Chair, I move that Bill C-31 in clause 25 be amended by (a) replacing lines 22 to 25 on page 13 with the following:
the reason for their continued detention within 14 days after the day on which that person is taken into detention or without delay afterward.
And then (b), Mr. Chair, replacing lines 30 to 34 on page 13 with the following:
detention on the expiry of six months following the conclusion of the previous review and may not do so before the expiry of that date.
Mr. Chair, we've gone through a number...well, not to mention the number of amendments, the vast array of presentations, discussions, feelings, perspectives, and beliefs on what the issue of detention should represent in terms of overview and review. It's our feeling, and I said at the outset of the Liberal and NDP amendments on clause 25, that we would in fact be moving amendments to this clause. We heard from everyone who witnessed and commented on the issue that there was in fact, or should be in fact, some form of review that would take place during that timeframe.
I think it's important to note that the new timeframe, in terms of an individual case for refugee status, is going to move much quicker than in the past. Mr. Menegakis has on several occasions gone through the timeframe and the length upon which decisions are delayed, do not come to a conclusion, and take over a thousand days to come to...much longer than the 12-month period we're talking about here. The new legislation will actually move that process forward in an expedited and fair way, both for those who would achieve refugee status and for the sake of those who do not achieve refugee status in that they do not have to wait months and years for a decision.
The fact that there is a 12-month detention period within the bill certainly doesn't speak to the timeframe upon which decisions will be rendered under the legislation, but having said that, there may be circumstances where individuals are detained for a period of over three or four months, and it could be up to a year.
The amendments I've moved to include within the bill this morning, Chair, I think—no, not I think; I believe and I know they have addressed the issues brought forward. There will now be a review within 14 days after the day the individual has been detained. Within 14 days, they will have the right to a review, and at the six months’ timeframe, if they are still in detention, which a vast majority will not be, but if they are they are then afforded another review.
I know that my colleagues on the other side of the House and on the other side of the table here this morning have indicated they would like a second or a third review to happen much quicker. That's their position.
The fact that we are offering up two reviews within that 12-month timeframe shows that the government not only has responded but, to be fair, has also listened to the concerns. We believe, Chair, that this will in fact solidify the issue pertaining to detention.