Citizenship and Immigration Committee on Nov. 26th, 2018

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

However, the United Nations could ask Canada to change its policy because of the global compact on refugees.

[Matt DeCourcey]

The Government of Canada would have every right to make the decision—

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. DeCourcey, I'm not talking to you.

[Matt DeCourcey]

—if it so chose to undertake—

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. DeCourcey, please. Don't interrupt.

[Matt DeCourcey]

—based on the considerations of the government of the day.

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Chairman, he is using up my time.

[The Chair, Liberal, Rob Oliphant]

The witnesses are asked to answer the questions that the member asks, but they may also defer to each other.

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Well, so far she hasn't. My time is being used up by Mr. DeCourcey.

[The Chair, Liberal, Rob Oliphant]

The witnesses can decide who will answer the question.

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Well, Ms. Greene, I'll try another one.

With respect to refugees and internally displaced persons, will Canada have to make changes in the way we select those to whom we offer asylum, as a result of the global compact on refugees?

[Matt DeCourcey]

This gets stated again and again. Mr. Tilson, respectfully—

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. DeCourcey, don't go there. I'm asking Ms. Greene. She is perfectly competent to answer that question.

[Matt DeCourcey]

—this has been stated in my opening comments. This is a non-binding instrument. It is not a treaty.

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Mr. Chair, why are the staff here if Mr. DeCourcey is going to answer all the questions?

[Matt DeCourcey]

It allows the Government of Canada to retain the sovereign right—

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

I'm not asking a question to Mr. DeCourcey.

[The Chair, Liberal, Rob Oliphant]

That's the end of your five minutes.

[David Tilson, Conservative, Dufferin—Caledon, ON]

Thanks very much, Mr. DeCourcey, for using up my time. It was very courteous of you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Rob Oliphant]

Mr. Sarai.

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

Thank you all.

There have been claims made by the opposition that the global impact is encouraging irregular border crossing.

Is that true?

[Matt DeCourcey]

I'm sorry. Can you say that again?

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

There are claims that the global compact is encouraging irregular border crossings. Does the compact, in any which way, encourage irregular border crossings?

[Matt DeCourcey]

The compact actually seeks ways to encourage safe, orderly and regular migration, in accordance with the rule of law, ensuring the safety and security of countries that receive migrants, and ensuring that every unique state has the sovereign right to control its borders in the way it chooses. It provides guiding principles and 23 objectives, with a list of action items that are potential best practices that could be applicable based on the unique situation a country finds itself in. It encourages international co-operation, with the understanding that no one country alone can solve the challenges that are faced by global migration. It also mentions quite explicitly that by working collaboratively and co-operatively, the international community can harness some of the potential opportunities that are available to different countries around the world if we better deal with migration as it exists, whether in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia or any part of the world.

[Randeep Sarai, Liberal, Surrey Centre, BC]

What are some examples of the 23 objectives? What type of objectives would countries ensure for migrants?