UN refugee chief says reducing refugee targets is ‘wise’ if it prevents backlash

Canada’s decision to scale back the number of refugees it plans to resettle has garnered support from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. During his visit to Ottawa this week, Grandi commended Canada for taking steps to stabilize the housing market and prevent backlash against newcomers.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and members of the cabinet, Grandi received a pledge of $50.4 million from the Liberal government to support the UN refugee agency. This support comes at a crucial time, as the federal government recently announced plans to reduce overall immigration levels by 20% for 2025, including cuts to refugees and protected persons.

The government cited pressures on available housing as one of the primary reasons for the new policy. Grandi emphasized the importance of maintaining pro-refugee sentiment in the face of economic or housing crises, noting that integration becomes challenging when there is a shortage of housing. He stressed the need to stabilize and consolidate the situation to prevent potential backlash against newcomers.

The new targets will see a reduction in the number of refugees granted permanent resident status in Canada by 14,400 in 2025 compared to the previous plan. The cut is even more significant for protected persons and their dependents abroad, with a 31% reduction compared to the government’s initial proposal.

While the move has sparked criticism from migrant groups, including the Canadian Council for Refugees, Immigration Minister Marc Miller defended the decision as necessary to maintain Canada’s role as a welcoming country. He emphasized the importance of establishing reasonable parameters to ensure the sustainability of refugee resettlement efforts.

Grandi expressed hope that the targets could be increased in the future once Canada has the necessary resources and housing to support the integration of newcomers. The government’s commitment to honoring existing refugee commitments remains steadfast, with a focus on ensuring a successful and sustainable resettlement process.

Overall, Canada’s decision to scale back refugee resettlement numbers reflects a thoughtful approach to managing immigration levels in the face of housing and economic challenges. By prioritizing stability and integration, the country aims to uphold its reputation as a global leader in refugee resettlement while addressing pressing domestic concerns.