Evidence of meeting #44 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 39th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was instructions.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
No, Mr. Chairman, what we said was we have a certain amount of money and we're interested in passing these messages to the ethnic media in Canada. The agent of record and Public Works made a determination.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
It's then very simple, Mr. Fadden. You go to the agent on record; you find out in what newspapers it was published. Also, at that point in time, you come back to this committee and say that the minister had given these many interviews to so-and-so. There is evidence, sir, and it points out that the minister gave a lot of interviews to people whom you placed ads with.
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
I'm not sure, Mr. Chairman, what's wrong with the minister giving interviews.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Well, let us know which newspapers she gave interviews to in respect to the same week an ad was appearing.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Well, we've already determined that Mr. Fadden may not be able to get that information for us. There's nothing in the rules that would compel him to come back with that information. So Mr. Fadden can take your question in whatever way he wants to. If he wishes to get back to the committee with that information, fine; if he doesn't, well, that's fine as well.
In the meantime, your time has expired.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Chair, Mr. Fadden said they do have a watch on when the minister appears. So it's a fair question.
Which newspapers were given ads? Which newspapers ran the advertising?
Conservative
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good day, Mr. Fadden. You already know that I am...
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Order.
Ms. Beaumier, order please.
Are we back on track again?
Mr. Carrier, please.
Bloc
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
I will try again.
You already know that I am quite disappointed to see immigration included in a budget bill. I would have liked us to be able to discuss the issue more thoroughly and to take the time to consult different groups.
I'm going to ask you some technical questions about this bill that you seem to know quite well. Earlier, you said that the backlog will stop growing, that instead, you will process current applications and select the ones that correspond to the priority categories identified by the minister.
Could you tell me again how many applications are usually accepted? Do you plan to increase that number or maintain current levels?
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Mr. Chairman, we have no intention of changing the number of applications we accept until the instructions have been issued and we see how the system works. Nevertheless, we agree that it would be logical in future to accept more applications.
Bloc
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
Then surely you can appreciate that by increasing the numbers, it will be important to ensure that additional immigrants are properly integrated into each province.
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Absolutely, sir. We would not want to act without consulting the provinces.
Bloc
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Do you remember?
Les Linklater Director General, Immigration Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
In the case of skilled workers, the acceptance rate is about 48%, Mr. Chairman.
Director General, Immigration Branch, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
I'm sorry, but it's in fact 80%.
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Normally, anywhere from 240,000 to 265,000.
Bloc
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
I'm sorry, but I misunderstood you.
Bloc
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
You mentioned that you were going to be freezing the backlog once the instructions take effect. You did not talk about a timetable for processing applications, but out of consideration for the individuals who have already submitted their application, it would be important for you to give them an answer as soon as possible, using the criteria set out in the new legislation.
In your opinion, should a new timetable not be implemented quickly?
Deputy Minister, Department of Citizenship and Immigration
Mr. Chairman, the minister and the department certainly intend to deal with the backlog as quickly as possible. However, there are a number of variables to contend with each year, notably the number of people who file temporary requests for acceptance. This adds to the backlog of work since the same individuals process both categories of applications. However, we agree with you. Our goal is certainly to deal with the backlog as quickly as possible.
Bloc
Robert Carrier Bloc Alfred-Pellan, QC
Some people maintain that the current point system is far from ideal and does not always jibe with priorities. When the department examined this bill, was any consideration given to adapting and enhancing its provisions so that each application could at least be processed using an impartial system, instead of according to a list drawn up most likely by the minister and subject to being modified by a new minister? You're going to have a hard time getting people to go along with this, if the lists can change at the whim of the ministers.