This interpretation is shared by legal experts across Canada: the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, the Quebec Bar. At least eight law professors who specialize in immigration matters have expressed their opinions about it.
Clearly, it is a new power. We are not talking about people trying to commit fraud. These are people who have always told the truth; it is just that the circumstances in their countries of origin have changed. They are permanent residents. This new power does not exist in the current act. If the minister claims that such was not his intention, all he has to do is amend the bill to make it clear. I have heard that the minister wants to clarify this aspect of the bill, and I think that is encouraging.