CIMM Committee Report

We reflect on behalf of Canadians, that even with the proclamation of Bill C-11, and the implementation of the attached regulations, Canada will have an overly complex and expensive system. The fundamentals are not hard to understand, wherein Canada needs clear procedures to receive appropriate immigrant applications, while ensuring public safety. Moreover the worldwide fact that millions of people are on the move, and the failure of Canada to effectively respond to the abuse of the ‘refugee class,’ remains problematic.

Beyond mere criticism, the Canadian Alliance has a positive vision. Canada is a nation of immigrants, and has always been enriched by new arrivals to our shores. A Canadian Alliance government will facilitate the current levels of immigration, and make improvements to the security, fairness, and integrity of the system. The system must meet the high expectations of average Canadians and enhance the welfare of new arrivals. We will ensure Canadian sovereignty on the borders.

We appreciate that Canada is a society built by successive waves of immigration from all sectors of the globe. We will create a positive immigration policy that is merit based. Administration will primarily take into account Canada’s economic needs. We will introduce greater security and reliability into the system, including enforcement of sponsorship obligations. We will work more co-operatively with the Provinces on national-policy and settlement costs. We affirm the independence of ‘immigration administration’ from federal ‘multiculturalism’.

Non-citizens of Canada who are convicted of an indictable crime, or who are known to engage in serious criminal activity, will be deported. By more careful screening for the criminal element, we will protect the integrity and security of immigrants and enhance community crime prevention. Canada should no longer be called a safe-haven for "international operatives".

We affirm Canada’s international humanitarian obligation to receive its share of genuine refugees. Refugee status will be determined expeditiously under the rule of law and beyond political interference. To ensure fairness, we will quickly deport failed refugee claimants and illegal entrants, and will prosecute those who organize and profit from abuse of the system. We will re-allocate resources to reduce the thousands within Canada who are without legal status or who are on the deportation list.

We will review the extra "Ministerial Permit" category, by seeking to provide transparency and public accountability within the context of the Privacy Act.

Concerning the regulations, to operationalize Bill C-11, it must be emphasised Canada is in a ‘process’ rather than in ‘finality.’ It is predicted that the new legislation and regulations will have to be amended within a short time once the realities of application are revealed.

During the Standing Committee work of hearing testimony and recommending changes, the Canadian Alliance members sought incremental improvements whenever the government members were amenable. However, it remains that the system as a whole will continue to be an administrative quagmire and consume an unreasonable amount of money.