FIVE THINGS ABOUT THE GLOBAL PACT ON MIGRATION

1 WHAT IS IT?

The Global Compact on Migration is set to become the first, inter-governmentally negotiated agreement under the UN to cover all dimensions of international migration. It is aimed at improving co-operation between countries and will be signed by multiple countries next week in Morocco. The agreement itself contains 23 objectives and commitments, each focusing on a different dimension of migration, from the moment a migrant decides to flee their country due to violence or persecution through to the time they return to their home country. Almost all UN member states are poised to sign it, except the United States and Hungary.

2 WHAT IS CANADA’S ROLE?

Canada played an active role driving the agreement forward, although the government has indicated it will closely review the text before formally signing the document, according to a senior official. Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen is to sign on Canada’s behalf. “Welcoming people through a rigorous immigration system from around the world is what has made Canada strong, and indeed something the world needs more of,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

3 WHAT DO THE CRITICS SAY?

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer strongly opposes the agreement, arguing it would give foreign entities influence over Canada’s immigration system and would influence media coverage of immigration issues. “Canadians and Canadians alone should make decisions on who comes into our country and under what circumstances,” Scheer said Tuesday. “Instead of signing international agreements that erode our sovereign right to manage our borders, the prime minister should focus on restoring order at home.” Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel calls it a “border-erasing policy” and People’s Party Leader Maxime Bernier says it would “normalize mass migration.”

4 WHAT IS THE PUBLIC RESPONSE?

The government has been flooded with form letters from Canadians asking that it delay signing the agreement until a national debate is held. The letters claim the UN agreement is attempting to eliminate criticism of the accommodation of migrants and would effectively “label those who complain as racists or haters, thus stifling any freedom of discussion.”

5 IS THERE TRUTH TO THAT CONCERN?

Objective 17 of the agreement does ask countries to commit to eliminating discrimination, as well as to “promote independent, objective and quality reporting of media outlets, including internet-based information, including by sensitizing and educating media professionals on migration-related issues and terminology.” However, it also says commits signatories to protecting free speech, “recognizing that an open and free debate contributes to a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of migration.”