Evidence of meeting #32 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was long.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Jennifer Pollock  Law Student, Caseworker, Immigration and Refugee Law Division, Parkdale Community Legal Services
Elizabeth Long  Barrister and Solicitor, Partner, Long Mangalji LLP, As an Individual

9:55 a.m.

Conservative

Nina Grewal Conservative Fleetwood—Port Kells, BC

Do you have any expertise on the conditions in foreign countries that might cause long wait times?

9:55 a.m.

Law Student, Caseworker, Immigration and Refugee Law Division, Parkdale Community Legal Services

Jennifer Pollock

The issue is the discrepancy. For instance, in Abidjan the refusal rate of 8% is far lower than it is in Accra. I think the focus on barriers within the country is only warranted to a certain degree. We have to focus on the discrepancy that I think is at the heart of the issue.

November 3rd, 2009 / 9:55 a.m.

Barrister and Solicitor, Partner, Long Mangalji LLP, As an Individual

Elizabeth Long

There has to be a standard across the board as to how the officers are trained and how they are to conduct the interviews.

10 a.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative David Tilson

Thank you very much for coming here this morning to give us your comments and to answer questions. You've been very helpful. Thank you kindly.

We will suspend for a few moments to go in camera.

[Proceedings continue in camera]