A significant portion of refugees in Canada, particularly those sponsored by the government, face substantial challenges in their initial years, with many relying on food banks and social assistance, according to a report from the Department of Immigration. Blacklock's Reporter says the study evaluated the experiences of refugees admitted between 2016 and 2022, a period during which Canada welcomed 207,060 refugees, including 88,838 government-assisted individuals.“In their first year in Canada, nearly a third of refugees (31%) always or often relied on food banks,” the report stated. The reliance was notably high among government-assisted refugees, with 80% reporting at least occasional use of food banks in their first year.The study also highlighted long-term dependency on welfare. “A majority of government-assisted refugees, 53% or more, remained on social assistance for five years following their arrival in Canada,” it said. The report emphasized that government-assisted refugees often required more extensive support compared to privately sponsored refugees, who exhibited better outcomes. “Assistance rates are about 30% for privately sponsored refugees after their first year,” it noted.Critics have linked these challenges to changes in immigration policy. Statistics Canada previously reported that the 2001 Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which removed requirements for refugees to demonstrate economic independence or work skills, contributed to increased reliance on social assistance.“Because of these changes, refugees admitted after the Act may be more prone to relying on social assistance,” StatsCan stated. Privately sponsored refugees, who often have family or community support upon arrival, tend to integrate more successfully, finding employment more quickly through their sponsors.The Department of Immigration acknowledged these challenges, stating, “The resettlement program has an ultimate outcome of refugees living independently in Canadian society.” However, the report noted that “independent living is not clearly defined,” highlighting gaps in program governance and coordination.While most refugees during the evaluation period hailed from Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea, the report called for equitable access to timely protection and better support mechanisms to address the long-term integration challenges faced by government-assisted refugees.
