Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration Convenes in Ottawa
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration gathered today in Ottawa to deliberate on the border situation in Canada. This third meeting concentrated on synchronizing strategies to manage the surge of asylum seekers crossing into Canada via irregular border points.
Ottawa, Ontario
September 1, 2017
Government of Canada
Today’s meeting, chaired by Federal Minister Marc Garneau, emphasized the progress achieved since the last session in Montreal. This included commitments to enhance data collection and information sharing among Task Force members. Collaboration between federal and provincial governments, notably Quebec and Ontario, alongside community partners, was highlighted as a key factor.
Accelerated processing of asylum claims has been successful by reallocating resources to crucial areas. The Montreal IRCC office significantly boosted its daily processing capacity, leading to the temporary stand-down of the NavCan Centre in Cornwall, Ontario.
Expanded facilities at the Peel Street Joint Processing Centre in Montreal now allow IRCC and CBSA to handle more claims daily. A temporary processing facility at Complexe Guy Favreau will also open soon, expediting asylum claim processing, issuing work permits, and facilitating refugee status determinations.
Quebec’s Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Kathleen Weil, noted that as of August 24, 2017, the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) certificates are being issued to individuals crossing between Ports of Entry after comprehensive screenings.
Task Force members underscored the importance of keeping Canadians informed and engaging communities to combat misinformation regarding Canada’s asylum policies.
MP Emmanuel Dubourg updated the Task Force on his outreach efforts in Miami. He addressed misinformation on platforms like WhatsApp, emphasizing that while Canada is welcoming, entry must adhere to regulations.
The Task Force plans to extend engagement activities in the US and Canadian multilingual communities. This initiative includes outreach in collaboration with Canadian missions abroad, particularly in the US and Central America. Minister Garneau expressed gratitude for the dedication of the RCMP, CBSA, IRCC, Canadian Red Cross, and community organizations in managing the influx.
Quotes
“Our Task Force remains committed to ensuring a coordinated response to the situation. We will continue working together to identify concrete actions that would address both the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by this situation.”
– The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister and Chair of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration
“I would like to highlight the tremendous collaboration demonstrated by this working group. The sharing of information is allowing us to better organize our service offering in Quebec. In addition, the fact that there is faster access to federal medical coverage and speedier processing of work permits, while the principle of fairness for all asylum claimants is respected, is very good news. We acknowledge the extra resources that are helping speed up the processing of the asylum claims. It is critical for Quebec that asylum claimants can see progress being made on their files as quickly as possible.”
– The Honourable Kathleen Weil, Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness
“Ontario is pleased to continue to be part of the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the complex issues associated with irregular migration. We are appreciative of the support shown by the City of Cornwall, its leaders and its citizens.”
– The Honourable Laura Albanese, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Quick Facts
The Task Force was announced on August 17, 2017, by Marc Garneau and Kathleen Weil.
The Task Force addresses the steady rise in asylum seekers entering from the US.
Chaired by Marc Garneau, the Task Force includes federal ministers and representatives from Quebec and Ontario.
Associated Links
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration?
The Task Force aims to coordinate a response to the increase in asylum seekers entering Canada irregularly from the United States.
Who chairs the Task Force?
The Task Force is chaired by Federal Minister Marc Garneau and includes other federal and provincial ministers.
What measures are being taken to process asylum claims more efficiently?
IRCC has increased processing capacity in Montreal and plans to open a temporary facility to expedite claims and work permits.
To stay informed and engaged with the latest developments, contact us today.
