Canada sets record for number of refugee claims

Of note:

Canada has moved up one spot to become the fourth largest recipient country of asylum seekers, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Last year, Canada received a record 174,000 new refugee claims, of the 3.1 million new claims reported worldwide, said the agency’s 2024 global trends report released on Thursday. Canada was behind the U.S. (729,100), Egypt (433,900), Germany (229,800). In fifth was Spain at 167,400. 

This country was also the second-largest resettlement country globally, welcoming 49,300 refugees in 2024, and led the world in granting permanent residence to 27,400 refugees.

The UN refugee report came after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government last week tabled an omnibus bill, the Strong Border Act, part of it meant to restrict access to asylum as Canada struggles with the ballooning 284,715 claims in the system.

On the eve of the three-day G7 summit that starts in Kananaskis, Alta., on Sunday, the agency’s representative in Canada said this is a unique opportunity to lead peace efforts and rally global support for those forced to flee for safety.

“Canada’s leadership in refugee resettlement and integration shows what’s possible when compassion and commitment come together,” said Tracey Maulfair. “At a time of global uncertainty, this leadership is more important than ever.”…

Source: Canada sets record for number of refugee claims