Myth or Fact? 2026 Canadian Refugees Edition
June 9, 2026
Myth or Fact? 2026 Canadian Refugees Edition
June 9, 2026
By Lisa Magliocco, Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team
We hear, see, and read all kinds of opinions about refugees and other newcomers to Canada…from all kinds of sources. With so much noise, it’s hard to know who to trust. Myths about refugees are widespread—but they don’t reflect the reality we see every day. Since 1979, World Renew has supported Canadian churches in welcoming refugees. Allow us to debunk a few of the most common misconceptions.
Separating Myths from Facts
Myth: Refugees are an expensive problem for Canadians.
Fact: Refugees contribute through work, paying their taxes, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Over time, they give back more to the economy than they receive.
Myth: Refugees don’t care about Canadian culture.
Fact: Every refugee we’ve worked with is grateful for the safety and freedom Canada provides. Many work hard to learn English, find jobs, raise families, and contribute to their communities, showing a strong commitment to building a life in Canada.
Myth: Refugees want to change everything about Canada.
Fact: Refugees come to Canada seeking to experience safety and freedom, not to change the country. They want to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities.
Myth: Refugees take all of “our” jobs.
Fact: Refugees do not take jobs from Canadians. The Government of Canada states that immigration is the main source of labour supply and drives labour force growth, helping to fill workforce shortages across many sectors and support the development of a strong Canada. (Canada.ca; Statistics Canada)
Myth: Refugees just want to take advantage of Canada’s social programs.
Fact: Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war, and violence–not to access benefits. Many leave behind good jobs, homes, possessions, and loved ones. Most are eager to work but may first need to learn English and rebuild their lives in a new community in Canada. (UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees receive more financial support than people on Old Age Security do.
Fact: Refugees do not get more financial assistance from the federal government than Canadian pensioners. Privately sponsored refugees are not eligible for any social assistance and are financially supported by their sponsors, who are Canadian citizens. Government-sponsored refugees will receive only minimal financial support from the federal government for up to one year to meet basic food and shelter costs. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, refugee claimants receive some social assistance while awaiting a decision from the courts on whether they will be allowed to stay in the country. (Canadian Council for Refugees)
Myth: Canada doesn’t need more immigrants or refugees.
Fact: Canada relies on immigrants and refugees to grow its workforce, support the economy, and address labour shortages. Refugees and immigrants bring skills and experience that help communities thrive. (Canada.ca)
Myth: Canada is doing “too much” for refugees.
Fact: Canada will resettle about 29,300 refugees in 2026 through government sponsored and privately sponsored refugee programs. According to UNHCR, about 2.5 million refugees will need resettlement in 2026, meaning Canada’s contribution represents only a small fraction of the global need for resettlement. (Canada.ca; UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees are unskilled and uneducated.
Fact: Many refugees had education and work experience before being forced to flee their country. Conflict and displacement often disrupt schooling and careers, and barriers like language and credential recognition can make finding work more challenging. These obstacles do not define a person’s skills, gifts, or potential. (UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees overwhelm Canada’s health-care system.
Fact: Refugees and immigrants make up a small portion of the population and do not overwhelm hospitals or clinics. A significant portion of healthcare professionals are immigrants and help address workforce shortages and the growing demands of our aging population. Many newcomers arrive in Canada healthy and contribute more financially to healthcare than they use in services, while still facing barriers such as language and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system. (Citizens for Public Justice; Canada.ca; health-care access study)
Myth: Refugees are the reason there’s a housing crisis.
Fact: While population growth affects housing demand, refugees make up a very small share of the population and are not driving the housing crisis. Canada’s housing crisis is caused by broader factors such as underbuilding, investor activity, and large firms controlling rental housing. (Citizens for Public Justice)
Myth: Refugees are responsible for rising crime rates.
Fact: Refugees and immigrants do not increase crime rates. A 2020 study examining data from 1976 to 2011 found that a higher portion of refugees and immigrants either had no significant impact on crime rate or even reduced crime. Factors like deportation risk may further discourage criminal activity among newcomers. (Canadian immigration and crime study)
Be Part of the Solution
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours and care for those who are most vulnerable. The invitation to welcome refugees is global. Wherever you are, you can take part—by learning, praying, giving, raising awareness, and encouraging compassionate responses in your own community. Learn more about helping refugees and increasing engagement with World Renew’s refugee sponsorship and resettlement program in Canada.
