Meeting 17 · December 4, 2025 · 15:30–17:28 (1h 58m)
45-11 witness · 370 interventions · 15,267 words
The committee met to study the supplementary estimates (B) 2025-26 for the Department of Citizenship and Immigration and to receive a briefing on the immigration levels plan for 2026-28. Appearing were the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and departmental officials, including Jean-Marc Gionet, Acting Assistant Deputy Minister for the Protection and Family Programs Sector.
Jean-Marc Gionet, when asked about the distribution of asylum seekers among provinces, indicated he could not provide a detailed answer in the short time remaining but offered to supply additional information to the committee later. He also explained that the resettlement assistance program provides resettled refugees with a one-time start-up payment, typically covering first and last month's rent, and 12 months of income support pegged to provincial social assistance levels, which can be extended to 24 months for refugees with high settlement needs. When asked whether this support exceeds the average Canadian pension, he said he would need to review the numbers before responding.
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Jean-Marc Gionet
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Protection and Family Programs Sector, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Opening remarks
I'm sorry. I won't be able to answer the question in 15 seconds. However, we can provide you with additional information to round out the minister's answers.