The Conservative Party of Canada on Wednesday proposed a plan to accept North Korean defectors.

One week ahead of Canada’s national election, Minister of Multiculturalism Jason Kenney said the plan would focus on defectors stuck in Southeast Asian countries.

The Conservative Party have been condemning North Korea for its “atrocious human rights record” and “belligerent actions at the United Nations,” saying Canada should lead in refugee resettlement. Canadian media reported that the plan comes in response to a push from the Korean community in Canada.

This indicates a remarkable transition in Canada’s immigration policy, since Canada did not accept a