Review of the Migration Policy Development Program

4. Key findings: Relevance

CIC’s Program Activity Architecture (PAA) provides an inventory of the Department’s programs and activities and describes their linkages to the strategic outcomes. The following table identifies CIC’s program activities and strategic outcomes as well as the Government of Canada outcome related to international migration at the highest level.

CIC Program Activity CIC Strategic Outcome Relevant Government of Canada Outcome
Canada’s role in international migration and protection Reflection of Canadian values and interests in the management of international migration, including refugee protection A safe and secure world through multilateral cooperation

4.1 Inter-Governmental Consultations on Asylum, Refugee and Migration Policies

Is the program aligned with CIC and GOC objectives?

The mandate of the IGC aligns directly within both the CIC strategic outcome and Government of Canada outcome:

“to provide a forum for participating States, international organizations and the European Commission to exchange information on refugee, asylum and migration issues in an informal, confidential and non-binding way.”

There was a strong consensus among the key informants that the IGC provides important access for Canada to share information and develop and maintain contacts and that Canada should continue to participate fully in this forum. The multi-lateral approach is seen as an effective and efficient way for Canada to engage a number of like-minded countries.

4.2 Regional Conference on Migration

Is the program aligned with CIC and GOC objectives?

The tenets of the RCM are also well aligned with the CIC strategic outcome and Government of Canada outcome:

  • “To create a forum for frank and honest discussion on regional migration issues, leading to greater regional coordination and cooperation.
  • To make efforts to find a balance between the protection of the human rights of migrants and countries’ need to uphold the safety and security of its nationals
  • To seek convergence with other processes.” [note 10]

In addition, the government has placed an increased emphasis on this region. The 2007 Speech from the Throne and the Prime Minister’s reply stressed the importance of the Americas to this government:

“And our conviction, that our foreign policy must promote our values and serve our interests, drives our effort to renew Canada’s engagement in the Americas.” [ note 11]

There was a strong consensus among the key informants that the RCM is an important and valued forum and that Canada should continue to participate fully. The regional approach is seen as an effective and efficient way for Canada to engage a number of countries.

4.3 Migration Policy Institute

Is the program aligned with CIC and GOC objectives?

MPI’s policy research and analysis proceed from three out of four central propositions relevant to the MPDP mandate and well aligned with CIC and Government of Canada objectives:

  • “Fair, smart, transparent, and rights-based immigration and refugee policies can promote social cohesion, economic vitality, and national security.
  • Sound immigration and integration policies result from balanced analysis, solid data, and the engagement of a spectrum of stakeholders — from community leaders and immigrant organizations to the policy elite — interested in immigration policy and its human consequences.
  • National policymaking benefits from international comparative research, as more and more countries accumulate data, analysis, and policy experience related to global migration.” [note 12]

Key informants view the investment in MPI as particularly valuable with respect to the access to the network of contacts and the contributions to policy thinking and discussions within CIC.

_______________

[10] The Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) or Puebla Process, Pamphlet, April 2005

[11] Prime Minister’s Reply to the Speech from the Throne to the House of Commons, Oct 17, 2007

[12] Website: http://www.migrationpolicy.org/about/index.php

Page details

Date modified: