The migration of people from valley to valley or from region to region, and, since the emergence of the nation state, from country to country, is an acknowledged characteristic of humanity. The motives behind population movements fall into two broad categories: a desire for an improved lifestyle based upon economic betterment and a need to escape from persecution and oppression stemming from intolerance and discrimination whether practised or merely condoned by those in authority. Frequently, these fundamental motivations explaining population movements may be interrelated and therefore difficult to separate. Economically motivated migrants have comprised the majority of persons throughout the ages who have pulled up roots to relocate. Nevertheless, that portion of mankind which has felt compelled to flee to avoid physical danger resulting from official or societal attitudes and policies has constituted a significant portion of the migratory population. This article focusses on this latter category of persons, some of whom seek to enter and remain in Canada. The policy and administrative process governing the admission to Canada of these refugees, as well as an explanation and evaluation of the formulation and implementation of such processes will constitute the major thrust of thearticle.