Minister of Citizenship and Immigration,
Elinor Caplan said, "I will not mince words. It is a tough bill," as
she announced changes to Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection
Act Thursday.
She stressed that
Canada must close its back door to those who would abuse the refugee
system. The new bill allows for:
- front end security screenings of all claimants
- clarified grounds for detention
- fewer appeals for serious criminals
- suspension of claims for those charged with crimes until the
courts make their decision
Caplan says there will be severe new penalties for those caught
trafficking in humans, and a faster but fairer refugee determination
system.
The Minister says with Canada's aging population and declining
birth rates, immigration will be a key element in the country's
future. She said new immigration policies will help to:
- improve Canada's ability to attract skilled workers
- help reunite immigrating families more quickly and efficiently
- reiterate Canada's position as a safe haven for refugees.
The original act has been in place since 1976.
 Leon Benoit, Opposition
immigration critic |
Leon Benoit, Opposition immigration critic for the Canadian
Alliance, says Caplan is saying the right things but questions if
the reality is in place in the new Act.
He says stiffer fines and penalties for smugglers of humans look
good on paper, but the reality is those who would face them are
rarely caught.
Benoit also says Caplan's claim illegal refugees will be
processed more quickly is false. He doesn't see anything in the new
Act that would hasten the process. He said as long as appeals are
allowed, there won't be any quicker decisions.
CLIP:
