Canada is experiencing a record surge in asylum seeker claims, driven by significant population growth largely attributed to immigration. Despite recent policy changes aimed at tightening entry regulations, the number of asylum claims continues to rise. Experts suggest that these numbers could escalate further if former U.S. President Donald Trump returns to office, potentially prompting more asylum seekers to head north.
Mackenzie Gray from Global News reports that the federal government’s new measures have not stemmed the influx of asylum seekers. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Canada in managing its immigration system.
In a parallel development, the United Kingdom is also addressing its own asylum challenges. The UK government announced plans to return dozens of failed asylum seekers to Vietnam, utilizing resources initially designated for the now-defunct Rwanda scheme. This decision marks the first such return flight to Vietnam since 2021.
Nick Eardley, BBC Political Correspondent, notes that nearly one in five arrivals on small boats to the UK in early 2024 were from Vietnam. The Labour government, having scrapped the Rwanda scheme upon taking office, is reallocating these resources to enforce a new returns agreement. This initiative includes the establishment of a returns and enforcement unit, with up to 1,000 new staff dedicated to expediting the removal of individuals without legal residency rights.
Ontario’s Health Minister Sylvia Jones has highlighted similar resource reallocation efforts in the healthcare sector. Jones announced consultations aimed at expanding the list of ailments that Ontario pharmacists can treat, potentially adding 14 more conditions. This initiative seeks to leverage pharmacists’ expertise to provide more accessible care.
Jones emphasized the success of the existing program, which allows pharmacists to treat and prescribe for 19 common ailments. Since its inception in January 2023, over a million assessments have been completed at pharmacies across Ontario. The consultations will also review the MedsCheck program, ensuring its continued relevance and value.
Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, welcomed these consultations, stressing the importance of reducing unnecessary service duplication and maintaining patient choice.
As Canada and the UK navigate these complex challenges, the respective governments are implementing strategic changes to enhance their immigration and healthcare systems, aiming to provide better service delivery and address the growing needs of their populations.