Members of the Official Opposition have, on many occasions in this House, pointed out the considerable contribution made by new Quebecers and new Canadian citizens to the building here of a pluralistic society open to the world. A large number of people from every part of the world have made Quebec and Canada riches with their cultures and their skills.
Incidentally, the composition of this House mirrors the Canadian mosaic as many members, in addition to being Canadian citizens, also have deep ties to their or their parents' native countries. On Canadian soil, it has been proven that there is a place and a warm welcome for people who choose Quebec or Canada, be they from Europe, Asia, Africa or Latin America. But their new lives do not erase their strong attachment to their friends and families still scattered all over the globe. These ties are essential and their value must be recognized by any civilized nation by amending legislation to make it fair and humane.
We believe that, if passed, Bill C-219, the bill to amend section 9 of the Immigration Act before us today, will make it easier for non-Canadian relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to obtain visitors' visas. This bill is a legislative amendment which is both fair and humane.
The members of this House know that, depending on the planned duration of their stay on Canadian soil, certain people must obtain a visitor's visa from a Canadian embassy abroad.
To be granted entry, people requesting permission to come into Canada must meet a number of requirements. They must hold a valid passport and return ticket. They must also state the reasons of their visit. In other words, foreign visitors who apply for a visa to come into Quebec or Canada and visit with relatives must prove that they are genuine visitors and comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act and Regulations. They must also prove to the visa officer handling their application that they have enough money to support themselves while in Canada and that they fully intend to return to their country of origin.
We agree with the law that people who want to Quebec or Canada for a visit must have sufficient financial resources for the cost of living in Canada. This provision stands to reason, since the length of the stay is usually one to six months, with the possibility of extending it once in Quebec or another province.
However, figures from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration for 1992 indicate that Canadian visa offices abroad have rejected over 100,000 applications. The majority of these applications, Madam Speaker, were made in Third World countries and certain Eastern European countries.
Are visas actually denied mainly on financial grounds? It may very well be so. As the movers of this motion, we think it is immoral and totally unjustified to assume that less wealthy visitors who come from these countries would not act in good faith.
Consequently, it is important that persons applying for a visa who are not well off have their applications examined by an official much in the same away as applications from persons who are more financially secure are considered, if indeed members of their family in Quebec or in Canada or members who are permanent residents are prepared to put up a bond or surety.
Some people may object to this bill on the grounds that increasing the number of visitor's visas only increases the number of refugee claimants. They will point to recent figures released by the Department of Immigration which show an increase in the number of refugee claims made by persons entering Canada with only a visitor's visa.
Our answer to them must be that whether in possession of a valid visa or falsified papers, persons fearing persecution for political, religious, ethnic or other reasons have rights which are recognized under international law, notably under the Geneva Convention to which Canada is a signatory.
Madam Speaker, it is neither a crime nor immoral to seek refuge in a country which respects human rights.
In conclusion, the members of the Official Opposition, who believe in the fundamental values of Quebec society, values such as generosity and open-mindedness, will unequivocally support Bill C-219. The amended Immigration Act will show even more respect for the citizens of this country who, through their differences and their work, enrich our society.