Our side will not be supporting the amendment. We have a concern that it introduces a wide-sweeping definition of “family member” not currently recognized by the IRPA. It is different, and it would use authorities in a different way.
Our concern is with regard to the mechanisms and operations of government. We believe that there is power under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, administered by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, that would accomplish this work without us doing it. Therefore, we will not be supporting the amendment and ultimately will not be supporting clause 5.
I want to give Mr. Sharp, an official from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the chance to offer his comments on this.