COW – Asylum – May 28, 2026
- Integrity efforts and new STCA working: 59% fewer people submitted an asylum claim (Jan–March 2026 vs. 2024)
- Obligation to assess the eligibility/protect those at risk
- Bill C-12 introduced key measures to close loopholes and help deter misuse of the asylum system.
- Quebec Asylum seekers: Overall claims are down 46% in the first three months of 2026 vs. 2025 and 71% vs. 2024. Quebec has received over $542M since 2019 to help cover asylum-related costs, and a one-time payment of $580M in
2024–2025. - Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP): Funding to provinces and territories and municipalities is based on need, value for money, and expected results. All IRCC-funded hotels for asylum claimants closed by October 1, 2025.
- IHAP agreements for 2025–2027: Ottawa, Peel, Toronto, Waterloo, Durham, Halton, Simcoe County, London, Hamilton, York, Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Brunswick.
- Interim Federal Health Program: Temporary coverage for basic health care benefits and with co-payments for supplemental products and services.
- Redistribution of claimants: By March 2027, Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunwsick will welcome 290 and 400 claimants respectively.