Research publications

This paper provides an overview of The Canada–Québec Accord relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens (the Canada–Quebec Accord). It outlines the Accord’s objectives and constitutional background, and it surveys the agreements made under the Accord about immigration levels, family reunification, refugees, visitors, the reception and integration of immigrants, and the ongoing administration of the Accord.

This document provides an overview of the various factors and players that shape Canada’s immigration policy, sheds light on the legislative framework and the roles and responsibilities of the various levels of government, and presents a few of the essential components and instruments in this field.

Canada’s cooperation with the United States of America on matters relating to people claiming refugee protection has been a subject of significant debate over the past several decades. This paper provides an overview of the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America for cooperation in the examination of refugee status claims from nationals of third countries, commonly referred to as the Canada–U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA). It examines the fundamental aspects of the STCA, the historical and international context of the safe third country concept, and the legal challenges that the STCA has faced since its implementation. It also considers potential changes to the agreement in light of recent increases in irregular border crossings, the temporary border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic and an ongoing challenge to the constitutionality of the STCA.

Since 2017, most refugees resettled to Canada enter under private sponsorship rather than as government-assisted refugees. As a result of the success of the private sponsorship program, the Government of Canada, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and others, spearheads the Global Refugee Sponsorship Initiative (GRSI), an international project sharing best practices with other countries interested in implementing a private refugee sponsorship model. This Hill Study provides an overview of Canada’s refugee resettlement programs, and outlines eligibility for resettlement and the different programs in place for resettlement in Canada. It also discusses the role that resettlement plays in international agreements like the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and examines Canada’s role in the GRSI. The paper concludes with a consideration of some of the challenges regarding refugee resettlement in the current Canadian context.

This document outlines initiatives that have been undertaken at the federal level to try to address the challenges related to the recognition of foreign qualifications. These include funding programs such as the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, pre- and post-arrival settlement services and the recent integration of some form of foreign credential recognition into economic immigration program requirements. However, these initiatives are limited and pressure will continue for fairer recognition of foreign qualifications and improved economic opportunities for newcomers.