Evidence of meeting #71 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 students.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
With that, I want to thank Ms. Fox and Ms. Kingsley for appearing before the committee today.
Thank you for all the work you do.
Yes, go ahead, Ms. Kwan.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
This afternoon or late morning, we received the press release sent out from the clerk regarding the motion that was passed on June 7. The motion was very specific in calling on the government as follows:
...to condemn the actions of these fraudulent “ghost consultants” and call on [CBSA] to immediately stay pending deportations of affected international students, waive inadmissibility on the basis of misrepresentation and provide an alternate pathway to permanent status for those impacted, such as the Humanitarian and Compassionate application process or a broad regularization program....
That is the specific language that was passed for this motion.
The press release was editorialized in terms of that language and is definitely not a reflection of the motion that was passed. I remember this distinctly, because there was an amendment that tried to eliminate the words “alternate pathway”. That does not even show up in the press release.
I don't think that is a very cool thing to do. Instructions were given by this committee. We voted unanimously on the language that was passed. However, the press release does not reflect that. I am very perturbed by this. I'm very unhappy about this. I don't think this is an honest approach and I'm just dismayed. In the past, when a press release was issued, it took the language of the motion that was passed, specifically. It didn't this time. There was never a draft sent to committee members for review before it went out.
NDP
Jenny Kwan NDP Vancouver East, BC
I'm sorry. If I may finish, it doesn't matter that nobody got it. Everyone should have gotten it. What I'm saying is this: The press release should reflect the language of the motion, and it doesn't.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Thank you. I'll look into that.
I have one thing before we adjourn the meeting.
Yes, go ahead, Mr. Redekopp.
Conservative
Brad Redekopp Conservative Saskatoon West, SK
I won't take a lot of time, but I fully agree with Ms. Kwan on that.
Thank you.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
Wait one second. There is one item. I need to get your....
Earlier today, the clerk distributed a draft budget for a new study. Is there a motion to adopt that budget?
I ask for silence on both sides, please. All questions should be directed through the chair, with no conversations across the aisle.
Is there a motion to adopt the budget that was circulated by the clerk?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Salma Zahid
(Motion agreed to)
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 19, and the notice will be published in the coming days.
With that, the meeting is adjourned.