Citizenship and Immigration Committee on April 28th, 2009

[Sheila Fraser]

I would just clarify, Chair, that there were changes made to the process, but there was a process in place before. We looked at it in 2004 and did not have any major concerns about the process that existed at that time. In fact, it had been tightened up in 2004, and was further tightened up, and there were changes. There was an advisory panel and a selection board. Those were combined, and there were things like that, so the process was modified. But when we did the audit in 2004, we had no concerns about the process then.

[Alexandra Mendes, Liberal, Brossard—La Prairie, QC]

I appreciate it. Thank you, Ms. Fraser.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Mr. St-Cyr.

[Thierry St-Cyr, Bloc, Jeanne-Le Ber, QC]

Ms. Fraser, in several places in your report, you mention the social costs caused by the shortage of members on the board. Have you calculated those costs? If not, do you have an idea of what the federal government is saving and what provincial governments are paying, such as for people to be on welfare for years, for example? The federal government may feel that it is the provinces' problem, not its own, but the bill comes of the pocket of the same taxpayer, after all.

Do you have any figures on that, or at least, an idea of what they could be? Can comparisons be made? Would it be better for taxpayers if the board were to be expanded in order to reduce the time it takes to deal with cases?

[Sheila Fraser]

We do not have figures like that. I think that studies have been done in the past, but we do not have them. The government might have them. The costs are certainly significant, be they for social services or health care. There is also the human cost for people waiting a very long time for a decision.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Thank you very much, Monsieur St-Cyr.

I would, on behalf of the committee, express to all of you my sincerest gratitude for the input you've given on this issue. You've raised some very important points--points that I'm sure this committee will reflect upon. Essentially, whether you're talking about vacancy rates, high turnovers, a large backlog, or delays in processing, there's no question in my mind that the system requires major repair. Quite frankly, the entire immigration and refugee determination system per se may in fact require overall...not just a little tweaking of the system. You've given us a lot to think about.

I would like to thank you for the work you do on behalf of the people of Canada, and for providing us with very valuable information, which I am sure we will utilize wisely during our future study on refugees. Thank you very much.

I will suspend for five minutes.

[Proceedings continue in camera]

[Public proceedings resume]

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

I would like to call the meeting to order.

Mr. Karygiannis.

[Jim Karygiannis, Liberal, Scarborough—Agincourt, ON]

Mr. Chair, I realize that we did a lot of work on this report. During committee, when we were in camera, some words could have been said by me that might have offended individuals of this committee. I'd like to withdrawal those comments, and I apologize to that individual. There was no ill intended.

Thank you.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Thank you very much.

The meeting is adjourned.