Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force Tackles Irregular Migration Challenges
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration met recently to strengthen their joint efforts and exchange updates on irregular migration trends and asylum claimant situations in Canada.
August 14, 2018—Ottawa, ON – Task Force members convened to bolster collaborative measures in addressing issues related to irregular migration. Marc Garneau, Federal Minister of Transport and Task Force Chair, expressed gratitude for the members’ dedication and announced the transition of the Chair role to Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade.
Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, will now lead the federal strategy on irregular migration, succeeding Ahmed Hussen and Ralph Goodale on the Task Force. Minister Hussen highlighted a decline in asylum claimants crossing into Quebec since April, noting that the government is ready to respond to any future increases.
Minister Blair also addressed financial support to provinces, including $11 million to Toronto and $3 million to Manitoba, to handle temporary housing pressures. Additionally, $36 million is pledged to Quebec, with ongoing discussions about compensation for irregular migration costs. Plans for additional accommodation sites in Quebec are also in place.
Efforts to relocate asylum seekers from temporary college dormitory housing to hotels in Toronto continue until September 30, providing city officials time to develop permanent housing solutions. A triage system is being implemented to manage the flow of asylum seekers and ensure they are settled in areas with available resources.
Quebec’s immigration minister, David Heurtel, noted that most irregular claimants enter through Quebec, impacting local services. He emphasized the importance of reducing application processing times and further developing the triage system, as many asylum seekers prefer to settle outside Quebec.
Toronto Mayor John Tory acknowledged progress but called for coordinated government efforts to redirect claimants to areas with job and housing opportunities. He cautioned that without immediate intervention, Toronto might resort to emergency measures.
Minister Garneau concluded the meeting by appreciating everyone’s hard work and commitment to addressing irregular migration.
Quotes
“Continuing cooperation among all levels of government will be essential in going forward as we work to manage this challenge.”
– The Honourable Marc Garneau
“The Government of Canada is addressing the current situation and is working closely with provinces and municipalities to implement our contingency plans.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen
“While we recognize that irregular migration has created strain, it’s important Canadians know the facts. The numbers are down from last summer.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair
“I look forward to continuing the work of the Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration with compassion and according to international law.”
– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Quick Facts
- Between January 1 and July 31, 2018, the RCMP intercepted 12,329 asylum seekers crossing irregularly, with 11,763 in Quebec.
- In July 2018, Quebec saw an average of 50 asylum claims daily, compared to 101 daily in July 2017.
Associated Links
Contacts
Contacts for media only
For questions about irregular migration:
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
For Task Force inquiries:
Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
613-943-7111
vincent.hughes@iga-aig.gc.ca
FAQs
What is the Task Force on Irregular Migration?
The Task Force is a collaborative group addressing irregular migration challenges in Canada.
How is the federal government supporting provinces with migration issues?
Financial aid and a triage system help provinces manage the influx of asylum seekers.
What trends have been observed in irregular migration?
There has been a recent decline in asylum seekers crossing into Quebec.
For more insights on immigration policies, Read our immigration guide.
