Actually, here's a bit of perspective on it, in terms of Canada's position. Back when the Iron Curtain fell and Canada gave new visa requirements to the new countries that were now beyond the Iron Curtain--I know because I was parliamentary secretary at the time--we started getting a lot of refugee applications, in particular from the Roma, but from others as well. I think what really has changed significantly, and I think it's important for us all to understand it, is that now these countries, first of all, are members of OSCE. Secondly, they're members of NATO. And then they are members of the European Union. As far as protections from human rights abuses go, I dare say they're probably better than Canada's, because you have these various bodies looking at it.
Having said that, I know from immigration officials where the problem comes from; it comes from people from Europe being able to apply for refugee status. That's our problem, for creating that kind of situation. Somehow we feel that our system is superior to the European Union's, but I say that you have many more checks and balances in Europe.
I know it's not a threat, and I know how these things work, but if we continue our present posture, then eventually Canadians will have to get visas when they go to Europe. That's just the nature of the beast. If you can deal with it, deal with the fact that we don't have to listen or take refugee applications from Europe. I think that would be a way to solve the problem as far as the officials are concerned. Having followed their mindset over a number of years, that's where they're at.
I don't know if you want to comment on that. I know we have a private member's bill before the House from Mr. Wrzesnewskyj, Motion No.19, which actually deals with that. But I think that probably captures the problem you have been having with officials on this. I'm very sympathetic. I very much want to see the department drop the visa requirement, because I don't think Canadians will relish the thought of going to Europe and having to go through the visa process hassle themselves.