What change occurred in 1976 regarding refugees?

• A. Canada only allowed refugees from crisis events.
• B. Canada created a separate temporary program for refugees.
• C. Canada made refugees one of its immigration categories.
• D. Canada ended refugee recognition.

Answer: (C)

In 1976, Canada formalized refugees as an official immigration category, creating a defined pathway for people fleeing persecution to be admitted as permanent residents. This change gave refugees a clear, legal route within the immigration system rather than relying on ad hoc or temporary measures. It also aligned Canada’s policies with the international Refugee Convention, ensuring that those with a well-founded fear of persecution could be recognized and supported through a structured process. So, the key idea is that refugees became a regular, recognized category within immigration, not just a temporary or separate program.