Federal Government's Proposed Changes to Refugee System: May 31 Update

PWS&D is supporting refugees and internally displaced people in DR Congo. Photo credit: Paul Jeffrey, ACT

The federal government is proposing changes to the refugee system in Canada that may affect PWS&D's refugee sponsorship program. Justice Ministries of The Presbyterian Church in Canada has issued an urgent action appeal. Read more below or download a PDF version here.

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Background: Federal Government Introduces Changes to Refugee System

Every person present in or coming to Canada seeking asylum is allowed to make a refugee claim. Should some claims be treated differently because of the claimant’s nationality?

Bill C-11 would change how Canada deals with asylum seekers making a claim from within Canada (which is a different process than filing a claim from outside of the country). The Government has proposed these changes to reduce the backlog of unprocessed applications, which is to be commended.

However there are some concerns. The Government of Canada commendably pledges to increase the number of refugees resettled annually in Canada through overseas sponsorship programs, such as PWS&D’s refugee sponsorship program. This pledge is not a part of Bill C-11, but is contingent on passing the bill, which seems unnecessary. More time and public consultation is needed before Bill C-11 is passed.

May 31 Update

Thank you to everyone who has written to members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration re: Bill C-11. The Standing Committee completed its hearings on May 25. The Presbyterian Church in Canada submitted a brief. Contact Stephen Allen or Katharine Masterton if you would like a copy. Rev. Glynis Williams, director of Action Refugies appeared before the Standing Committee.

During the week of May 31, the Standing Committee will be reviewing Bill C-11 clause by clause. It will then go back to the House of Commons for the third and final reading, likely sometime the week of June 7. If the Bill receives third reading, it then goes to the Senate. Justice Ministries will provide an update when the Bill goes to the Senate.

Read more detailed information on this issue here.

Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada.