Minister LeBlanc becomes Chair of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration

OTTAWA, Aug. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to working with its provincial and municipal partners to manage irregular border crossings with compassion and in accordance with international law.

As part of his new role as Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc will serve as the Chair of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Minister LeBlanc acknowledges the hard work of outgoing Task Force Chair, the Honourable Marc Garneau, and of outgoing federal representatives, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen and the Honourable Ralph Goodale.

In addition, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, will join the Task Force as the lead federal government representative. Members work together on issues related to asylum seekers entering Canada from the United States between border crossings.

The Task Force meets regularly to address the pressures the current influx of asylum seekers has placed on some provinces and municipalities, to share information and best practices, and to work together on finding timely solutions to these issues.

Quotes
"I look forward to continued work with our provincial and municipal partners. This collaboration is vital as we all work to fulfill our international obligations to those seeking asylum, in keeping with Canada's humanitarian values. I am grateful to my colleagues, Minister Garneau, Minister Hussen and Minister Goodale, for their contributions in reducing the number of irregular border crossings from the same period last year. This important committee will continue its work to improve the sharing of information and adapt our strategies as the situation evolves."
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

"We are committed to coordinating efforts to address both the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by this situation, in accordance with Canadian immigration laws and procedures. Governments are working together to protect the integrity of our border and the safety of our country, while ensuring that asylum claimants have access to the services they need."
‑ The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction

Quick Facts

• Announced on August 17, 2017, the Task Force also includes David Heurtel, Quebec Minister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusion; Emmanuel Dubourg, Member of Parliament for Bourassa; Lisa MacLeod, Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; and John Tory, Mayor of Toronto.
• The Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration facilitates collaborative work undertaken at the federal and provincial levels to ensure a coordinated approach across governments in response to irregular migration.
• On June 1, 2018, the Government of Canada announced an initial $50 million to support the provinces of Quebec ($36 million), Ontario ($11 million) and Manitoba ($3 million), who have borne the majority of costs associated with temporary housing.
• The Government of Canada has now signed a memorandum of understanding that allowed it to provide the City of Toronto directly with the $11 million designated for Ontario to help offset costs.

Associated Link

• Biography: The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

SOURCE Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade

For more information (media only), please contact: Vincent Hughes, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, 613-943-7111, [email protected]; Media Relations, Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420