On Refugee Rights Day, the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) urges the Canadian government to respect the fundamental rights of those seeking safety in Canada.
Refugee Rights Day is an occasion to celebrate the advances made in the protection of refugee rights in Canada, especially through the Singh Decision. On this day in 1985, the Supreme Court found that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the fundamental rights of refugees, including by granting access to an oral hearing. An oral hearing is imperative so people can explain why they are seeking protection in Canada.
Yet today refugee rights are being undermined across a range of anti-refugee policies, agreements and laws, including through the recent passing of Bill C-12, the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act. This new legislation represents a significant attack on refugee rights in Canada and has been criticized by the UN Human Rights Committee for undermining critical procedural safeguards for refugees.
C-12 sets the current and future governments on a dangerous path forward. It introduces two new ineligibility provisions that deprive people seeking safety of a full refugee claim process before the world-respected Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). These changes will endanger survivors of gender-based violence, LGBTQIA+ individuals and many other vulnerable populations.
South of the border, the Trump administration is abducting, detaining and deporting refugees, exacerbating trauma for children, families and communities. The United States cannot be considered a “safe” country for refugees. CCR reiterates its call for Canada to immediately withdraw from the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) and ensure that those in the U.S. can seek refugee protection in Canada.
CCR also strongly opposes the imminent cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) starting on May 1st. The government is introducing co-payments for essential healthcare products and services such as mental health counselling, prescription medications, and vision and dental care. Refugees who have faced significant trauma and health issues should not be forced to pay for basic healthcare. Equitable access to healthcare is integral so refugees can start their journey in Canada on the right path.
CCR members are deeply concerned about the expiry of funding for the Interim Housing Assistance Program as of March 2027. In a time when the housing crisis affects us all, we know that refugees need dedicated shelter support with tailored services so they can work, enroll their children in school, and build our communities. The government should take immediate measures to ensure refugees have access to safe and dignified housing when they arrive in Canada as an essential part of ensuring Asylum with Dignity.
At a time when global leadership is desperately needed to protect individuals fleeing persecution, violence and conflict, Canada is heading in a dangerous direction. Scapegoating refugees for the housing, healthcare and affordability crises is a cruel attempt to distract Canadians from decades of underinvestment and privatization of essential services. Canada is prioritizing investments in border militarization instead of ensuring that individuals have access to basic services and fair process that respects their rights.
We are proud to be a country where we welcome newcomers and build diverse, vibrant communities together. We expect our leaders to carry on that legacy and make this a place where all families can thrive. We know we are all better together, so we need leadership that builds — not divides.
This Refugee Rights Day, we urge the government to reverse these regressive policies and laws on refugee protection and help build a shared future where everyone in Canada can find safety and access their rights to housing and healthcare.