Book Launch: Canada in the Global Refugee Regime – Webinar Event Report
On May 20, 2026, the Local Engagement Refugee Research Network (LERRN) hosted a virtual launch of the edited volume Canada in the Global Refugee Regime, which explores Canada’s role in responding to global displacement and advancing collective action for refugee protection. The book was published by McGill–Queen’s University Press as part of McGill-Queen’s Refugee and Forced Migration Studies Series.
Gathering prominent voices in the field, the volume explores Canada’s engagement across regional and global contexts and its involvement with international responses to displacement. Through insights on diplomacy, regional engagement, and resettlement initiatives, it reflects on the relationship between Canada’s international leadership and its domestic practices, offering a nuanced account that moves beyond simplistic narratives of benevolence.
The webinar brought together over 80 participants globally, who were joined by the book’s three co-editors and seven of its 23 contributors: Delphine Nakache, James Milner, Nathan Benson, Adele Garnier, Alice Nah, Ania Kwadrans, Andrew Thompson, Dominique Marshall, Jennifer M. Hyndman, and Johanna Reynolds. The panel was also joined by the Honourable Bob Rae, Canada’s Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2020-2025).
Across the 90-minute discussion, the authors highlighted key findings and arguments of their respective chapters, and also reflected on their hopes for the impact of this publication in policy spheres, educational spaces, and advocacy initiatives. The speakers explored topics such as Canada’s historical engagement with refugee protection, the gap between the country’s international reputation and its domestic practices, and concrete actions that Canada can take to redefine leadership globally. In bringing attention to areas in which Canada can strengthen its role in the regime, the authors emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships, meaningful participation, and sustained engagement in today’s world.
As the international community celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, this book arrives at a pivotal moment in history amid mounting global challenges including record displacement, collapsing funding for UN agencies and programs, and a growing trend of states retreating from international refugee commitments. While Canada continues to be a leader in the regime throughout these shifting priorities, international solidarity is a necessity. This publication reminds audiences that positive change is a product of collective action and calls on other states to lead in a manner that fosters local accountability, uplifts civil society, and brings all stakeholders to the forefront of global collaboration.
To reserve your copy of Canada in the Global Refugee Regime, visit https://www.mqup.ca/Books/C/Canada-in-the-Global-Refugee-Regime3.
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Watch the full video recording of the webinar here:
This report was prepared by Lilly Neang, LERRN Knowledge Mobilization Officer and Project Editor-in-Chief (EiC).