Canada has always been regarded as one of the most welcoming nations around the world, when it comes to immigrants, as well as people in need of refuge. Thus, it does not come as surprise when Canadian Immigration Minister announced that the country is all set to help and resettle a minimum of 12,000 Iraqi refugees by the year 2012.

Canada has been in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to work for the welfare of the refugees around the world. Each year, out of the total 10.5 million (estimated) refugees designated by the United Nations organization, countries participating in UN resettle an estimated number of 100,000 refugees. Canada alone provides refuge up to 12,000 refugees per year. Both government-aided and private refugee programs are accountable for this. The country is, however, planning to increase the number of refugees to be resettled.

The country’s proposed legislation, Balanced Refugee Reformed Act, which is commonly known as Bill C-11 also emphasizes the idea of increasing resettling capacity in Canada. If the bill becomes a law, Canada expects to boost the resettlement target by more than 2,000. With this, the country’s annual refugee resettlement figure would become about 14,500, as well as Canada would become the country to resettle the largest refugee community in the world. Canada has a track record of providing refuge to more than one million people, following the World War II. Out of the figure, more than 200,000 refugees have been handled by privately-owned agencies. Canada strongly believes that by helping people with providing refuge, it is performing its bit of international responsibility, as well strengthening its communities!