Citizenship and Immigration committee  Absolutely, I think that you can. There are many European countries that now, before immigrants arrive, expect this mandatory orientation, so to speak, and language training because it is of benefit both to Canada and to the people coming into the country to know at least one of the official languages, and to be able to fend for themselves and know what their rights and responsibilities are.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  There are two kinds. There are people who have Canadian citizenship, but they then go back to these home countries and become experts in Canadian immigration—not accredited, not legal, but they do this—and there are hundreds of them. They set up corner shops.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  They need to be licensed. I come from Pakistan, where I have seen signs on roadside shacks saying, “Come to Canada”. One of the biggest cracks in the system, in my opinion, are these people who have set up shop. They don't paint a very clean picture. Of course, for money you can buy a passport and you can get paper marriages.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I agree with what Shahin is saying about this information. This is not something new, we've been lobbying for this for many years, very clear information about what Canada is, the legal system, laws, rights, responsibilities. Responsibility is very important too. I would like to focus for a moment and mention to you that, again, I speak about third world countries, South Asia, where there are corrupt immigration officials who are selling this country to people without telling them what they're actually coming to.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'm going to take the middle path, it's neither yes or no. I know that's not what you want to hear, but that is the reality. The reality is that there is an in-between course, which one of the people just mentioned, that it could be the status quo with monitoring of the sponsored spouse to see that her rights are not usurped.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I'll go first with this one. Anything to reduce bureaucracy, any day, yes. Anything you can do to reduce bureaucracy and fast-track these issues, absolutely.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Yes. From what you have explained, the onus of responsibility is put entirely on the sponsored spouse; let's say the woman in this case. The potential for abuse is wide open. Unless more responsibility is put on both sides...and this is what I had mentioned in my document. Whatever orientation, training, or education, it has to have both parties involved.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Good afternoon. I thank this committee for the opportunity to speak on a very important issue, and I commend the Government of Canada for making it a priority to protect women and strengthen their rights. As president of the Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, and a lifelong activist for women's rights, I wish to focus on the South Asian community where many of these problems occur, and where I've had the most interaction with victims of polygamy, proxy marriages, and forced and underage marriages, all at a grassroots level.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's perfect.