We are proud to live in a country that welcomes refugees and other newcomers, it is at the heart of who we are as Canadians.

But in recent years, the Canadian government has slashed refugee programs. The Group of Five and Community Sponsorship Program, which accounted for about 40 per cent of the privately sponsored refugees entering Canada, was “paused” for one year in 2025. It was described as a temporary measure. But the government extended the suspension in 2026 and there are concerns it will do so again in 2027.

Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs), who organize most of the private refugee sponsorships, also were cut. In 2026, they were only given 5,000 spots to sponsor refugees, down from 10,500 in 2025.

Since 2023, refugee resettlement levels have been cut by 43%, compared to 18% for immigration levels overall.

The cuts have severely limited our community’s generosity and denied safety to thousands of refugees.

The Canadian Council of Refugees and community groups like Nest want the Canadian government to re-commit to refugee sponsorship. We have the will, the capacity and expertise to welcome and settle many more refugees.

We want the Canadian government’s immigration levels to reflect that. The CCR is urging MPs to support a target of 15 % of immigration levels for resettled refugees (Government-Assisted and Privately Sponsored) compared to 8% in 2026.

Add your voice to this campaign. Talk to your MP.