1. Managing Migration: A shared Responsibility
Glen Linder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

2. Introduction: Canada’s view of migration
Canada’s managed migration system is built on values of diversity, inclusion, pluralism
If well-managed, migration has a positive impact on host and destination countries and communities
Innovation, contribution to society, contribution to host economy
Remittances as important development drivers (financial or social, such as education, skills and expertise, technology transfer, and advocacy and lobbying)
Focus on what brings us together, not what divides us
For too long we as an international community have been focussing on immediate problems with knee-jerk reactions.
If we see diversity as a threat we miss the benefits of migration
Migration is not a “crisis” or problem to be fixed but rather a complex reality that has both opportunities and challenges
Well-managed migration allows a country to benefit from diversity, inclusion, pluralism

3. Canada’s migration experience at a glance
15 million
Immigrants since 1867
3.7 million
New permanent residents
in last 15 years
260,067
New permanent residents in 2014
213,496
New Temporary Resident work permits issued in 2014
126,679
New Temporary Resident study permits issued in 2014
86%
Percentage of permanent residents who go on to become citizens
262,574
New citizens in 2014
1 in 5
Canadians born outside the country
One
… of the highest per capita rates of immigration in the world

4. Canada’s model is unique…
Canada is a country built by ongoing waves of immigrants from around the world
A nation with three founding peoples (Indigenous, French, British) we have evolved into an ethno-cultural, linguistic and religious mosaic
A top immigrant-receiving country
FOREIGN-BORN
One in five Canadians were born outside Canada – 20.6% of the total population.
ETHNIC GROUPS
About 200 ethnic origins. Rise in mixed ethnic ancestries – 42.1% of total population compared to 38.2% in 2001.
LANGUAGES
More than 200 languages spoken as a mother tongue, in addition to English and French.
VISIBLE MINORITIES
Visible minorities accounted for 19.1% of Canada’s population, up from 13.4% in Largest minority groups were South Asians, Chinese, Blacks and Filipinos.
RELIGION
Majority (67.3%) of Canadians were affiliated with Christian religions, but those reporting non-Christian religions (i.e. Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist) rose from 6.3% in 2001 to 7.2% of the population. Projected to double by 2031.

5. It is an example that engages a wide array of actors
Federal Government
Municipal Governments
Provincial
Territorial Governments
INCLUSIVE LAWS/POLICIES
Citizenship Act
Multiculturalism Act
Canadian Human Rights Act
Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
ENABLING PROGRAMS
Settlement
Foreign Credential Recognition
Labour Market
Health, Education, Social Services
NEWCOMERS
Economic Immigrants
Family Class Immigrants
Refugees
WELCOMING SOCIETY Employers Regulatory Bodies Professional Associations Educational/Public Institutions Service Provider Organizations Established Canadians
TWO-WAY MODEL
Shared responsibility: managing migration together
Involvement of all levels of government, private sector, civil society, employers, migrants themselves
Legislation supports inclusion, offers various migration streams as alternatives to irregular migration

6. IMMIGRANT OUTCOMES
This balanced, shared approach fosters a positive view of migration and supports inclusion
Overall, Canada’s story is positive…
Strong successes for Canada in immigrant integration are mostly in social and civic integration.
Evidence is positive on the ultimate benchmarks of success – sense of belonging, social trust and active citizenship.
Meeting the basic needs of newcomers is also a good news story.
…while challenges remain, the benefits outweigh them.
The small community of Altona, Man., was settled in the 1880s by Mennonite refugees. In 2016, it opened its doors to five families of Syrian Muslims
Nightime walks and other pleasures: Syrian refugees learn to love smalltown Canada
A couple of weeks ago, they went for a walk in the dark for the first time in five years. For Elyas, it was the first time he had been out at night in his life. Instead of the sounds of bombs and gunfire, all they heard were the chirps of crickets.
Welcome to Ottawa's Little Syria: 400 refugees create new community on Donald Street
Syrian refugees living in Canada for a matter of months are among those raising funds to support victims of the Fort McMurray fire

7. The Global Compact on Migration: A shared global approach
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
The Global Compact on Migration: A shared global approach
Working together, domestically, regionally and internationally is the only way to truly address challenges and to promote the benefits of migration
Take responsibility sharing to the next level: regionally, globally
Move away from trying to stop migration towards better governing it at home and through regional/global cooperation
Opportunity to highlight and facilitate benefits of migration, enshrine this perspective in Global Compact

8. The RCM is an ideal venue for regional collaboration
Meaningful engagement and consultation must be the first step to developing a Global Compact
RCM: a regional consultative process on migration
opportunity for regional consultation and, going forward, migration management capacity building
Showcase this model through IOM’s Global RCP Meetings

9. Canada’s vision: Key elements of the Global Compact
Consultations before negotiations
IOM as Secretary General of the Migration Compact Conference in 2018
Inclusive, collaborative, consultative, practical compact that:
Sets out characteristics of well-managed migration and encourages states to develop systems along these lines: how to achieve safe, orderly and regular
Defines global governance of migration
Reaffirms and improves common understanding of existing international norms and conventions related to migration, and advocates for their implementation
Identifies existing cooperative approaches to addressing international migration movements, including crises
Identifies where there are gaps
Develops solutions for gap areas

10. The Way Forward
Consultations: collaborate and cooperate regionally and globally, making the most of existing forums
Use international focus on the Global Compacts to ensure a more people-centered, holistic approach to global migration and mobility
Humanize migrants, respect for human rights of migrants
Aim to change to a more positive narrative on migration