Refugee claims hit ‘historic low’ as Ottawa’s policy faces fresh criticism

From the Globe and Mail, written by Josh Wingrove (January 23, 2014)

The Conservatives in Ottawa are celebrating these developments, but refugee advocates say this is nothing to celebrate.  Here are two excerpts from the article.  You can read the whole article, by clicking here.

The number of people claiming refugee status in Canada reached what Ottawa calls a “historic low” in 2013 after it brought in changes to speed up the program by deterring applicants from safer countries.
The changes remain unpopular with refugee advocates who say valid claims are being brushed aside. Immigration Minister Chris Alexander has also lashed out at Ontario, one of many provinces continuing to provide health care for claimants who Ottawa says want to “game the system.”
...
“From our perspective, it’s a sad day when we say we’ve been receiving the smallest number of refugee claimants in decades. It means that fewer people have a chance at safety and security and a future,” said Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees. 

- Submitted by Gareth