First, I want to thank you for coming to testify on this question. For a number of years now, the issue of the qualifications of Board members has been raised on a number of occasions. Renewal of the terms of certain members was a particular problem. However, since 2004, a new system has been put in place, which has made it possible to obtain better candidates for member positions.
Last week, I attended the biennial convention of the Canadian Bar Association. Judging from what the Citizenship and Immigration representatives presented, the problem appears to be even more serious. We can expect that 57 of 140 positions will be vacant within a month. If the problem is not solved in the coming months, it will be even more acute.
My question is for the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Council for Refugees and the AQAADI. After speaking with a number of lawyers and jurists, I understand that hearings and interviews not set, required case preparation time and the status of your clients were having an impact on the practice of law. I know that our offices are receiving increasing numbers of files. The people who come to see us are desperate. These are both refugees and ordinary Canadians or permanent residents. They don't understand why they have to wait up to three years to bring in their spouses, family members or children. The case of children is particularly flagrant. One case from Africa has been pending for seven or eight years.
I'd like to hear what you have to say on that. Mr. Telegdi spoke precisely about the appointments issue. The problem, which has been going on for a number of years now, also has an impact on your field.