In a tweet about his meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, the Canadian Prime Minister said, “I told him that Canada has raised its immigration targets and continues to proudly welcome refugees from around the world, and that we are committed to working together to be there for those in need.”

An official statement was issued about this meeting by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office stating: 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met yesterday, Wednesday, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, during the High Commissioner’s visit to Canada.

The Prime Minister and the High Commissioner shared their deep concerns about the long-term humanitarian impacts of armed conflicts, particularly on the protection of civilians and global food security.

The leaders also discussed the unprecedented scope of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine resulting from the Russian invasion, the ongoing humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, and Canada’s continued leadership and contributions to the international response.

Prime Minister Trudeau also raised concerns regarding the suffering caused by forced and irregular displacement of people in Central America and throughout the Americas.

 He spoke about Canada’s joint efforts with partners, including the International Organization for Migration, aimed at addressing the root causes driving irregular movements and migration, and responding to the needs of displaced persons, particularly within the collaborative framework of the MIRPS support platform, which Canada chairs.

The two leaders pointed to the close and valuable partnership between Canada and the UNHCR, including relating to the resettlement program in Canada.

 The Prime Minister praised the UNHCR’s international protection system, which is critical in guiding and supporting international responses to new and ongoing displacement crises.

The Prime Minister and the High Commissioner look forward to continuing the partnership between Canada and the UNHCR in addressing the many humanitarian crises unfolding across the world.