I agree with what Mr. Cullen said. The government is continuing what seems to be an ideological or political attack on refugee claimants. The courts pushed back, and the government continues to fight on the refusal to provide basic health care services for refugee claimants.
Refugee claimants are not guaranteed a work permit from the government, so if they don't have a work permit, they are going to rely on social assistance to survive, at least in the short term. Removing access to social assistance would be catastrophic to refugees and to their families. I think that when we had witnesses before the committee.... It's important to realize that the children of these refugees will be potentially victimized by this. I think these are among the most vulnerable people we have in Canada—refugees, but particularly children of refugees who are denied social assistance.
I think the government has not made a compelling case as to why these changes are necessary, attractive, or positive, or what the arguments would be. It is not clear. The provinces certainly have not requested them. Therefore, as Liberals we stand very much opposed to the proposed changes.