Citizenship and Immigration Committee on July 24th, 2018

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

So I'll take that as you're not sure...?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

—because of my background in public safety, I believe the Prime Minister has asked me to—

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Ask nothing?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

—assist in....

I'm sorry?

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

I'll move on.

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

I thought you wanted me to answer the question, Ms. Rempel.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

You tried.

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Okay.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Fair enough. Scout's effort.

One of my colleagues, and you, characterized the situation as “orderly” at Lacolle, but there are two sides to this situation. One is processing somebody as they cross the border, and then the next is what happens afterwards. The “afterwards” is many years right now.

Would you characterize 800 people facing eviction in Toronto colleges' dormitories, being faced with being put on buses to parts unknown, as orderly?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

I'm aware that plans are being put in place to deal with that. I've had the opportunity to speak with officials. I'm aware of excellent collaboration between our senior officials—

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Where are those 800 people going to go?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

—in Public Safety and with municipal officials in the City of Toronto.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Where are those 800 people going to go?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

I'm aware that plans have already been made to move those individuals into quite appropriate housing in hotels around the GTA.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

For how long will they be staying in hotels?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

That really depends on their integration into the community and the processes that are currently under way—

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

How long do you anticipate that they will stay in hotels?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

Again, we see a transition of those individuals out. I think the situation—

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

How much will it cost—

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

—is being very effectively managed.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

—to house those people in hotels?

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

I'd refer to senior officials—

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

Do you think it's reasonable—

[Bill Blair, Liberal, Scarborough Southwest, ON]

—on the actual costs of arranging that.

[Michelle Rempel, Conservative, Calgary Nose Hill, AB]

—to house 800 people in hotels?