Evaluation of Canada’s membership in the International Organization for Migration
4. Conclusions
In summary, respondents cited a strong need for membership in the IOM, due to Canada’s managed approach to migration, its position as a refugee-receiving country and the alignment of services obtained with the CIC’s and the Government’s objectives. Canada is an active and credible member of the organization, which has been recognized by IOM representatives and some key member states, and it has been able to influence its governance, management and strategic directions. While the research activities of the IOM are not always directly pertinent to Canada, it is an appropriate venue for international dialogue on migration issues. Membership in IOM is providing other key benefits as well, especially as an executing agency for effective and high-quality services and projects supported by Canada.
The major findings of the evaluation are:
Key findings – relevance
- Given Canada’s status as one of the world’s major refugee-receiving countries and the mandate of IOM, all respondents cited a strong need to continue membership.
- CIC’s membership in the IOM is aligned with governmental and departmental strategic objectives.
- The immigration-related services that CIC receives from IOM directly support the activities of the department.
Key findings – performance
- Canada is an active and influential member of the IOM, particularly in the areas of governance and budget matters.
- Some concerns exist with mandate expansion and alignment of projects to the strategic direction as well as potential impacts on core migration services as the IOM continues to grow.
- There is also a perceived need for better coordination between other government departments in dealing with the IOM.
- Canada does not generally fund IOM research directly and therefore neither influences nor benefits from IOM research activities.
- There are other organizations, such as the OECD and Metropolis, which are more experienced and better suited to undertaking research on migration issues relevant to CIC.
- The IOM is well-placed to provide the forum for focused, regular discussion on migration, but the current format of the International Dialogue on Migration will have to evolve to fulfill that purpose.
- Membership in the IOM gives Canada the benefits of IOM service and project delivery on a priority basis, which may not be obtained if Canada were to withdraw from the organization. Additional benefits include timely access to IOM management and decision-making influence on IOM governance bodies and issues.
- There are few alternatives that provide the reach, quality of service or cost-effectiveness that IOM does for CIC’s core migration services – transportation, health and orientation services. The ability to access these services from a single organization focused solely on migration has led to efficiencies, according to respondents.
Aligned with CIC and Government of Canada objectives, the IOM is an organization that provides services which benefit the immigration agenda. In the fragmented international dialogue on migration, membership in the IOM offers a forum to discuss issues with like-minded states, and in which Canada plays an active part. It also provides a platform for Canada to influence other countries and the debate. An additional benefit of belonging to the IOM is the priority treatment for the operational services provided, which are wide-reaching and regarded as cost-effective. Though some of the benefits are difficult to quantify, the value of membership in such a prominent organization was found to exceed the expenditure.
With no clear-cut, effective alternatives (especially in the area of services), the full impact of withdrawal from IOM is difficult to assess. Not participating would deprive other member states of the benefit of Canada’s knowledge and experience with managed migration, and we would lose the ability to influence the discussion. Recognizing Canada’s leadership position in this domain, discontinuing membership in the IOM could also potentially damage our credibility in the international migration community.
Recommendations
- Recommendation 1: In its position as a global leader in managed migration, and considering the benefits obtained from participation, Canada should maintain its membership in the IOM.
- Recommendation 2: Canada (CIC) should continue to actively monitor the governance and strategic direction of the IOM, paying particular attention to mandate issues so that potential impacts on core services can be highlighted and minimized.
- Recommendation 3: As the lead, CIC should consider the appropriateness of ensuring a sufficient level of coordination between Canadian government departments that use IOM services, to maintain alignment of projects with Canada’s position in relation to the IOM.
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