Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to respond to the question from the member for Vancouver East in more detail.
As we know, the safe third country agreement is a treaty that was established with the United States in 2004.
Under this agreement, Canada and the United States are working together to ensure the orderly handling of refugee claims. The safe third country agreement is based on the principle that individuals should seek asylum in the first country they arrive in.
We have a strong working relationship with our U.S. colleagues, and we continue to collaborate closely on border issues to this day. That being said, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires the continual review of all countries designated as safe third countries to ensure that the conditions that led to the designation as a safe third country continue to be met.
Factors that are monitored on a continuing basis include whether the U.S. is a party to the refugee convention and convention against torture, and to an agreement with Canada such as the safe third country agreement, as well as U.S. policies and practices with respect to claims under the refugee convention, and with respect to obligations under the convention against torture and its human rights record.
We take our responsibility to monitor the U.S. as a safe third country seriously, and always have. We also remain in contact with the UNHCR, which is responsible for interpreting the refugee convention and associated international obligations.
Canada has carefully analyzed recent developments in the United States, including the executive orders related to immigration and refugee matters, and we consider the United States a safe country for asylum claimants to seek protection there. This finding is also shared by the UNHCR, something I encourage my hon. colleague to take note of. While the safe third country agreement remains an important agreement to ensure the orderly handling of asylum claims, the reality is that much has changed since this treaty was first negotiated.
Biometrics and other modern technologies provide opportunities that did not exist 14 years ago. That is why it is important that both countries identify and explore various ways to improve that agreement, since the current context is different than the one in which it was originally signed.
As the Prime Minister has said many times, our government remains committed to ensuring an orderly and efficient immigration process, to protecting the safety of Canadians and to keeping our borders secure. That is exactly what we are doing.