Citizenship and Immigration committee  I wouldn't know how many fail.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'm not sure. That's sort of a loaded question, because it depends on your clientele. If you have a poor clientele and a poor base, then more will go. It depends on how the lawyer would select those who come to him. In my particular practice, I would say only 10% go. But perhaps another counsel who doesn't screen as well, maybe, as I do may have 30%, 40%, 50%.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Really, I wouldn't know. I can talk just about my practice.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes, and as I indicated, there are eight cases now before the Federal Court that are at least two and a half years waiting to get to the board. So they've had their ADR and lost, and they've waited already approximately two to two and a half years, absolutely.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Absolutely, and as I indicated, in Toronto you can't get hearing dates because they're too far ahead, and no one has a calendar that far ahead.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  My understanding, from my practice and my experience with the majority of places my clients are coming from, is that it's taking three to four years. There may be certain offices that take six to seven years, I don't know. I'm talking from my own personal experience with respect to that, so I stand by that.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I had one other point I'd like to add. I've been at these hearings and been in the waiting rooms with people who are losing their permanent residency because they have criminal convictions. They say not to worry, they can play the system—one year, two years—they won't get to them.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I think it's important to point out how it's affecting Canadians' lives. I'll give you an example: parents. The department has taken the position that if you wish to bring your parents to Canada—and I'm sure many of your constituents have called you on this—it's going to be three to four years, because spouses are a priority; that's a decision that has been made.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'll just comment briefly. I think there has to be a balance between merit and the ability to examine a person's ability to sit as a board member and the length of time they stay. People are trained. Some of them become experts in this area. They're needed to assist new or junior members, if we can use that word.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Good morning, and thank you for permitting me to appear. I think it's important to go through a very brief history with respect to this board. It was created in 1989 for the purposes of hearing matters. It was an independent tribunal, and it reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.