Ottawa, March 29, 2010 — Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney today launched a series of proposed reforms to Canada’s refugee system, beginning with a commitment to resettle 2,500 more refugees living in refugee camps and urban slums once the package is approved.

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“Millions of people have fled violence and persecution to seek refuge outside their home countries and we would like to do more to provide them with protection in Canada,” said Minister Kenney. “We know that we can’t help everyone. But what we can do is introduce balanced reforms to our refugee system that will allow us to expand our refugee resettlement programs to provide protection to more people.”
The Government-Assisted Refugees Program would be expanded over time by up to 500 places while a further 2,000 resettlement places would be added to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. This means that Canada would annually resettle as many as 14,500 refugees from refugee camps and urban slums. 
The increase would begin once Parliament approves legislation to be introduced tomorrow to improve the in-Canada asylum system. “We have been clear that Parliament enacting balanced reforms to our asylum system will be met by more government help for refugees living in desperate circumstances around the world and in urgent need of resettlement,” the Minister said.
The amount of monthly income support provided to government-assisted refugees is based on prevailing provincial social assistance rates and provides the minimum amount required to cover only the most basic food and shelter needs until the refugees are able to become self-sufficient. This support is normally available for up to one year but may extend up to two years for refugees with special needs.
Spread over five years, enhancements to Canada’s resettlement program for refugees abroad would cost $90.7 million plus $21 million in ongoing funding.
Providing increased support for resettled refugees clearly demonstrates Canada’s ongoing humanitarian commitment and affirms our long-standing tradition as a leader in international refugee protection. 
Source: CIC website(www.cic.gc.ca) Medica Centre