CIMM – Asylum Claimants in Québec – October 24, 2023

Key Facts and Figures

Asylum claims made at the Montreal-Trudeau International airport increased significantly in 2022, with over 11,600 asylum claims (compared to approximately 1,600 claims in 2021). From January 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, approximately 13,600 asylum claims were made at this airport, indicating an ongoing high number of arrivals.
In 2022, over 38,900 individuals claimed asylum between ports of entry in Quebec. From January 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023, over 14,000 asylum claims were made between the ports in Quebec.
Since the implementation of the STCA Additional Protocol on March 25, 2023, the number of claims made between ports of entry has significantly reduced. From March 25, 2023 to August 31, 2023, approximately 805 asylum claims were made (there were 38,900 in 2022).

The Government of Canada put in place measures to manage the high volume of asylum claimants who were arriving between designated ports of entry, including Roxham Road in Quebec, by providing temporary accommodations and support services, and transferring claimants requiring temporary accommodation and willing to go to another jurisdiction.
The Safe Third Country Agreement was expanded to apply across the entire land border, including designated ports of entry and internal waterways, on March 25, 2023. Those seeking to claim asylum must do so at the first safe country of arrival. Canada and the United States remain committed to collaborating in support of safe, orderly and regular migration in the Americas.

Quebec maintained its stance that Ottawa redirect all asylum seekers entering Canada between the ports near Lacolle to other provinces; and that Quebec obtain reimbursement of all costs related to the reception and integration of asylum seekers for the years 2021 and 2022.
Since June 2022, IRCC has transferred asylum claimants in Quebec to other provinces. In addition, given the significant increase of airport arrivals in Quebec in the recent months, IRCC has agreed at Quebec’s request to temporarily house asylum claimants coming from the airport when its shelter system is at full capacity.
On January 23, 2023, Quebec sent a letter to IRCC requesting $470.3M for its 2021 and 2022 costs, including social services, related to asylum claimants. Of that amount, IRCC paid Quebec $66.9M under the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP), the total amount requested for interim housing expenses for 2021 and 2022.