Question Period Note: RESPONDING TO CURRENT ASYLUM VOLUMES

Canada has seen a significant rise in the number of individuals seeking protection in Canada. The Government continually reviews the In-Canada Asylum System to ensure it is equipped to handle current volumes and is able to provide protection to those in need.

• Asylum volumes are difficult to predict and are driven by a number of factors, including persecution, conflict and human rights violations. Canada is not immune to rising asylum claim levels from the high global volumes of displaced persons that exceeded 117 million worldwide at the end of 2023.

• The In-Canada Asylum System has faced mounting pressures in recent years, leading to lengthy processing times and backlogs. This has resulted in prolonged uncertainty for applicants.

• The Government has been taking steps in response, including investments in Budget 2024 to improve processing while maintaining the fairness and integrity of the asylum system.

• Canada remains committed to ensuring safe migration and aiding individuals in need of protection in the face of historic levels of global displacement.

On irregular migration at border
• Our law enforcement officials are prepared to address any changes in irregular migration volumes. We will continue to work closely with our U.S. counterparts to investigate attempted border crossings, as well as monitor volumes of irregular migration in both directions.

On Budget 2024 and the Asylum System
• Budget 2024 proposes $743.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2024–2025, and $159.5 million ongoing, to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system.
• Budget 2024 also announced legislative changes intended to simplify and streamline the claims process to ensure a fast, fair, and final process for the growing number of individuals seeking asylum in Canada.
• Amendments were introduced in Bill C-69, the Budget Implementation Act, but were withdrawn from the final bill.
• IRCC is continuing to explore options to improve the efficiency of Canada’s asylum system without compromising fairness and compassion for those in need of protection.

On interim housing:
• The Government of Canada remains committed to working with all levels of government to find long-term, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to meet the housing needs of asylum claimants and prevent them from experiencing homelessness.
• Through the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), the government has delivered over $1 billion to support provinces and municipalities with housing-related costs incurred from 2017 to present.
• Budget 2024 underscores our continued commitment to doing our part, with an additional $1.1 billion over three years, starting in 2024-25, to extend IHAP with a focus on permanent, sustainable approaches. Funding in 2026-27 will be conditional on provincial and municipal investments in permanent transitional housing solutions for asylum claimants.
• With the renewal of the program, the government is increasing flexibility to help ensure jurisdictions have what they need to provide the services and supports asylum claimants require to achieve housing independence.
• There is no simple solution but we are confident that, with everyone at the table, we can implement long-term, sustainable, and compassionate measures that will ensure that the most vulnerable newcomers have a roof over their heads.

On the program integrity risks driven by temporary resident visitor program
• Canada’s economic, social and cultural fabric benefits from temporary residents when migration is well-managed. It is essential that our temporary resident programs are used as intended—for visiting, working or studying.
• Given the record volumes of requests to come to Canada, it is vital that our immigration system is not misused and remains fair, orderly and responsive to our needs.
• The Government of Canada supports fair and rigorous immigration procedures that protect Canadians and the integrity of our borders, while upholding our international obligations to those in need of protection.
• IRCC continues to explore measures to enhance the efficiency and integrity of our immigration and asylum system so that it remains sustainable for years to come.

Asylum claim volumes
• Asylum claims continue to rise with more than 92,000 claims received in 2022, over 143,000 claims in 2023, and already over 147,000 claims from January to October 31, 2024.
• While claims resulting from irregular mode of entry have decreased since expanding the application of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) in March 2023, there has been a significant increase in the volume of claims made at airports and inland.
o Between January to October 31, 2024, there were 38,415 claims made at airports, representing a 19% increase compared to the same period last year. The number of claims made inland in the same period was 93,370, representing an increase of 80% compared to last year.
o Between January to October 31, 2024, there were 3,555 irregular arrivals, representing 78% decrease from the same period last year. Canada saw approximately 17,000 irregular arrivals in 2023, and, approximately 40,000 in 2022.

Asylum Claims by Mode
Regular / Irregular MODE 2021 2022 2023 2024
Jan to Oct
Regular Airport 3,465 17,140 41,360 38,415
Inland 11,750 27,395 69,630 93,370
Land Border 5,250 7,540 15,775 12,240
Marine 20 25 35 25
Regular - Total 20,485 52,100 126,805 144,050
Irregular Irregular 4,630 40,115 17,445 3,555
Irregular - Total 4,630 40,115 17,445 3,555
Overall - Total 25,115 92,215 144,250 147,605

IRCC is working to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation about Canada’s immigration system, and to highlight the risks of working with unauthorized representatives. Advertising campaigns have been deployed to combat mis/disinformation on irregular migration since 2018.

Earlier this year, IRCC ran an international campaign to provide facts to potential asylum seekers about claiming asylum in Canada. The campaign targeted individuals globally through search engine marketing. As this was a global campaign, it was not specific to any country of origin, though it reached people in the U.S. who were searching for information online about Canada's asylum system. The campaign is scheduled to run again from December 2024 to March 31, 2025.

Budget 2024
• In an effort to support the stability and integrity of Canada’s asylum system, Budget 2024 provided $743.5 million over 5 years, starting in 2024–2025, and $159.5 million ongoing. This funding would provide support including to increase processing capacity of the asylum system.
• Budget 2024 also announced legislative changes intended to simplify and streamline the claims process in support of faster decisions and quicker removals.
• These amendments were initially introduced in C-69, the Budget Implementation Act, but ultimately withdrawn from the final bill.
• IRCC will continue to work with partners to explore options to improve application processing in support of a fast, fair and final in-Canada asylum system.
Interim housing for asylum claimants
Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP)
• The Interim Housing Assistance Program is a grants and contributions program that assists provinces, territories, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in addressing the housing needs of asylum claimants while they await determination of their claim. The program was created in 2019 in response to the high volume of irregular asylum arrivals that began in 2017.
• To date, the Government has provided over $1B to affected jurisdictions through the program for costs incurred since 2017.
• Eligible costs under IHAP’s terms and conditions are those which support asylum claimants in the achievement of housing independence, including the delivery of interim housing and/or shelter, as well as services and supports.
• In Budget 2024, the federal government highlighted its intent to continue working with jurisdictions to support the housing needs of asylum claimants through the program, proposing $1.1 billion over three years to extend it through to 2026-27.
Temporary accommodations
• Since 2018, IRCC has spent $1.1B to provide temporary accommodations directly to asylum claimants. As part of these operations, IRCC has incurred costs related to leasing hotel sites, contracting service providers, security and transportation.
• As of November 1, 2024, 4,437 claimants were residing in IRCC temporary accommodations in Ontario and Quebec.

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