Evidence of meeting #13 for Citizenship and Immigration in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was employees.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
Thank you, Mr. Worden.
Ms. Ruiz, I don't have much time left, but I'd like to ask you a question.
Some say that there were already biases before Chinook was implemented, that racism was already an issue at IRCC and that when Chinook was put in place, the racism problem was crystallized, or even amplified.
Do you agree with that?
Licensed and Regulated Immigration Consultant and Recruiter, Alexene Immigration & Employment Services Inc
Yes, I do. I think the number speaks for itself. The staggering higher rate of refusals is a true indication of that, in my opinion.
Bloc
Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe Bloc Lac-Saint-Jean, QC
When we talk about artificial intelligence, maybe we should just drop the word “intelligence”. I say that because right now, people are suffering as a result of this software that was put in place by the Government of Canada.
I'd like to thank all the witnesses, who were fantastic. Their testimony will help us write this report and make our recommendations.
Have a nice day, everybody.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thank you, Mr. Brunelle-Duceppe.
We will end our panel today with Ms. Gazan.
You have one and a half minutes.
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
Thank you so much, Chair.
We've heard very disturbing testimony. It's not shocking, unfortunately, but it's certainly very disturbing. Witnesses at the committee have suggested that there should be a further study to follow up with some of the disturbing findings, to probe deeper into the concerns that have been raised and to come up with a list of calls for action.
My question is for Mr. Worden.
If the committee is able to get the government to do this, would Pollara Insights be able to conduct a follow-up study in response to this recommendation?
President, Pollara Strategic Insights
Absolutely, yes.
Since we were able to do it last time, we know that we could absolutely implement a similar research process in terms of recruiting and bringing people into the process to continue discussing things with them.
NDP
Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB
I asked that because we have so many immigration cases that come through my office in Winnipeg Centre with some of the most disturbing treatment of constituents in my riding by the IRCC.
It seems to me that we not only have to delve deeper into the systemic racism in the IRCC, but also have calls for action to provide a path forward.
Would you agree with me?
President, Pollara Strategic Insights
Yes. I think it's important to continue to research and investigate this process as it unfolds. As you go forward with recommendations, you see if they're implemented and how they're being implemented.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
With that, our panel comes to an end.
On behalf of all the members of this committee, I want to thank all three witnesses for appearing before the committee today. Your input is really very important as we go into the drafting of this report and making recommendations.
Is it the will of the committee to adjourn the meeting?