Catholic agencies mission-bound in welcoming and supporting newcomers to Canada are applauding the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (CCCB) recently announced decision to create a Service for Migrant and Refugee Ministry (Human Mobility).

Once a national coordinator is hired to implement this three-year pilot project, this ministry, according to a CCCB news release, “will serve as a national point of reference for dioceses, eparchies, parishes, religious communities, Catholic organizations, pastoral workers and volunteers engaged in this growing area of ministry.”

Some of the utilities expected to be provided by the program include developing pastoral resources and formation opportunities, fostering dialogue about migrant policy with the federal government or other key entities, identifying emerging needs and present gaps in service, and responding to diocesan and eparchial concerns.

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Claudio Ruiz Pilarte, the executive director of Catholic Crosscultural Services in Toronto, expressed appreciation for the CCCB’s “timely and considerate response” to the pastoral needs of Canada’s migrant population in a statement to the Catholic Register.

“It reflects the Church's recognition that, as Matthew 4:4 states, 'Man shall not live by bread alone,' and that it bears a responsibility to collaborate with Catholic organizations in reaching those who often feel excluded, overlooked, and marginalized to accompany them spiritually,” wrote Ruiz. “This initiative addresses a gap that Catholic organizations are not equipped to fill. In doing so, it will strengthen the services provided by all Catholic organizations and enhance the overall impact of our collective mission.”

Eoin Murray articulated the need for this new CCCB endeavour by citing the number of refugees served by Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alta. over the past year.  According to the provided data, CSS helped 766 government-assisted refugees begin new lives in Canada, and an additional 196 sponsored by the Edmonton archdiocese. As well, the organization ensured 396 temporary foreign workers experienced the rights due to them as taxpayers.

Murray, the CSS’ vice president and settlement services, said that the CCCB is meeting the moment.

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“I am delighted that the CCB recognizes this as an issue of national significance, and is responding with clarity, compassion and urgency,” stated Murray via email. “The new office can serve as a powerful voice for vulnerable migrants and refugees at a time when their voices are so often marginalized.  Together, we look forward to building a deep collaboration with the office upon its establishment."

Somesh Saras, the media relations specialist for the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), praised the values that will be celebrated through this project.

“Every day, we see the resilience, talents, and contributions of refugees, immigrants, temporary foreign workers, international students, and others who choose Canada as home,” shared Saras. “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to human dignity, social inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging for people navigating the opportunities and challenges of settling in a new country.”

Notably, the CCCB emphasized in the release that this pastoral undertaking “does not replace the state’s responsibility, nor does it equate accompaniment with advocacy for unrestricted migration.” It will be centred on supporting those who have already migrated to or sought refuge in Canada.

According to the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan unveiled in the 2025 federal budget, permanent residence admissions to Canada are reportedly capped at 380,000 per year. Temporary resident admissions are to fall to 385,000 this year from 673,650 in 2025. The limit is supposed to reduce further to 370,000 for 2027 and 2028.

According to a June report from the Canadian Press, a survey commissioned by the federal government showed 47 per cent of Canadians believe “too many” immigrants are coming into Canada compared to 38 per cent who indicated “just the right amount” of people are entering. Affordability and a difficult job market for native-born Canadians are two of the primary drivers behind the plurality sentiment.

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However, 61 per cent of respondents agreed migrants are needed to bolster Canadian economic growth amid an aging population, and 58 per cent stated welcoming people from different cultures enriches Canadian society.

The Register sought an interview with a CCCB spokesperson about the new program. The request was denied at this time as the window for national coordinator candidates to file their application is open until July 31.