Ottawa, November 17, 2025 — The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is calling on the Government of Canada to immediately suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) with the United States, citing escalating threats to the safety and well-being of asylum seekers.
In a new position statement released today, CASW warns that recent policy decisions in the United States—including the suspension of its refugee admissions program and other measures undermining protections guaranteed under international law—have eroded the conditions required for the U.S. to be considered a “safe” country for refugee claimants.
“The claim of a safe haven can no longer be justifiably upheld,” said CASW President Barbara Whitenect. “Canada has a duty to ensure that all people seeking refuge are treated with dignity. This is especially true for those most vulnerable, including women and LGBTQIA+ individuals fleeing gender-based persecution.”
Rooted in the social work profession’s Code of Ethics, CASW stresses that compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity must guide Canada’s approach to refugee protection. The organization urges the federal government to take decisive action that reflects Canada’s longstanding leadership in promoting global human rights.
CASW urges the Government of Canada to:
- Pause the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States.
- Issue a moratorium on removals to the U.S. for individuals at risk of detention or refoulement.
- Create an immediate exception under Article 6 of the STCA for LGBTQIA+ and gender-based violence claimants.
- Establish an independent mechanism to monitor and assess U.S. compliance with international refugee protection obligations.
“At a moment when global policies are shifting toward criminalization rather than protection, Canada must stand firmly for human rights,” Whitenect concluded.
About CASW
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is a national federation of provincial and territorial partner organizations, representing over 50,000 social workers across Canada. CASW promotes the profession and advances issues of social justice, human rights, and the well-being of all people.
