A recent report, carried by a well-known news source, has revealed that the government of Canada intends to restrict the admissions of new refugees into the nation and limit their number, under the private sponsorship program, allegedly with a view to reduce a fast increasing backlog. The said report went on to add that the Canadian government will stop the flood of new applications that comes every year, to clear the backlog of 23,200 refugees with sponsors waiting in the country.

However, and much significantly, since 2000, the number of private sponsorship refugees has been increased drastically, from less than 3,000 to an expected – not taking into account the future cap announcement – 6,500 in 2013.  But, what will be the cap in coming year, has not yet been revealed.

Though the government of Canada has allegedly said that re-designing Canada immigrationaround financial profit was the main objective, a study has shown that refugees and immigrants, under the Federal Skilled Workers scheme, in fact, contribute in a better way to the economic growth of the country than others.

Usually, refugees are allowed to bring along their family members into the country via the refugee program. But it may be reduced due to the said curb. Recently, the government put a two-year moratorium on inviting grandparents and parents, under the Family Class immigration program, into the country. It could, as alleged, also restrict the refugees from sponsoring their family members, even after they have obtained Canadian Permanent Residency.

However, Bill Brown, the Media Relations Advisor, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, has strongly refuted the claims. He said, “The Government of Canada is not lowering the number of new refugees to the country under the private sponsorship program. In fact, in 2012, government-assisted and privately-sponsored refugee admissions will increase. Canada maintains one of the world’s largest refugee resettlement programs, reflecting Canadians’ long-standing tradition of offering protection to the displaced and persecuted.”

Mr Brown went on to add, “I can assure you that the Government of Canada is fully committed to timely reunification of immediate family members.  Citizenship and Immigration Canada will continue to prioritize applications from spouses, partners and children within the Family Class.  We are increasing by more than 60% the number of parents and grandparents Canada will welcome next year – from nearly 15,500 in 2010 to 25,000 in 2012.”