visit to Morocco. He led the Canadian delegation at the Intergovernmental Conference to adopt the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). This marks the first globally negotiated framework addressing all aspects of migration.
During his visit, Minister Hussen engaged in multiple meetings with international counterparts to bolster bilateral relationships and advocate for Canadian priorities.
Key Discussions and Events
Canada’s Commitment to GCM
At the conference, Minister Hussen expressed Canada’s strong support for the GCM and its core principles, including human rights and gender equality. He emphasized the necessity of sharing best practices and experiences.
Addressing Misconceptions
After Canada endorsed the GCM, Minister Hussen addressed the media, clarifying misconceptions such as the Compact undermining national sovereignty or creating a new right to migrate. He highlighted the benefits of migration.
Co-Sponsored Events
While in Marrakech, Minister Hussen participated in two events co-sponsored by Canada. The first, with Nigeria, focused on civil society’s role in addressing global migration. The second, with the International Organization for Migration, explored innovative pathways for regular migration. The Minister highlighted Canada’s pre-settlement services like the Canadian Orientation Abroad program.
Additional Engagements
Minister Hussen also spoke at various events, including one organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on African migration challenges and opportunities. He attended the launch of the OECD’s publication on integration indicators, discussing Canada’s robust integration system and immigration’s positive impacts.
During his trip, the Minister met with several key figures, such as the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for International Migration, Louise Arbour, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, among others.
Visits and Partnerships
In Marrakech, Minister Hussen toured the Emerging Business Factory, meeting young entrepreneurs, and visited the Ennakhil centre for women, supporting victims of violence. In Casablanca, he engaged with young entrepreneurs and business leaders at Espace Bidaya, a social green-tech incubator, and spoke at Université Hassan II de Casablanca about managed migration.
The Minister concluded his visit with stops at ISMALA and the National Public Employment Agency, emphasizing cooperation in recruiting temporary workers. He also joined a roundtable hosted by Confédération Générale des Entreprises du Maroc, promoting Francophone immigration and study opportunities in Canada.
Quotes
“Global connections are the basis of my visit to Morocco to mark the adoption of the Global Compact for Migration. In today’s world, migration is a fact of life. People are moving around the world in larger numbers than ever before. Canada believes that we must continue to build global approaches, not only to address migration, but to encourage innovation and cooperation. Visits like this help build strong partnerships between our governments and our people that not only lead to future successes, but build a safer world for all”.
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Associated Links
Contacts
Contacts for media only
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQ
What is the Global Compact for Migration?
The Global Compact for Migration (GCM) is the first internationally negotiated framework addressing all aspects of global migration. It focuses on human rights and gender equality.
How does Canada support the GCM?
Canada endorses the GCM, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, human rights, and gender equality in managing global migration.
What are some misconceptions about the GCM?
Common misconceptions include concerns about the GCM affecting national sovereignty and creating a new right to migrate, both of which are not the case.
Who did Minister Hussen meet during his visit?
Minister Hussen met with international figures such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, and the EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos.
What initiatives did Minister Hussen promote in Morocco?
Minister Hussen promoted initiatives like Francophone immigration, the Canadian Orientation Abroad program, and Canada’s managed migration values.
