http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3078743.stm

But many more are refugee claimants who enter Canada, and declare themselves as asylum seekers. As in most countries, a refugee is defined as someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution or if returned home faces torture.

At the moment, claimants make their case to a board in order to stay in the country. But this process can take years.

In the meantime these people can apply for welfare or seek work but are not considered permanent residents.