Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. The motions being offered in amendment by my hon. colleague from the Bloc would thoroughly gut this bill.
We oppose the amendments, not because we support the bill. While the bill is unenforceable and poorly thought out, its intent is acceptable. These amendments would have the effect of removing even the good intent of the bill.
Specifically the amendments remove the authority of senior immigration officers dealing with removals and deportations. They take away authority from the minister and deputy minister to apply removal law to visitors in Canada.
In short, my colleagues in the Bloc want the status quo in immigration or less than status quo. They do not want to see a change in refugee policy but I believe the Bloc does not speak for Canadians in this area. They do not think that Canada's immigration law needs to be toughened up. Needless to say, we disagree. Therefore we oppose these amendments.