The CCR believes there are more effective ways to address the real problems of patterns of unfounded claims. The principal problem in addressing these claims lies not with the refugee determination system, but rather with the lack of coherent enforcement action. Such claimants are often quickly refused but then wait months, or even years, to be called in for removal proceedings.
Instead of introducing designated countries of origin, the CCR recommends that the act give authority to the Minister of Public Safety to identify a limited number of claims—say 5%—that the IRB would be required to hear on a priority basis. This might help CBSA to be more coherent in its analysis of which cases should be a priority for enforcement action.
Had there been more time, we would have wished to present to you our concerns with the eight-day interview and excessively rushed hearings, and with dramatic restrictions on humanitarian and compassionate applications.