Citizenship and Immigration Committee on July 24th, 2018

[Bill Blair, Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction]

I think it's not only possible, but absolutely essential that we work together. I think all three orders of government have a shared responsibility to uphold the law, to help this country fulfill its international obligations, and to serve all of our citizens by working collaboratively together. There are responsibilities that municipalities, provinces, territories, and the federal government share, and I think we are stronger and more effective when we work together. We have seen excellent co-operation, for example, on these very complicated files with the Province of Quebec, and we've had very, very productive discussions just in the past few months with the City of Toronto. I remain convinced that we can, and must, work collaboratively with all provinces, territories, and municipalities, all orders of government, so that we might all fulfill our responsibilities.

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON]

If I may just add, I believe this year thus far 43% of those who've come to Canada have come to Ontario. The numbers over the last three years or so have been anywhere from 38% to 40%, so the net beneficiary of immigration, including refugees, is Ontario.

Could you tell us, first, why it's an economic imperative for a place like Ontario to ensure it supports those who are coming in, both as immigrants and refugees and, second, what the economic benefit is for the entire country because of these people coming here?

[Ahmed Hussen, Liberal, York South—Weston, ON]

That's a very important question. The fact of the matter is that our immigration system has always had room for both economic immigration, family class, and also refugees. In the past we've seen, when Canadians have responded generously to provide protection to those who are seeking protection, that those folks have eventually integrated into Canadian society and become upstanding citizens. If you look at the track record that Canada has with respect to its welcome of Vietnamese boat people, those people came to our country seeking protection, and Canadians responded generously. No one can argue today that the Vietnamese Canadian community has not integrated. They're exemplary citizens who are now, in turn, giving back and sponsoring other refugees, including Syrian refugees.

I think that studies done by not only the Canadian government but also the OECD and others have shown that all immigrants make a contribution to their host community. They fill labour market shortages. They bring skills and an entrepreneurial spirit to the host community. What we're saying to Ontario is that the issue of irregular migration is a challenge facing us, and we have an obligation, that Canadians expect of us, to work together to meet that challenge. These solutions are more easily arrived at when we work together.

[Gary Anandasangaree, Liberal, Scarborough—Rouge Park, ON]

Thank you, Minister.

If I may, Mr. Chair, perhaps you will indulge me here.

My family came here 35 years ago this year, as a result of incidents that took place the evening of July 23 and onwards for seven days in Sri Lanka, where thousands of Tamils were killed. For the record, I'd like to register my profound appreciation to this country and to you as minister acting in that capacity. I want to thank you for allowing me and thousands of others to come here. It was a very important moment for me personally.

Thank you for this opportunity.

[The Chair, Liberal, Rob Oliphant]

Thank you.

Ms. Rempel.

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

Here, I will read you the following:

It's not a matter of shopping for the country that you want; it's a matter of escaping the oppression that you face.

Minister Blair, would you agree with that statement?

[Bill Blair]

I think the purpose of seeking refuge is to escape from the threat of death or serious harm, so for those who come seeking refuge and who make claims, I think we have a responsibility in law to make sure that those claims are adjudicated according to due process and thoroughly.

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

Thank you.

That statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister John Manley upon signing the safe third country agreement in 2002. That agreement was signed after Canada was in a very similar situation to today's. It was designed to prevent people from entering Canada and seeking asylum after they had already reached the United States.

Now, in a scrum today, Minister Goodale was asked if he intended to ask the Americans—because he had asserted that they wouldn't accept people back if we extended the agreement—and he said that he was waiting for the Americans to start the conversation. Was that an official invitation for the American government to start negotiations with you and Minister Goodale—whoever's in charge?

[Bill Blair]

First of all, I would not presume to interpret Minister Goodale's remarks—

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

But you are in charge of this.

[Bill Blair]

—but I would invite Minister Hussen, who's been involved in those conversations, to respond, if you'd like.

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

Oh, no, Minister Blair, you are now in charge, and I am asking you questions. Welcome to committee. You are in charge of this—

[Ahmed Hussen, Liberal, York South—Weston, ON]

Mr. Chair, may I respond, or...?

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

—Minister Blair, so was that an official extension of an invitation to the United States to enter into negotiations with you to close the loophole in the safe third country agreement?

[Bill Blair]

I can advise this committee that I've had an opportunity to speak to both Minister Goodale and Minister Hussen about conversations they have had with their counterparts. Although I think it might be better for the committee if the minister were able to speak for himself—

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

I'm asking you. You're in charge now.

[Bill Blair]

—I can tell you that it's been communicated to me that—

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

You're ostensibly in charge. So what do you do?

[Bill Blair]

It has been communicated to me that those conversations have been taking place with our counterparts in the United States. There is a process. You cannot unilaterally change an international agreement. We certainly can't do it—

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

Just yes or no, Minister Blair.

[Bill Blair]

—by changing a domestic law.

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

Minister Blair—

[Bill Blair]

It's a conversation that we have undertaken—

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

Mr. Chair, it is my time.

[Bill Blair]

—and will continue to undertake as appropriate.