Evidence of meeting #30 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 39th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was basically.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Did I ask the question of political affiliation, Mr. Chair?
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
No, I didn't. I asked the individual if he had sought office.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Order, please.
I'm going on to the next questioner. You cannot run the committee this way, Mr. Karygiannis.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Chairman, on a point of order—and I would question your judgment—did I ask the question of political affiliation?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
You asked if his name was ever on a ballot for a particular party.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
I asked him if he sought office. I didn't say “political affiliation”, sir.
Liberal
Andrew Telegdi Liberal Kitchener—Waterloo, ON
On a point of order, Mr. Chair, I think the question that Mr. Karygiannis asked was whether he had been active politically. Quite frankly, I see the question as to whether one was active politically as a contribution. Mr. Karygiannis did not ask which particular party was the political affiliation.
When someone answers and says “Yes, I have been involved politically”, I say “Good for you.” But it doesn't get at which particular political party. So if Mr. Karygiannis wants to ask the question, I think the witness can answer the question.
Citizenship Judge, Toronto (St-Clair) CIC Office, Citizenship Commission, As an Individual
Mr. Chair, I think I have already answered that. I said “several times”. When I was elected, it was one of the most remarkable jobs and an honour for me to serve the people of Ontario.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Thank you, sir. That describes your provincial political participation. What about federal? Did you ever seek federal political office, irrespective of the party?
Citizenship Judge, Toronto (St-Clair) CIC Office, Citizenship Commission, As an Individual
Mr. Chair, I think now we are going into certain areas, if you don't mind my saying so. I think we should concentrate, if possible, on my qualifications to do this particular job. But if you so rule, then I'll be happy to answer that.
Liberal
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Maybe you could answer the question as to whether you were ever involved in federal politics.
I'm trying to be as reasonable as I can in the interpretation of Marleau and Montpetit and the Standing Orders, so asking an individual whether he or she was ever involved at the federal level in politics is a question I would allow.
Citizenship Judge, Toronto (St-Clair) CIC Office, Citizenship Commission, As an Individual
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Through you to the member, yes, absolutely, as I said before, several times I've sought office, and perhaps, based on God's will, one day we shall be here.
Conservative
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. That is true enough, but you intervened several times during the seven minutes, so those times have to be taken out.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
That comes out. It's seven minutes.
You have one last question, and then we'll go on.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Gill, if I'm not mistaken, you ran for Mississauga—Streetsville in the last campaign, and I believe you were appointed some time in October, in view of the latest ramifications that happened in that riding with the said member.
Citizenship Judge, Toronto (St-Clair) CIC Office, Citizenship Commission, As an Individual
Mr. Chair, I'm not sure where this question is going to, because it doesn't make any sense in terms of relevance for today's appearance.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Okay, that's your answer. That's fine.
We'll go on to Madame Faille.
Meili Faille Bloc Vaudreuil—Soulanges, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
We are delighted to welcome you here today. For those of you who may not know it, I'm a big football fan. Since you mention the sport in your resumé, I'll be able to discuss the game with you a little. Before I begin, I would like to wish the committee a happy new year and a very productive one as well. From what I understand, the committee has a lot on its plate.
Mr. Simard, for the benefit of the committee, could you tell us how many applications are waiting to be processed and give us an idea of your outstanding workload?
You stressed the importance of having a complement of 37 citizenship judges and mentioned that a number of vacant positions needed to be filled. Last year, I witnessed the appointment of Ms. Bitard in Edmonton. She was an excellent candidate and I encourage you to continue looking for candidates of this nature. She has a wealth of experience.
Could you enlighten us a little about the current situation?