Refugees turned away in Europe may look to Canada

TORONTO • Refugee claimants could increasingly migrate to Canada as a result of hardening immigration policies in the European Union, a declassified intelligence report obtained by the National Post states.

Canada could become a “preferred destination over the EU” for those seeking refugee status, as anti-immigration sentiment rises in Europe and the continent tightens its borders, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) report said.

The report — dated October, 2015, but only recently released under the Access to Information Act — did not anticipate a large influx from Europe, citing the high cost of reaching Canada as well as safe-third-country policies.

The sharp increase in refugee claims Canada is experiencing now has been attributed partly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s election win, but the report suggests Europe’s security concerns and unease over refugees could also drive asylum seekers to Canada.

“As the EU tightens its borders and asylum policies in response to the influx, Canada may increasingly be considered by persons seeking refugee protection,” said the report.

At the time the report was written, the impact of the European migrant crisis was considered “limited,” with only a “small number” of confirmed cases in which failed asylum seekers in Europe had sought protection in Canada.

University of Ottawa professor David Moffette, an expert on immigration, said it was possible some refugees would opt for Canada as a result of hardening policies in Europe. “People who fear for their life are going to claim asylum in a place where they think it’s possible to get asylum,” he said.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is to travel to Ottawa on Friday. Among the issues to be discussed are “perimeter security and traveller screening” as well as immigration and refugee policies, his department said.