COW – Support Provided to Quebec for Asylum Claimants – May 28, 2026

• We provide significant support to Quebec to respond to asylum pressures.
• Through the Interim Housing Assistance Program, Quebec has received over $542 million since 2017 to help cover asylum-related costs.
• In 2024–2025, Quebec also received over $580 million as a one-time payment to address increased asylum demand.
• At the same time, asylum pressures are easing.
• For Canada as a whole, from January to March 2026, 34% fewer people submitted an asylum claim compared to the same period in 2025. That's 59% fewer claimants compared to the same 3 months in 2024.
• For Quebec specifically, from January to March 2026, asylum claims in Quebec went down by 46% when compared to the same period in 2025, and 71% when compared to 2024.

Passing of Bill C-12:

• And Bill C-12 is strengthening the system more.
• It improves processing and decision-making for asylum claims.
• It also includes measures to manage sudden spikes and protect system integrity.