Why we need a new refugee system

By Russ Hiebert

It has become apparent to our government that Canada’s refugee system is strained by an increasing number of unfounded claims every year.
This undermines our ability to help those who truly need our protection.
Prior to our imposition of visas on citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic last year, Canada had seen a 60% increase in the number of refugee claims over two years.
Canada receives more asylum claims per capita than any comparable democracy (38,000 claims in 2008) and there are approximately 60,000 claimants in the backlog waiting for a hearing.
Asylum claims are made by foreign nationals in Canada on visitor, student, work or other permits who claim to be fleeing persecution.
While many people in the backlog are genuinely in need of Canada’s protection, a significant number of claimants are not.
By the time these failed claimants have exhausted all legal avenues and finally leave Canada, most will have been here for four and a half years or more.
Too much time and too many resources are spent on claims from people who are not in need of protection and who stay in Canada for years.
We need to fix the system so that claims by individuals in need of protection in Canada are accepted quickly, and failed asylum claimants are removed quickly.
Those with unfounded claims can wait for years for final decisions on their applications, costing taxpayers’ dollars to pay for health care and, in some cases, social assistance.
 The Government of Canada estimates that each unfounded asylum claim costs taxpayers an average of $50,000.
That is why our Conservative government has introduced legislation which would strengthen Canada’s refugee system by refocusing our resources on those who truly need protection, while continuing to exceed our international commitments.
The proposed measures include changes at the Immigration and Refugee Board which would see public servants conduct hearings on claims within 60 days.
In addition, the new system would include an appeal process for most claimants carried out by Governor in Council appointees. 
The measures our government proposes would bring more timely protection to those who need it while improving our ability to remove those who seek to take improper advantage of our generosity.
Through this legislation, we are honouring the values that Canadians hold dear by ensuring that our refugee system provides justice to those who truly need our protection.

Russ Hiebert is the  MP for South Surrey - White Rock - Cloverdale