My first question is about the conditional permanent residence. That is relatively new in Canada. Sponsored spouses used to receive permanent residence when they arrived here. With this new measure, the status is conditional for two years. If the relationship ends and it is not a proven case of abuse or mistreatment, the spouse must go back to their country of origin. Many witnesses have raised questions about this conditional measure. Actually, they are afraid that this may make women more vulnerable.
Ms. Aref, you talked about women who had not received all the information about their husbands, information that they were already married or had illnesses that they had not reported. In those cases, if the woman decides to end the relationship, she could be sent back to her country of origin.
Other concerns have been expressed, particularly in terms of the responsibility of women who are abused to prove the abuse. A number of people have pointed out that verbal or psychological abuse is not always easy to prove.
I would like to hear what you have to say about the conditional aspect of permanent residence. Do you think that it might be an obstacle to the safety and protection of women?
Ms. Raza, would you like to answer that question?