A newly released report from the C.D. Howe Institute sheds light on potential weaknesses in Canada’s asylum claim process, warning that the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) may be compromising security by assessing certain claims without direct interviews. The findings, authored by James Yousif, a former policy director at the Immigration Department, suggest that this practice could inadvertently facilitate fraudulent applications, raising alarms about the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
The Report’s Findings
The report reveals striking statistics: between January 2019 and February 2023, the IRB accepted a staggering 24,599 asylum claims without conducting personal hearings. Yousif argues that while this method may expedite decision-making, it fails to address the alarming backlog of nearly 296,000 pending cases as of September 2025. The IRB’s approach, which began under a file-review policy in 2019, has come under scrutiny for its lack of transparency and the removal of a public list detailing the eligible countries for this expedited process in 2020.
In his analysis, Yousif insists that all asylum claims should undergo thorough in-person hearings, stating emphatically that shortcuts in the process may not only compromise the integrity of the claims but also heighten national security risks. “Asking questions is also a part of Canada’s security screening architecture and cannot be skipped without increasing risks,” he asserts.
Implications for Security Screening
The absence of direct questioning during the asylum assessment process raises significant concerns regarding the potential for fraudulent claims to go undetected. Yousif highlights that IRB hearings provide an essential platform for probing inconsistencies in applicants’ narratives and assessing the credibility of evidence presented. The report underscores that the rigorous questioning at hearings is crucial for identifying any potential security threats, as it also allows for the examination of the provenance of supporting documents.
During hearings, if an applicant’s responses indicate a possible security risk, IRB members are obliged to notify the Minister of Public Safety or the Minister of Immigration, which can lead to a halt in proceedings. This oversight is vital for maintaining the integrity of Canada’s asylum system, but the reliance on a paper-based review process may undermine these safeguards.
Government Response and Recent Changes
In light of rising concerns, the federal government has been tightening its asylum policies. Proposed legislation currently progressing through Parliament aims to prevent claims from individuals who have been in Canada for over a year. Additionally, recent changes to the Interim Federal Health Program will require refugees and asylum seekers to contribute towards the costs of certain health services, a move that some advocates argue could hinder access to necessary care.
Linda MacMillan, an IRB spokesperson, defended the current system, asserting that all refugee claimants undergo preliminary interviews with immigration officers before their cases are forwarded to the IRB. She emphasised that claims are filtered out at this stage if any security or criminality concerns arise. Furthermore, she noted that even claims designated for file review could still lead to hearings if security issues are raised.
Why it Matters
The implications of this report are profound, not only for the integrity of Canada’s asylum system but also for national security. As the government continues to adjust its policies in response to rising claims and a burgeoning backlog, the balance between efficiency and thoroughness in processing asylum applications remains critical. The call for comprehensive in-person hearings becomes increasingly urgent, as the potential for fraudulent claims and security lapses poses a significant risk to both the integrity of the immigration system and the safety of Canadian citizens. This ongoing debate highlights the need for a robust and transparent asylum process that prioritises security without compromising the humane treatment of individuals seeking refuge.
