Forced displacement is a significant issue in the Americas, and Canada is working to address this problem through a number of initiatives and programs. The government of Canada, through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), is committed to providing protection and assistance to those who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, or other human rights violations.

One of the main ways that Canada addresses forced displacement in the Americas is through its refugee resettlement program. This program brings refugees from around the world to Canada, where they can start a new life in safety and security. CIC works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organizations to identify and refer refugees who are in need of resettlement.

In addition to the refugee resettlement program, CIC also offers a number of other initiatives to address forced displacement in the Americas. These include the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program, which allows individuals and groups in Canada to sponsor refugees, and the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) program, which allows Canadians to sponsor refugees referred by the UNHCR.

Quotes

“As we are nearing the end of our term as chair of the MIRPS Support Platform and are moving to a new role as past chair under its governance model, Canada will continue to be a strong voice and advocate for women and girls, while also working with countries to ensure sustainable support for refugees in Central America and Mexico. The projects announced today are a reflection of our continued commitment to strengthen responsibility sharing in the region and to help the world’s most vulnerable have clear pathways to safety.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“Canada is deeply concerned with the forced displacement of more than one million people in and from countries in Central America and Mexico. Not only must they leave their homes against their will, they also face violence, inequality, poverty, and food insecurity. Through our work with the MIRPS Support Platform and projects such as these, we will help address the needs of the forcibly displaced and better support the communities who so generously host them.”

– Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

CIC also works closely with other countries in the Americas to address forced displacement. For example, through the Canada-United States Joint Initiative on Resettlement, Canada and the United States collaborate to resettle refugees who are in need of protection. Canada also engages with countries in the Americas to build capacity and share best practices in protecting and assisting refugees and other persons in need of protection.

In addition to the refugee resettlement program, CIC also offers other programs for people to come to Canada as a permanent resident for instance through the Express Entry program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Family Class sponsorship program.

In conclusion, forced displacement is a significant issue in the Americas, and Canada is working to address this problem through a number of initiatives and programs. CIC is committed to providing protection and assistance to those who have been forced to flee their homes, and works closely with other organizations and countries in the Americas to address forced displacement. You can check CIC website for more information about these programs and how to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Fast facts

• The Comprehensive Regional Protection and Solutions Framework (MIRPS) is an initiative of the Global Compact on Refugees that encourages regional cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination for greater responsibility sharing in matters of prevention, protection and durable solutions in the face of growing forced displacement in Central America. 
• The MIRPS Support Platform was launched in December 2019 to support the efforts of the MIRPS countries. Its current members include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, France, Spain, Switzerland, Uruguay, the United States, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Organization of American States, and the United Nations Refugee Agency. 
• Over 1 million people have been forcibly displaced in and from countries in Central America and Mexico due to violence, inequality, poverty and food insecurity.