OTTAWA - The Reform Party's immigration critic is not happy about the release of 86 Chinese refugee claimants in British Columbia.

They are part of a group of 123 people found on a decrepit boat off the coast of Vancouver Island two weeks ago.

Leon Benoit says history shows that almost half of the refugee claimants who are freed never show up for their hearings.

Benoit says new Immigration Minister Eleanor Caplan, should overhaul the system. He says Canada needs to be tougher on criminals who smuggle people. He also says those who come here illegally should be sent back to their country of origin.