By Lisa Magliocco, Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Team
We hear, see, and read all kinds of opinions about refugees and other newcomers to Canada…from all kinds of sources. With so much noise, it’s hard to know who to trust. Myths about refugees are widespread—but they don’t reflect the reality we see every day. Since 1979, World Renew has supported Canadian churches in welcoming refugees. Allow us to debunk a few of the most common misconceptions.
Separating Myths from Facts
Myth: Refugees are an expensive problem for Canadians.
Fact: Refugees contribute through work, paying their taxes, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Over time, they give back more to the economy than they receive.
Myth: Refugees don’t care about Canadian culture.
Fact: Every refugee we’ve worked with is grateful for the safety and freedom Canada provides. Many work hard to learn English, find jobs, raise families, and contribute to their communities, showing a strong commitment to building a life in Canada.
Myth: Refugees want to change everything about Canada.
Fact: Refugees come to Canada seeking to experience safety and freedom, not to change the country. They want to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their new communities.
Myth: Refugees take all of “our” jobs.
Fact: Refugees do not take jobs from Canadians. The Government of Canada states that immigration is the main source of labour supply and drives labour force growth, helping to fill workforce shortages across many sectors and support the development of a strong Canada. (Canada.ca; Statistics Canada)
Myth: Refugees just want to take advantage of Canada’s social programs.
Fact: Refugees are forced to flee their homes due to persecution, war, and violence–not to access benefits. Many leave behind good jobs, homes, possessions, and loved ones. Most are eager to work but may first need to learn English and rebuild their lives in a new community in Canada. (UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees receive more financial support than people on Old Age Security do.
Fact: Refugees do not get more financial assistance from the federal government than Canadian pensioners. Privately sponsored refugees are not eligible for any social assistance and are financially supported by their sponsors, who are Canadian citizens. Government-sponsored refugees will receive only minimal financial support from the federal government for up to one year to meet basic food and shelter costs. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, refugee claimants receive some social assistance while awaiting a decision from the courts on whether they will be allowed to stay in the country. (Canadian Council for Refugees)
Myth: Canada doesn’t need more immigrants or refugees.
Fact: Canada relies on immigrants and refugees to grow its workforce, support the economy, and address labour shortages. Refugees and immigrants bring skills and experience that help communities thrive. (Canada.ca)
Myth: Canada is doing “too much” for refugees.
Fact: Canada will resettle about 29,300 refugees in 2026 through government sponsored and privately sponsored refugee programs. According to UNHCR, about 2.5 million refugees will need resettlement in 2026, meaning Canada’s contribution represents only a small fraction of the global need for resettlement. (Canada.ca; UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees are unskilled and uneducated.
Fact: Many refugees had education and work experience before being forced to flee their country. Conflict and displacement often disrupt schooling and careers, and barriers like language and credential recognition can make finding work more challenging. These obstacles do not define a person’s skills, gifts, or potential. (UNHCR)
Myth: Refugees overwhelm Canada’s health-care system.
Fact: Refugees and immigrants make up a small portion of the population and do not overwhelm hospitals or clinics. A significant portion of healthcare professionals are immigrants and help address workforce shortages and the growing demands of our aging population. Many newcomers arrive in Canada healthy and contribute more financially to healthcare than they use in services, while still facing barriers such as language and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system. (Citizens for Public Justice; Canada.ca; health-care access study)
Myth: Refugees are the reason there’s a housing crisis.
Fact: While population growth affects housing demand, refugees make up a very small share of the population and are not driving the housing crisis. Canada’s housing crisis is caused by broader factors such as underbuilding, investor activity, and large firms controlling rental housing. (Citizens for Public Justice)
Myth: Refugees are responsible for rising crime rates.
Fact: Refugees and immigrants do not increase crime rates. A 2020 study examining data from 1976 to 2011 found that a higher portion of refugees and immigrants either had no significant impact on crime rate or even reduced crime. Factors like deportation risk may further discourage criminal activity among newcomers. (Canadian immigration and crime study)
Be Part of the Solution
As Christians, we are called to love our neighbours and care for those who are most vulnerable. The invitation to welcome refugees is global. Wherever you are, you can take part—by learning, praying, giving, raising awareness, and encouraging compassionate responses in your own community. Learn more about helping refugees and increasing engagement with World Renew’s refugee sponsorship and resettlement program in Canada.
