Last week, the House of Commons passed Bill C-12, known as Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act. It’s concerning how quickly this Bill is moving forward to becoming law.
In Canada and in too many nations globally—we are witnessing a troubling resurgence of political strategies that use fear and misinformation to divide communities. Refugees are increasingly being framed as threats to public safety, economic stability, and national cohesion. This tactic is not new. History offers countless reminders of moments when vulnerable groups were scapegoated to deflect public attention away from real systemic failures.
The recent decisions by the Government of Canada, echoed by opposition parties, rely on narratives that blame refugees for social and economic problems they did not create. Instead of addressing the root causes of housing shortages, labour uncertainty, rising inequality, or the strain on public services, policymakers are targeting people who have fled persecution, war, and life-threatening danger. It is not only morally wrong—it is evidence-deficient.
Bill C-12 amplifies these concerns; the Bill blends criminal law, border enforcement, and refugee policy into a package marketed as a response to organized crime, trafficking, and online exploitation.
But the measures that most affect refugees—one-year bars on asylum access, impossible 14-day filing deadlines, and sweeping Cabinet authority to pause or freeze applications—do not disrupt criminal networks. Instead, they close the door on the very people these laws claim to protect.
The myths linking refugee supports and economic hardships don’t hold up either. There’s no evidence that blocking refugees saves money or stabilizes the economy. In fact, refugees strengthen Canada’s labour market and contribute to local economies. Blaming them for housing shortages, overwhelmed health systems, or insecure jobs only distracts from actual policy failures in housing, labour standards, and taxation. When refugees get blamed, the people who profit from high rents, low wages, and underinvestment get a free pass.
Canada must reject policies rooted in myth and fear. We must demand real solutions to housing, labour, and economic challenges—solutions that strengthen communities rather than scapegoat those seeking safety. We must hold our leaders accountable to evidence, compassion, and Canada’s international and moral obligations.
A rights-respecting, welcoming Canada is not just possible—it is who we have always aspired to be.
We know better. Let’s do better.
Barb Whitenect, BA, MSW, RSW
President
Canadian Association of Social Workers