Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration Discusses Asylum Seeker Influx in Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News Release

The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration recently convened to address the ongoing influx of asylum seekers entering Canada through irregular entry points.

In Ottawa, on October 17, 2017, the Government of Canada hosted a meeting of the task force. Federal Minister and Task Force Chair, Marc Garneau, welcomed David Heurtel, the new Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion, while expressing gratitude to Kathleen Weil for her efforts. Garneau emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative relationship with Quebec.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Ahmed Hussen, provided insights into the migration trends in the Americas, highlighting increased movements from regions such as Central America, Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti, along with arrivals from Asia and Africa. He noted that recent measures have effectively reduced the backlog for eligibility interviews and expedited work permit issuance.

Ontario’s representatives acknowledged the strain on provincial services due to the high number of refugee claimants and supported efforts to accelerate work permit processing. Minister of Public Safety, Ralph Goodale, reported a recent decline in asylum claims, stressing Canada’s comprehensive government approach in collaboration with provinces to manage the situation, especially with winter approaching. Goodale plans to discuss these matters with his US counterpart during the upcoming G7 meeting.

Minister Hussen concluded by emphasizing outreach initiatives in Canada and the US to counter misinformation about Canada’s asylum system. Canadian missions in the US actively engage with media, community leaders, and officials to foster better understanding.

Quotes

“We are working closely with the provinces and we continue to engage with our neighbours to address irregular migration in accordance with Canadian and international law, and in keeping with our values as an open and welcoming country.”

– The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister and Chair of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration

Quick Facts

• The Task Force was established on August 17, 2017, by the Minister of Transport, Marc Garneau, and former Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusiveness, Kathleen Weil.
• The Task Force addresses the increase in asylum seekers entering Canada from the US.
• It is chaired by federal Minister Marc Garneau and includes federal ministers, such as Ralph Goodale and Ahmed Hussen, along with provincial ministers from Quebec and Ontario.

Associated Links

• Asylum Claims

Contacts

For questions related to irregular migration:

Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

For questions related to the Task Force:

Delphine Denis
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700
delphine.denis@tc.gc.ca

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