As a wealthy and democratic country that has been built on immigration, Canada has a long-standing tradition of opening its borders to individuals seeking asylum from persecution or unsafe conditions. In the spirit of this tradition, Canada will be opening its doors to over 5,000 refugees from Bhutan who have been living in refugee camps in Nepal for over a decade.

The soon-to-be-Canadians are Bhutanese refugees of Nepalese descent. They were forced out of Bhutan beginning in 1990 when reforms in the country enforced use of the Bhutanese language and dress. The minority Bhutanese of Nepalese descent are generally Hindu, while the Bhutanese majority practice Buddhism.

Today the number of Bhutanese refugees living in refugee camps in Eastern Nepal numbers over 100,000. Over the past few years, Canada has helped lead a group of seven concerned countries (along with Norway, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia and the U.S.) to determine a solution to the refugee problem. "Our decision to resettle up to 5,000 refugees in Canada is part of a coordinated effort by a number of countries to address this long-standing refugee situation once and for all," said Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Diane Finley, at the announcement in Toronto.

The refugees are expected to arrive in stages over the next three to five years. When they arrive in Canada they will receive assistance from the government to get on their feet and find homes and jobs. In addition to the 5,000 refugees who will arrive in Canada, the Canadian government continues to provide food and shelter to the refugees still living in Nepal and to work with other countries to find a lasting solution.