An outreach organization in Alberta that supports asylum seekers and immigrants believes that the systems aiding newcomers to Canada need to be updated for better support. Anila Umar, the CEO and president of the Centre For Newcomers in Calgary, expressed this opinion. Premier Danielle Smith stated that Alberta cannot accommodate more asylum seekers due to an influx of newcomers. However, the University of Alberta political scientist and immigration expert, Reza Hasmath, mentioned that the issue lies in immigration policy and poor policymaking more than racial or ethnic concerns. Smith’s statement was in response to the federal government’s proposal to redistribute asylum seekers across the country to alleviate immigration pressure on Quebec and Ontario.
Umar highlighted the challenge faced by asylum seekers in Alberta, where they lack funding until accepted as refugees. The funding given to provinces depends on the arrival of asylum seekers, creating a challenge in secondary migration. Asylum seekers typically head to urban centers or land border crossings in Ontario and Quebec and may migrate to other provinces due to various factors. Smith’s stance was not in line with the federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who pointed out the discrepancy in Alberta’s immigration policy.
Miller mentioned that discussions with provincial officials were ongoing to distribute asylum seekers equitably and integrate them into the labor market. He emphasized that provinces should assume their responsibilities in managing asylum seekers to relieve pressure on Ontario and Quebec. Financial assistance would be available for provinces accepting additional asylum seekers. Umar suggested a review of the asylum process to ensure sustainable support for newcomers without overburdening the public.
Maintaining Canada’s humanitarian stance is essential, Umar emphasized, to uphold the nation’s values and respect for human rights. The need to support asylum seekers and immigrants while balancing the economic implications on the public is a crucial aspect of immigration policy in Canada.
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