Review of the Migration Policy Development Program
Executive summary
Background
Established in 2003, CIC’s Migration Policy Development Program (MPDP) funds participation in selected organizations engaged in the development of international migration policy and research. MPDP is administered through contribution agreements to a maximum of $304,000 annually. For the five-year period under review, participation has been funded in two organizations – the Inter-Governmental Consultations on Asylum, Refugee and Migration Policies (IGC) and the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) – and support has been provided to a third organization – the Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
The primary objective of the study was to conduct a review of program activities and report on the results achieved, in order to meet CIC reporting obligations to Treasury Board. This review covers MPDP activities over the five-year period from 2003/04 to 2007/08, and was conducted from October 2007 to January 2008.
Key findings
This review has found that the activities and outputs for the three forums, IGC, RCM and MPI are being achieved on an annual basis in accordance with the contribution agreements with the minor exception of the roundtables to be organised through MPI which are delayed due to scheduling difficulties.
The key intended results of the MPDP are being achieved. Specifically, MPDP has:
- Promoted an increase in research activity conducted on migration issues;
- Encouraged the exchange of information among states; and
- Contributed to the public discussion in this field.
There was an indication that additional efforts to increase awareness and dissemination of information related to IGC within CIC would allow the department to more fully exploit the benefits of membership. A number of additional results have been achieved. Canada’s involvement in IGC, MPI and RCM has:
- Provided Canada with the opportunity to showcase its practices and influence policy discussions and thinking in international fora;
- Strengthened intergovernmental relationships and international networks, particularly with Central American and European states;
- Strengthened the Central American region through technical assistance and capacity building related to migration policy and programs; and
- Contributed to the migration-related policy thinking and discussion within Canada;
At this time, the forums are well-aligned with CIC strategic outcomes as well as the Government of Canada’s outcomes.