As federal elections approach, immigration has once again taken center stage in public and political discourse—often in harmful and misleading ways. Anti-immigrant sentiment, racism, and xenophobia are on the rise, fueled in part by recent federal policy decisions that echo right-wing fears rather than challenge them. Refugees and asylum seekers, already navigating a complex and burdensome determination system, are being unfairly scapegoated for broader systemic issues such as housing shortages, healthcare access, and welfare demands. These narratives not only obscure the real causes of these crises but also threaten the safety and dignity of those seeking refuge in Canada.

This campaign, launched by The Refugee Centre, calls on Minister Marc Miller to reject policies that perpetuate xenophobia and instead commit to meaningful reform of Canada’s refugee support systems. From arbitrary and unrealistic deadlines like the 45-day Basis of Claim requirement, to gaps in healthcare coverage and long delays in work permit processing, current policies are placing newcomers in vulnerable, dependent situations. Canada must not respond to public pressure by tightening borders or lowering refugee caps, but by strengthening our capacity to uphold our international obligations. Systemic change is urgently needed—not to reduce refugee intake, but to ensure that when refugees arrive, they can build stable, healthy, and hopeful lives.

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