We know that immigration and refugee systems can always be improved. We recognize the government's underlying desire for a fair and consistent immigration and refugee system. We also welcome proposals to increase by 20% the number of resettled refugees and the funding for resettlement programs. We even welcome measures that would facilitate and accelerate the processes for the successful integration of refugees into Canadian society.
However, Bill C-31 raises several serious concerns. The Canadian Council for Refugees, amongst others, has articulated concerns with which we concur. These concerns emanate from our long-standing and practical experience with the refugee community and from our deep religious convictions to welcome the stranger and to protect the vulnerable—values that we believe are shared more broadly by others in our open and democratic society.