Canada has long seen itself as a global leader in protecting refugees — people forced to flee war or persecution. But in 2026 that reputation is under strain.
New laws restrict who can claim asylum, resettlement targets were cut by 30%, refugee healthcare was reduced, and funding for settlement organizations was eliminated. Over 90,000 refugees now face waits of up to six years.
Canada also continues returning asylum-seekers to the United States under an agreement critics say sends people back to danger. UN human-rights experts have urged Canada to reconsider these changes.
90,000+
Refugees waiting up to 6 years for private sponsorship
30%
Cut to Canada's refugee resettlement admission targets for 2026
$829M
Refugee healthcare cut over four years beginning May 2025
80%
Acceptance rate for the 295,000+ pending refugee claimants in Canada