Evidence of meeting #7 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was iraqi.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada officials have explained to us what is going on in Iraq. In terms of the number of people allowed to resettle in Canada, this country has committed to a target of 6,400 people.
If the government were to increase the number of Iraqi refugees, should it first review the number of refugees settled in other regions of the world?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
In fact, each year the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announces targets for refugee programs sponsored by the government and the private sector in the department's annual report.
Bloc
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
The number of refugees sponsored by the government remained unchanged for 2008, that is between 7,300 and 7,500, and the number of refugees sponsored by the private sector increased: for 2008, the number is now between 3,300 and 4,500.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
In studying the situation, I understand there have been problems with private sponsorship from the very beginning. Approval rates were very low and processing times very long. However, the latter seems to be improving.
Have approval rates been changed?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
In the last six months, approval rates for Iraqi refugees has risen to 85%.
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Our officers overseas must make sure that applicants satisfy all the criteria. This means that people must be refugees and bereft of all other sustainable solutions in the near future.
Early in the conflict, those who fled to Syria enjoyed temporary protection, either in Syria or Jordan. Resettlement, therefore, was not perceived as the only durable solution available. Now that the protection environment has eroded, the situation has changed and we do not really expect there to be a sustainable solution in the near future for refugees located in Syria and Jordan.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Is it possible that refugees eligible for our programs have collaborated with the United States by offering information or assistance? It is possible certain Iraqis may be perceived as U.S. collaborators who are now at risk?
Over time, has the level of risk changed?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Some of these people may have worked with the Americans. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the UNHCR, has identified 11 categories of persons it believes to be at the highest risk. These people must resettle.
One of the 11 categories includes people who have worked with the Americans or other members of the coalition. Because of this, they are perceived as being at risk.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
In your opinion, has the department undertaken studies on the approximate number of additional people Canada could accept without compromising integration efforts? Was is Canada's ability to accept more people?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
That question goes above and beyond the issue of refugees. Are you talking about the integration of all immigrants including refugees or the integration of refugees only? That is much broader than the issue of Iraqi refugees.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
In any case, you have conducted studies on Canada's capacity, program costs, as well as future costs.
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Of course.
In the case of government-sponsored refugees, there are costs because the federal government provides an income support program during the first year, as well as basic primary services.
It is clear that if the government were to increase the number of sponsored refugees, the budget for the income support program for refugees would have to be increased accordingly.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
All right.
Given the current surpluses, we would have to be able to calculate the cost of adding one person to the program. As such, if we were to allow an additional 500 people to resettle here, would you be able to calculate how much that would cost?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Yes.
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
I know that in the beginning, you were concerned over the UNHCR's ability to refer candidates to you and whether or not you would be receiving a sufficient number of references to meet Canada's target.
Is this still the case? If not, as of when did you meet these quotas, your targets?
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Yes, indeed.
Over recent years, the UNHCR often had difficulty meeting recommended targets for resettlement.
Early this year, when we launched the recommendation program for Iraqi refugees, capacity was very limited. The UNHCR has, nonetheless, been able to increase its capacity, and ultimately make recommendations for resettlement in all countries.
For now, it is no longer a concern.
Bloc
Bloc
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
You can just tell me the month, and give me an indication. At this time, what is the rhythm or impact; have you reached your objectives for October, November or December—
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Yes, for April we had asked UNHCR to refer 500 or more cases. Recommendations began arriving in June. To date, we have received more than 1,300 recommendations from the UNHCR.
Bloc
Director General, Refugees Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
No, in fact it is out of 500.
Bloc
