Expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) – what it means for those seeking refuge in Canada

Recently, the STCA between the United States and Canada was suddenly extended to cover the entire border between Canada and the U.S. For almost 20 years, the STCA had only applied to official border crossings (ports of entry). This meant that refugee claimants who crossed the border at irregular crossing points were able to apply for refugee status. Now, as of March 24, 2023, our border is almost entirely closed to refugee claimants.   

This webinar will discuss exceptions to the STCA and how to make a refugee claim at a port of entry under an exception. It will also outline the dangers faced by claimants who enter Canada irregularly between ports of entry and are at risk of deportation to the U.S. during their first 14 days in Canada. We will provide valuable information to share with clients who may have family members or friends hoping to make a refugee claim in Canada.  

Speaker: Heather Neufeld, Immigration Lawyer with Connecting Ottawa 

ASL Interpretation will be provided.