Thank you, Madam Chair.
Everyone knows that “travelling without a visa” means arriving in Canada without being subjected to biometrics or a security check. We are in Canada, where the safety and security of every Canadian and every person who lives in Canada is an absolute priority. In the event of infiltration by Russian agents who might be terrorists among the Ukrainians, and they were to arrive in Canada, what would be our government's position if there happened to be a security problem?
Some people are wondering why these immigrants are not required to provide biometrics when arriving in Canada. As you know, Madam Chair, Ukraine is now considered a war zone. Under our temporary suspension of removals program, when someone is in Canadian territory, that person cannot be deported to a country that is considered a war zone. We are therefore stuck with them.
Others have asked why we don't do what other neighbouring countries or European countries do. They can go there without any problems, without a visa, because they are already integrated into a system that gives them these privileges.
To return to what I was saying, security is an absolute priority for us. We can't endanger the lives of our fellow citizens, and we would like people to be subject to biometrics and security checks before arriving here in Canada.
Thank you.