Quebec near 'breaking point' with asylum seekers, says provincial immigration minister

Summary

Quebec's government seeks reimbursement of one billion dollars from the federal government to cover the costs of a rising number of asylum seekers. While Ottawa has partially agreed to cover temporary housing expenses, Quebec awaits full compensation for services provided to asylum seekers, including education and judicial help. The province, which hosts 55% of Canada's asylum seekers, is urging a national distribution of asylum seekers and a revision of visa policies to address the strain on local resources.

Takeaways

• 📢 The Quebec government is requesting reimbursement of one billion dollars from the federal government to cover the costs of an increasing number of asylum seekers.
• 🏠 The federal government has partially responded, agreeing to reimburse Quebec for temporary housing expenses but has not yet addressed the full amount.
• 🏫 Quebec is providing a range of services to asylum seekers, including financial aid, education, and judicial assistance, which are putting pressure on the province's capacity.
• 💰 Quebec has incurred significant expenses over the last three years and is seeking full reimbursement for these costs from the federal government.
• 🗣️ Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez has acknowledged regular discussions on the matter but emphasized that the federal government already covers some costs for asylum seekers.
• 🤝 Quebec is requesting not only reimbursement but also a more equitable distribution of asylum seekers across Canada, as the province currently hosts 55% of them.
• 👶 The Quebec Court of Appeal ruled that asylum seekers have the right to subsidized daycare, but there is a request to stay this ruling pending a Supreme Court judgment.
• 🚼 Minister Rodriguez expressed concern that Quebec is being treated unfairly, suggesting that children, whether asylum seekers or born in Quebec, should have equal access to childcare.
• 🏭 Quebec has reached its capacity to deliver services to asylum seekers and is near the breaking point, which complicates the addition of new services like subsidized daycare.
• 🛂 The Quebec government is advocating for tighter visa requirements for travelers from countries like Mexico to prevent an overload of asylum seekers in the province.
• 🔄 There is an ongoing discussion with the federal government about changing visa policies and the distribution mechanism for asylum seekers to alleviate the pressure on Quebec.

Q & A

What is the primary request of Quebec's government to the federal government of Canada?

Quebec's government is asking the federal government to reimburse one billion dollars to cover the costs associated with the growing number of Asylum Seekers in the province.

What has been the federal government's response to Quebec's request so far?

The federal government has partially responded by confirming that it will reimburse Quebec for the temporary housing expenses, but Quebec is still waiting for an answer regarding the rest of the sum.

What services does Quebec offer to Asylum Seekers that contribute to the financial strain?

Quebec offers a range of services including financial help, education at primary and secondary levels, and judicial assistance to Asylum Seekers.

Why is Quebec seeking reimbursement from the federal government for these services?

Quebec believes that it is the federal government's responsibility to take care of and manage Asylum Seekers, and the province has incurred significant expenses in providing services to them.

What percentage of Asylum Seekers in Canada are in Quebec, according to the Minister?

According to the Minister, Quebec is hosting 55% of all Asylum Seekers in Canada.

How many Asylum Seekers arrived in Quebec in the year 2023?

In the year 2023, Quebec received 65,000 Asylum Seekers.

What is the current situation regarding the capacity of Quebec's services for Asylum Seekers?

The capacity to deliver services to Asylum Seekers in Quebec has reached its maximum, and the province is near the breaking point.

What recent court ruling has been made regarding subsidized daycare for Asylum Seekers in Quebec?

The Quebec Court of Appeal ruled that Asylum Seekers have a right to use subsidized daycare in the province, and there is now a request to stay this ruling until the Supreme Court makes a judgment.

What is Quebec's stance on the court's ruling regarding subsidized daycare for Asylum Seekers?

Quebec is arguing that their capacity to offer services to Asylum Seekers has reached its limit, and they are requesting the federal government to take responsibility and reimburse the costs incurred.

What measures is Quebec suggesting to address the influx of Asylum Seekers?

Quebec is suggesting that the federal government tighten visa requirements, particularly for tourists from Mexico, and distribute Asylum Seekers more evenly across Canada.

What is the current mechanism for distributing Asylum Seekers among Canadian provinces?

The mechanism used last year was the Roxham Road, which allowed for the distribution of Asylum Seekers on a voluntary basis among the provinces.