Thank you, Mr. Chair.
PV‑8 is a bit longer than the others, but it deals with the same theme as NDP‑12, which was just moved by Ms. Kwan.
It suggests that what we want to do here is ensure that the timing around the rights of a refugee is stopped, based on the changes made in Bill C-12.
The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers make it very clear in their brief that refugee protection is grounded in the obligation not to return people to places where they face persecution or danger. Regardless of how or when they arrived, restricting claims based on entry time risks sending vulnerable people back to harm.
There are many circumstances in which an individual may not have submitted a refugee claim within one year of their first entry to Canada but faces risks in their country of origin. As Madam Kwan just mentioned, situations change in countries of origin. You can find yourself in a very difficult and dangerous position that you really weren't aware of when you first came to Canada on either a visitor's visa or a work permit, and then you discover that you really are not safe to go back. These are basic rights. They're basic rights to protect people who are vulnerable.
Again, this amendment would occur in clause 73 by adding after line 8 the text that you have before you. Given the hour, I'm not going to read out the text, but please consider the importance of allowing an individual to make the claim. It doesn't mean they get to stay. It's subjected to a very tough and difficult process, even though it's been presented tonight as though it's easy. It's not easy. These people definitely need our protection. If they ask for it, they have to have a fair chance and not have an arbitrary block put in their way.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.