Evidence of meeting #50 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 using.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Lawyer and Policy Analyst, As an Individual
It's the way of the future, biometrics, and I could think of no more efficient method to monitor, at the port of entry prior to embarkation, an individual and an individual's ability to conform with the regulations regarding admissibility to Canada. It may not be the best system, but it's the least worst system.
Liberal
John McCallum Liberal Markham—Unionville, ON
Yes, I don't think any of us disagree, really, that we ought to do this. It's a question of some realistic appraisal of its impact.
I think the main thing I want to ask you about is that I'm not sure of the extent to which we will be able to propose amendments, but I like your last one in particular to limit the degree to which, as you say, the whole data bank can be passed onto the RCMP. Perhaps I could use the remaining little time that I have to give you an opportunity to give us the rationale for that amendment.
Lawyer and Policy Analyst, As an Individual
Thank you. I appreciate that.
You see, unless something is done, the world will see that the immigration department, the immigration department officials, and our visa system are proxies for the RCMP. What you say to immigration, you are sending to the RCMP. Good or bad, that's a value judgment. People who have trust issues may not like that.
Is it the right thing to do to tear down the wall on information storage between CIC and RCMP? That's a value decision. It's a tough one. My function is to ensure that all the committee members are aware of the impact, today and down the road, of this particular provision.
I'll close by reflecting comments raised earlier on privacy. However will the privacy commissioner or people charged with protecting the privacy rights—not privileges but privacy rights—be able to enforce Canadian standards in law when what's passed to CIC goes through the channels to RCMP and out the door to other countries? Where is our protection? Where are the teeth?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative David Tilson
All right, I suggested at the beginning that we allow half an hour. Is there a flavour for that?
It appears, Mr. Kurland—and I think I can speak on behalf of the committee—you are always well prepared and we enjoy your comments. They're always interesting. As chair, I can't say whether they're valid or not, but it's always a pleasure....
Sometimes my humour doesn't go over very well.
I do appreciate your taking the time to come in and give us your views on this matter. Thank you very much, sir.
The meeting is adjourned.