I think it's critical that Canada be consistent in its programs and services, and that is obviously an area in which it's not. In addition, you must know that this fee really poses an undue hardship for these refugees, many of whom are working at menial jobs, low-paying jobs, if they're working at all. So it's really a barrier to their concluding their processing. And sometimes it drags on for years because they just cannot come up with the funds. So in fact if we are calling this a humanitarian program, which I believe our refugee program is, then that is part of it. I think we should abolish that particular fee.
On November 21st, 2006. See this statement in context.