Citizenship and Immigration Committee on May 11th, 2010

[Neil Bouwer]

Thank you.

May I?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

On that point of order, if I could continue, I specifically asked if the eight days would help him build a case for his client. He said yes. I then wanted to move on to Mr. Dykstra, so he could ask a question.

[An hon. member]

That's not—

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

We're running out of time.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Mr. Brouwer, what is it that you said?

[Andrew Brouwer]

What I said was that if I didn't care about my client getting his true story out, yes, it would make my job easier. That's what I said. I'd be happy to elaborate if I have an opportunity.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

I think the point was made. I think Mr. Calandra's point was made. Mr. Karygiannis's point was made.

Now we're going to see what point Mr. Dykstra is going to make.

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

I have a question for both Mr. Sorrento and Ibrahim.

One of the issues we're facing in the discussion here is around timeframes. You guys have a lot of experience on the ground, listening to and presenting and representing potential refugees who come here and ask for your assistance.

You also said, Ibrahim, that eight days aren't enough. A number of folks have said that. What—

[Salvatore Sorrento]

Mr. Dykstra--

[Rick Dykstra, Conservative, St. Catharines, ON]

I'll be done in a second, Sal.

Instead of talking about days, how about talking about the requirements that you actually need to get from your clients in order to be able to--as Mr. Calandra said--get prepared for the interview? You're really getting hung up on the number of days, and I want to get to the point of what you need to present.

[Salvatore Sorrento]

Mr. Dykstra, just so you know, and for the record, when the committee member asked Mr. Abu-Zinid about the eight days, I can tell you that Mr. Abu-Zinid is speaking for himself, because that's not the position of the board. I'm representing the board. I didn't get a chance to answer the question. I should have jumped in back there.

I just want it stated for the record that, in representing the board, I didn't come here to talk about the timeline, so I don't have a position on that. I'm going to leave that for other people.

I just want to say that on behalf of the board I'm not going to talk about the eight days, if that's okay. That goes to the original committee member, Mr. Dykstra, not to you. I didn't want to comment on the eight days when he asked the question originally.

I'll answer your question now for the eight days. I'm just going to confer with Ibrahim, Mr. Dykstra.

Do you want to tell Mr. Dykstra about the eight days?

[Ibrahim Abu-Zinid]

Yes. My point is that each refugee case is unique in itself, and when you put the issues in eight days, it's critical, depending on the case of the refugee. Some refugees are here and they are ready for counsellors in eight days. Some have passed through trauma and they want to settle down and get a hold of themselves and then interview with an officer. We have to be reminded that most refugees who are coming here are from developing countries, and to talk with an officer is an issue in itself.

We are pushing them into eight days. That is why I'm saying it's critical and it has to be looked at.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Thank you very much for your intervention.

We will now move to Mr. Karygiannis. You have two minutes.

Mr. St-Cyr, you have two minutes...sorry, Ms. Thi Lac, you have two minutes.

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

Mr. Salvatore, I take it you are in St. Catharines?

[Salvatore Sorrento]

Toronto, sir.

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

Are you not representing the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines Multicultural Centre?

[Salvatore Sorrento]

It is. I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you were asking me where I am right now. It is St. Catharines, yes.

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

Can you tell us how much funding you got from CIC last year?

[Salvatore Sorrento]

For which programs?

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

All of them. That is part of your budget and what you declare, isn't it, sir?

[Salvatore Sorrento]

That's right. I can't tell you the exact amount. I can give you an approximate amount because I don't have that with me right now. I would say approximately $1.6 million for all of our programs.

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

If you don't answer correctly, sir, you might lose that. Is that why you're supporting the eight days?

[Salvatore Sorrento]

I'm sorry, I don't understand. I'm sorry, sir.

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

Basically, sir, if you don't want to support the eight days, you lose the funding.

No more questions.

[The Vice-Chair, Liberal, Maurizio Bevilacqua]

Mr. Sorrento, you have a few seconds to respond if you wish.