Ottawa, ON – March 5, 2026 – Today, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is expressing its deep concern to the Government of Canada about the unfair policy focus on refugees and asylum seekers currently being enacted by newly introduced federal legislation, regulations, and the continued upholding of the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States of America (USA).
CASW has previously expressed concerns about Bill C‑12 (Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act), which blends criminal law, border enforcement, and refugee policy into a package marketed as a response to organized crime, trafficking, and online exploitation.
CASW has also consistently called for the immediate suspension of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) with the USA, as the conditions required for a “safe” country for refugee claimants continues to be violently eroded with each passing day under the Trump administration.
“As affordability pressures grow, global instability deepens, and political discourse becomes more polarized, casting blame on people who are vulnerable may offer short‑term political convenience, but it does nothing to address Canada’s real, systemic challenges,” states CASW President Barb Whitenect. “Social workers demand better.”
Social workers know that Canada’s strength has always been rooted in compassion, fairness, and collective responsibility. Many of the people seeking refuge today are displaced by the same global forces that challenge our economy and test democracies around the world.
Today, CASW publicly calls on the Government of Canada to reverse its decision to introduce co‑payments to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). Introducing co‑payments will delay access to preventative care and increase long‑term health system costs when treatable conditions become emergencies.
“Policies that tighten asylum timelines, expand enforcement, restrict access to protection, and introduce financial barriers to essential health care will not address the true drivers of Canada’s housing shortages, labour precarity, or strain on public services,” notes Whitenect. “They are, in fact, symbolic and political shortcuts that let leaders off the hook for addressing the root causes of very challenging issues.”
Canada can confront its real challenges by investing in affordable housing, strengthening labour protections, modernizing public services, safeguarding the right to seek asylum, and ensuring that health care remains accessible to all who need it. A welcoming, rights‑respecting Canada is not just a principle — it is commitments made. Keeping Canada’s commitments is essential to the future we all share.