I welcome the changes to regulation 179(b).
It's interesting. This is kind of like what's old is new again.
Many years ago before IRPA, there was something called a fiancé visa. Individuals were able to get engaged and then come to Canada. Perhaps there was some abuse there, and so there was a change there.
It's definitely a positive. I used to be an officer many years ago, and it was very difficult. The minister is going to put in the regulations. They can have their manuals. It's very difficult to curb officer discretion. I think perhaps it's a bit of a wait and see thing, but it's a very positive step.
Now the only issue is that if it gets refused, what can we do? All we can do is go to the Federal Court, which is kind of like using a hammer to kill a mosquito.
I do agree with Mr. Waldman that it's a very positive step, and hopefully there will be some manuals that follow that give officers some more guidance so that we can be assured that these applications are properly and substantively considered.