3 NEW INITIATIVES TO WELCOME MORE REFUGEES

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. As a global leader in protecting those who need it most, Canada welcomed nearly half of all refugees resettled around the world in 2020. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently called Canada “a bright light in a horrible year for refugee resettlement.”

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is a ground-breaking initiative that recognizes the talents and skills of refugees by welcoming them through economic immigration streams. This not only allows Canada to welcome more refugees, but also flips the stereotype of refugees as solely victims by demonstrating all that they contribute to our country. This new policy will help settle 500 refugees and their families.

Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB) connects skilled refugees with countries and companies that need their skills, forging new sustainable solutions for refugees to rebuild their lives while boosting the global economy. TBB’s role in EMPP ranged from recruiting and referring refugee talent from Lebanon and Jordan to Canada, to engaging directly with employers in Canada. TBB also assisted refugees throughout the application process by providing interview support and disseminating information.

Protected persons in Canada

we’ll welcome this year from 23,500 to 45,000. We will also expedite the processing of applications, meaning that more protected persons can quickly become permanent residents and put down roots in their communities.

Currently, there are over 40,000 protected persons and their dependants residing in Canada with open permanent residence applications. In 2021, almost 17,900 protected persons became permanent residents.

Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program

Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program is a world-leading initiative, helping us welcome more refugees and better equipping them for lasting success.

Since it began over 5 decades ago, private sponsors have welcomed more than 350,000 refugees to Canada. 

To further strengthen this program, IRCC recently launched a national call for proposals to improve existing pre- and post-arrival support services for private sponsors and ensure refugees take full advantage of the assistance offered to them. As a result of this process, up to $3 million over 2 years will be invested in supporting 9 organizations.

Throughout the pandemic, Canada is one of few countries that never closed its doors and continued to resettle refugees.