MYTHS

Myths and Facts

MYTH: Refugees pose a threat to Canada's security.

Refugees are not threats to security
They are seeking security and protection from threats to their own lives.
It is far more difficult to enter Canada as a refugee than as a visitor, because the refugee determination process involves security checks by CSIS and the RCMP, fingerprinting and interviews.
It is not likely that a person intending to commit a violent act would expose themselves to such detailed examinations.

MYTH: Canada has more difficulty integrating newcomers today than a century ago. Immigrants are now more diverse.

Fears about immigrant integration are not new.
Generation after generation, people have worried about whether the most recent immigrants will integrate as well as previous immigrants.
A hundred years ago, Canada was actually quite diverse, with First Nations peoples, a significant Chinese population especially in the West, African Canadians who had been living in Canada for generations, in addition to people of different European heritages.
Among the early immigrants arriving in large numbers, some European groups were seen as big challenges to integration. Ukrainians, for example, were seen by many as alien because of perceived differences in race (Slav), language, religion (Orthodox) and customs.
In 1901 a Member of Parliament told the House of Commons that the assimilation of Ukrainians “means the intermarriage of your sons and daughters with those who are of an alien race and of alien ideas.”
Diversity is not something to be feared: diversity is Canada’s strength.

MYTH: A single adult refugee receives over double the monthly benefit given to a single Canadian pensioner.

Nothing could be further from the truth.
In 2006 a single refugee adult received about $600/month through the resettlement assistance program (RAP). A single Canadian pensioner received $1,1012.
Under RAP, refugees arriving in Canada receive very basic furniture and household effects and a one-time start-up allowance to covers items including winter clothing.
After this start-up allowance, government-assisted refugees receive a monthly cheque which follows maximum prevailing social assistance rates in each province.
Refugees with no other source of income can receive the benefit for up to a year while they learn English and look for work. Those able to work are eager to do so as soon as they can.
All Canadians, old and new, deserve the income support they need to meet basic needs and live with dignity. Let’s work for justice for all, rather than pitting one vulnerable group against another.