I have said often over the past few weeks that immigration has been an extremely successful economic, social and cultural strategy for this country. I make no secret of the fact that I want to see this strategy expanded. I am determined to ensure that Canada remains an open and inviting destination for new immigrants in the years to come. Now, if immigration has been a vital part of Canada's social, economic and cultural success, our refugee system has earned us our reputation as a humanitarian leader in the world. Here, of course, we need to remember and be clear about the difference between immigrants and refugees.
Immigrants make a conscious decision to come here in search of opportunity.
Refugees are those who simply have to flee, often from war, persecution and terrible violations of human rights. Now it is true that not everyone who claims persecution is telling the truth. But I am proud of the fact that in this country, we do not prejudge such serious claims. Canadians are committed to ensuring due process and a fair hearing to those who come to us asking for our protection. They are proud of having honoured this commitment through recent decades, by providing safe haven to those in genuine need of protection.