Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I thank the minister and all the witnesses who are here before us.
I think it was unfortunate that the Liberal members adjourned the debate on simply calling for the committee, after this study, to table a report and to get a response from the government.
I think we're in this situation of having a summer session, an emergency sitting if you will, on this issue because the Liberals, on five occasions last year, voted to adjourn debate on my motion calling for a study on this very issue. Had we done that, we might not be having this conversation today. Had we done that, we might actually have a real plan in place. Had we done that, we might not be saddled with the challenge we're faced with to the degree that we are. I think it's unfortunate. Hiding yourself, sticking your head in the sand, is not going to solve the issue. Simply reading from your talking points, to say you have a plan, doesn't mean that you actually have a plan. I do think it's unfortunate. I would have supported that motion, but adjournment of debate on that motion was made prior to my even getting the floor to speak to it. I think that's too bad.
I want to turn to this issue with you, Minister MacLeod. You mentioned that you're simply using the word “illegal” because the Minister of Immigration used that word. You're correct. The Minister of Immigration used the word “illegal”, on March 19 I believe, to describe asylum seekers. He said that both words are accurate, and he uses the terms “illegal” and “irregular” interchangeably. In fact, the Prime Minister himself, in question period on April 25, used the word “illegal” as well. I think they're wrong.
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act clearly states that when a person crosses the border, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of seeking asylum, they are not committing a criminal offence. The act actually states that very clearly.
My question for you, Minister MacLeod, is this. If the Minister of Immigration admits that he was wrong, will you also stop using this word and admit that you're wrong as well?