Evidence of meeting #50 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 amendment.
A recording is available from Parliament.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Ed Komarnicki Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
We had established a process and procedure whereby things that people wanted to study and various issues were to be referred to the subcommittee or the steering committee. The steering committee would then look at what we have left to do and where we're going. They would then give a sort of prioritization and bring it before the committee in the main. Isn't that the process through which these motions that deal with studies should be dealt? I raise that and leave it in the hands of the chair and the committee.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
The motion is in order.
While you do have a point that we do generally have the subcommittee make recommendations as to what we will study, that doesn't take away from the fact that the motion is very much in order.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
I would humbly point out that this was taken up the last time the subcommittee met. Unfortunately, Mr. Telegdi wasn't there. I'm surprised that his assistant did not apprise him of it, but he was there.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Will I proceed with the motion?
You have heard the motion. We will have debate on the motion and discussion on the motion.
I'll go first to Mr. Karygiannis and then to Mr. St-Cyr.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
Mr. Chair, I had an opportunity to listen to the minister when she was out west, regarding foreign credentials. She touted that this was the best thing since apple pie and ice cream. I then proceeded to phone the foreign credentials secretariat and I got what is called the Service Canada line. They proceeded to give me some information. I told them I was a graduate of engineering from the University of Toronto. I was referred to a technologist website and was asked to call them to see if my qualifications would be reasonable and could be reached in Canada. I found the point they were pointing me to was inaccurate.
I heard the minister say there are thousands of hits on the website. Having a website is one thing, but having something that means something is very important. Unfortunately, the service I received as a “prospective immigrant” was not something that was at par. So I think we should examine it, discuss it, and bring stakeholders forward in order to see what the minister is touting, to see if it's a reality or a myth. In my mind, it is a myth.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Is there any further discussion on Mr. Karygiannis' motion?
We'll hear from Mr. St-Cyr first, and then I'll go to Mr. Komarnicki.
3:45 p.m.
Bloc
Thierry St-Cyr Bloc Jeanne-Le Ber, QC
It should not come as a surprise to the committee if I remind members that recognizing foreign credentials is in provincial jurisdiction, and Quebec's.
The Bloc Québécois has always been against this referral office. We see absolutely no relevance to our committee spending time studying what goes on there. Our energies should be directed elsewhere. We will vote against the motion.
3:45 p.m.
Conservative
Ed Komarnicki Conservative Souris—Moose Mountain, SK
I had my hand raised on the issue.
In reflecting on that, there's no question that there are provincial jurisdictions and they've devolved that to associations and professional bodies, but what this motion talks about is not that. It talks about the referral office, which would refer people to these bodies. So there is a distinction and a difference.
The study of foreign credentials is not something we would be opposing, but I do find it distasteful if the member does call into the referral office and identifies himself as somebody other than he is. If that's what he was suggesting he did, I think that's most unfortunate.
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
3:45 p.m.
Liberal
Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON
No, I'm answering Mr. Komarnicki's allegations.
One, he wasn't there. Two, when I called, I identified myself, who I was, my credentials, and I asked for guidance.
3:45 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
Mr. Chair, I'm in full support of this motion.
Since we're doing the study, I also want to look at other recommendations that could expedite foreign credential recognition. It makes it a bit more comprehensive. It's not just looking at the past, but if the office is to work the way we all want it to work, what other elements does it need?
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
Mr. Karygiannis is saying there will be a compilation of facts in the report anyway.
3:50 p.m.
NDP
Olivia Chow NDP Trinity—Spadina, ON
I thought I would add an amendment:
...study of the effectiveness of the Foreign Credentials...Office and other possible recommendations on expediting foreign credential recognition....
3:50 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Norman Doyle
So that's “study of the effectiveness of the Foreign Credentials...Office”, and what?
