What the study found
The article finds that the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) has had a limited impact on Canadian migration policies. It also reports a regression in mobility facilitation and migrant rights protection, alongside a gap between Canada’s international reporting and its domestic practices.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors argue that the findings question the GCM’s capacity to generate international accountability. They also suggest the GCM may serve as an indirect form of mobilisation and as a counter-narrative to dominant criminalising and securitising approaches.
What the researchers tested
The article uses a legal doctrinal and contextual policy analysis focused on Canada. It is informed by the concept of mobility facilitation, which refers to policies that make movement easier for migrants.
What worked and what didn't
The analysis suggests that sustained international commitment to the Compact did not translate into strong effects on Canadian migration policy. The article says recent developments showed regression in mobility facilitation and in the protection of migrants’ rights, and that this was not reflected in Canada’s international reporting.
What to keep in mind
The article says the GCM’s limited effectiveness cannot be explained only by shortcomings in implementation and review mechanisms; it also needs to be understood in light of an unfavourable political context. The abstract does not describe other limitations beyond this scope.
Key points
- The GCM had limited impact on Canadian migration policies, according to the article.
- The study reports regression in mobility facilitation and protection of migrants’ rights.
- Canada’s international reporting did not reflect the domestic regression described in the article.
- The authors say the GCM’s limited effectiveness also reflects an unfavourable political context.
- The article suggests the GCM may function as an indirect form of mobilisation and a counter-narrative.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- GCM’s impact on Canadian migration policy appears limited
- Authors:
- Baptiste Jouzier
- Institutions:
- McGill University
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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