Thank you.
The situation in Iraq is indeed a big concern. Some people will come before the committee or will come and see us, like me, the Citizenship and Immigration critic for the Bloc québécois, or other MPs, to plead for their country of origin. They will tell us that in Haiti, in Sri Lanka or in a number of other countries, the situation is extremely troubling.
You want us to fast-track the immigration process for refugees. We have been told that the processing times of applications are extremely frustrating, and I agree. However, this is a general problem. You know very well that Iraqi refugees are not the only ones facing these difficulties. Waiting times are absolutely insane because of the neglect and turpitude of the government.
During our hearings about to Iraqi refugees, some witnesses asked us if there is a special program or preferential treatment for members of the Iraqi community.
What will you answer to those who will tell you that there is absolutely no reason to give any preferential or faster treatment to Iraqi people since that would necessarily be at the expense of other refugees from other countries?