Canada – Minister Mendicino marks World Refugee Day

Jun 20, 2021 | International

The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, M.P., P.C., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement.

Ottawa, June 20, 2021—The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, M.P., P.C., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement:

“The world is facing a refugee crisis. Across the globe, millions are displaced and longing for what most of us take for granted: a safe place to call home. Refugees need our help more than ever, yet the global refugee resettlement system is operating at reduced capacity which makes it harder to provide protection that is badly needed.

“As a global leader in offering refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, Canada is unwavering in our commitment to do our part. Throughout the pandemic, Canada has been one of few countries that never stopped resettling refugees in urgent need of our help. While others close their doors, we keep them open. In 2020, we welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled around the world.

“The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees recently called Canada “a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement.” For that, I’d like to thank Canadians. That light shines brightly because of the generosity of Canadians, who are instrumental in welcoming refugees into their communities. That same light shines through in the incredible contributions of refugees themselves, particularly during the pandemic. From putting food on our tables to taking care of our seniors, the contributions of refugees have helped to keep us safe and healthy. In recognition of their incredible work we created the “Guardian Angels” program for asylum claimants working in health care.

“At this difficult moment, the world’s most vulnerable are counting on us to do more. That’s why we’re redoubling our efforts to help even more refugees and asylum claimants to find safety in Canada – from new initiatives to help Yazidi families come to Canada to our leadership in international bodies, or supporting other countries to replicate Canada’s successful refugee programs.

“In the lead up to World Refugee Day, I also announced a series of initiatives to help support and welcome more refugees. The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, which broadens pathways for skilled refugees to come to Canada through economic programs, has been expanded to welcome 500 refugees and their families, and make the application process faster and easier. We’ve also almost doubled the number of protected persons we plan to welcome this year, and we are making new investments in the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program to benefit both the sponsorship community and refugees themselves.

“From embracing the “boat people” of Southeast Asia in the 1970s to the Syrian refugees who continue to arrive today, welcoming refugees speaks to who we are as Canadians. On this World Refugee Day, we recommit to our pledge to continue to be a place of refuge for those who need it most.”

Alexander Cohen

Minister’s Office

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

613-954-1064

alexander.cohen@cic.gc.ca

Canada – Minister Mendicino marks Fraud Prevention Month

Mar 5, 2021 | International

“Canada is one of the top destinations in the world for immigration and travel, with millions of people from across the globe hoping to come here every year. When submitting their applications, some turn to consultants or other services for assistance – and while most consultants operate honestly, unscrupulous actors sometimes exploit the system and take advantage of people. “

Ottawa, March 5, 2021 — The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement:

“Canada is one of the top destinations in the world for immigration and travel, with millions of people from across the globe hoping to come here every year. When submitting their applications, some turn to consultants or other services for assistance – and while most consultants operate honestly, unscrupulous actors sometimes exploit the system and take advantage of people.

“The Government of Canada continues to take meaningful action to root out immigration fraud and protect those who wish to come here. We’ve implemented several new measures to strengthen our system, from increased oversight of applications to public awareness campaigns around the world. Most importantly, we have committed nearly $50 million to fight fraud over the next few years and have created a new College to improve oversight of immigration consultants and crack down on criminals.

“Immigration fraud targets people who want to come to Canada in good faith. Sadly, the pandemic has exacerbated these troubling activities, with new ways for dishonest individuals to defraud clients. That’s why we’re redoubling our efforts to combat fraud. It’s important that anyone applying to visit or immigrate to Canada knows the facts:

Canada assess all applications on the same merit – whether they are submitted by applicants themselves, or by representatives.
Canada does not require applicants to hire immigration representatives.
Applicants should hire only authorized immigration and citizenship consultants, lawyers or Quebec notaries.
IRCC clearly states all requirements to come to Canada on our website.

Fighting fraud requires all of us to be vigilant, informed and prepared. We will continue our work to protect Canadians and those wishing to come here, and will always uphold the security and integrity of Canada’s immigration system.”

March is Fraud Prevention Month. To find out about immigration fraud and where to report it, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/protect-fraud.html.