Updated on January 16, 2026, 7:03 PM EST (Toronto Time): Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration Michelle Rempel Garner addressed three pressing issues affecting Canada’s immigration system at a recent press conference on Parliament Hill.
Crisis 1: Millions of Temporary Residents with Expired Visas
Rempel Garner raised concerns about the significant number of individuals in Canada with expired or expiring temporary permits in 2026. She criticized the government for planning to issue more temporary resident permits while lacking a credible removal strategy for those already in the country. The shadow minister highlighted the strain this situation puts on resources like housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities for both temporary residents and Canadians.
Rempel Garner emphasized the need for the government to establish a robust enforcement plan by the end of January to ensure compliance with immigration laws. She also pointed out the absence of an exit tracking system and the need to reform the asylum system to discourage visa overstays.
Crisis 2: Surging Asylum Backlog
In December 2025, Canada’s backlog of pending asylum claims skyrocketed to 300,000 cases, a significant increase from just 10,000 in 2015. This backlog surpasses the population of Windsor, Ontario, with claimants able to remain in Canada for extended periods while awaiting case reviews and receiving social benefits.
Rempel Garner warned of a potential escalation in asylum claims following the termination of Temporary Protected Status for around 350,000 Haitian nationals in the United States on February 3, 2026. Past instances have shown a spike in illegal border crossings and asylum claims in Canada by Haitians facing similar circumstances. The MP expressed apprehension about a potential influx of claims post-February deadline.
She also highlighted a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement that allows individuals to claim asylum in Canada if they have relatives in the country
