What the study found
The study found that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, or GCM, had limited impact on Canadian migration policies. It also found recent regression in mobility facilitation, meaning policy support for movement, and in the protection of migrants’ rights.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the gap between Canada’s international reporting and its domestic practices raises questions about the GCM’s capacity to generate international accountability. They also suggest the GCM may serve as an indirect form of mobilisation and a counter-narrative to criminalising and securitising approaches to migration.
What the researchers tested
The article uses a legal doctrinal and contextual policy analysis of the Canadian case. It is informed by the concept of mobility facilitation and examines how the GCM’s ambitions compare with policy developments in Canada.
What worked and what didn't
The GCM’s influence on Canadian migration policy appears to have been limited. The article reports sustained international commitment to the Compact, but says this did not prevent a recent decline in mobility facilitation and migrant rights protection. The regression was not reflected in Canada’s international reporting.
What to keep in mind
The abstract says the GCM’s limited effectiveness cannot be explained only by weak implementation and review mechanisms; the authors also point to an unfavourable political context. No other limitations are described in the available summary.
Key points
- The GCM had limited impact on Canadian migration policies.
- Recent developments in Canada showed regression in mobility facilitation and migrant rights protection.
- Canada’s international reporting did not reflect these domestic regressions.
- The authors say the political context helps explain the GCM’s limited effectiveness.
- The article suggests the GCM may also function as an indirect form of mobilisation.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- GCM had limited impact on Canadian migration policy
- Authors:
- Baptiste Jouzier
- Institutions:
- McGill University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- DOI:
- 10.3390/laws15020018
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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