Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement – Annex F: Asylum Claimants 2025

Preamble

The Parties agree that maintaining a strategic approach to managing the asylum system in Canada is a priority.

The Parties share a mutual interest in identifying opportunities to share data and information.

The Parties agree that the federal government has oversight of legislation, policy, and processing in relation to the In-Canada Asylum System.

The Parties agree that services and supports are vital to helping Asylum Claimants establish themselves in communities and integrate into the labour market and achieve independence.

The parties agree that the government of Ontario remains the primary interlocutor with the Federal government on policy matters relating to the In-Canada Asylum System within Ontario.

1.0 Purpose

• 1.1 The purpose of this Annex is to facilitate co-operation between the Parties regarding Canada’s asylum system and Asylum Claimants in Ontario.

2.0 Objectives

• 2.1 The objectives of this Annex are to:
  • 2.1.1 Strengthen Canada’s asylum system through improved collaboration, consultation and information sharing.
  • 2.1.2 Ensure mechanisms are in place for effective information and data sharing, in accordance with applicable federal and provincial legislation and policies.
  • 2.1.3 Ensure dialogue on volumes, processing and actions to strengthen the In-Canada Asylum System, and to discuss strategies for managing pressures on services including costs incurred by both parties.
  • 2.1.4 Establish a dialogue on the roles and responsibilities of the parties related to Asylum Claimants in Ontario.

3.0 Information Sharing

• 3.1 All information sharing between the Parties shall be in accordance with section 9.4 of the General Provisions of this Agreement.
• 3.2 The Parties agree to develop an ongoing process and framework to discuss effective and timely data and information sharing, which shall include but is not limited to information on the removals of unsuccessful claimants from Canada, subject to having the appropriate authorities to do so, informed by consultation with implicated government departments on policies and programs in Canada that support Asylum Claimants. Data sharing will support the effective planning and management around Asylum Claimants residing in Ontario.
• 3.3 The Parties agree to share information and research, in partnership with other ministries or departments, on best practices regarding Asylum Claimant arrivals and outcomes.

4.0 Multilateral cooperation

• 4.1 The Parties agree to continue working together, and collaboratively with other provinces and territories, towards the achievement of joint objectives related to asylum.

5.0 Governance

• 5.1 In accordance with section 9.1 of the General Provisions of this Agreement, the AMC will determine the appropriate mandate, structure, and reporting requirements for the implementation of this Annex. The parties agree to leverage the annual bilateral workplan to continue discussions related to Asylum Claimants as may be required.
• 5.2 The Focal Points for the purpose of communication and notification pursuant to this Annex are:
  1. for Canada: the Director General, Asylum Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; and
  2. for Ontario: the Director, Global Talent and Settlement Services Division, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.