Evidence of meeting #28 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was women.
A video is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Conservative
Devinder Shory Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Quickly, the condition of permanent residency is being brought in so I will make a comment for the record that this measure was introduced after consultation across Canada. Of course, this is in line with other like-minded countries: the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The purpose of this measure was to determine marriage frauds, and also that immigration officers would give exemptions for cases where spouses were either deceased or spousal abuse was suspected.
I am more interested today to ask the question because all three of you.... By the way—
Conservative
Devinder Shory Conservative Calgary Northeast, AB
Quickly, you talked about language barriers and pre-arrival and upon-arrival orientation. So I want to hear more about the language.
Ms. Raza, you talked about supporting the idea of language ability. I want to hear more about orientation upon arrival and before arrival and whether we can use the visa applications to educate the women, specifically, in more than 90 countries.
President, Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow
Absolutely, I think that you can. There are many European countries that now, before immigrants arrive, expect this mandatory orientation, so to speak, and language training because it is of benefit both to Canada and to the people coming into the country to know at least one of the official languages, and to be able to fend for themselves and know what their rights and responsibilities are. It doesn't have to be one year of education. You're talking about a very basic orientation session, which I think would work much better if it took place before they came to the country, but, if not, at least immediately upon arrival.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
Ms. Raza, I'm sorry, when the bells ring we have to leave, and now we have to leave.
Actually, the time is up, and I want to thank you and.... Can I call you Shahin? Thank you very much.
Ms. Aref and Ms. Sabit, I thank you all for coming to the committee and giving us your thoughts on this very important issue.
Conservative
Costas Menegakis Conservative Richmond Hill, ON
Mr. Chair, just before you hit the gavel, there's just one small thing. On Wednesday, we're seeing the officials for main estimates, and the minister. We had a little timing issue, so the minister will appear in the second hour and the officials are coming in the first hour. I just wanted to let the committee know.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
Thank you, sir.
Shall we suspend or call it a day?
Don't leave yet, I need your help. Do you want to suspend or adjourn?
NDP
Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe NDP Pierrefonds—Dollard, QC
Maybe we can adopt the report as proposed by the end of this meeting?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
No, I'm going to adjourn. We'll have to deal with it another time.
The meeting is adjourned.