Mr. Speaker, on October 8, I asked a question of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration concerning the imposition of a visa requirement for Portuguese visitors to Canada.
Portugal is the only country in the European Union for which such a thing is required, and this is profoundly unfair and discriminatory. This country is, moreover, an ally and a friend, as well as a fellow member of NATO. The population of Portuguese origin living here numbers close to half a million, which makes it one of the largest ethnic communities in Canada and in Quebec.
This measure, which the immigration minister of the day described as temporary, was taken by the Mulroney government in 1986, as the result of certain immigration irregularities involving Portugal. The Liberals, who were then in opposition, were vehemently opposed to this decision. At that time, the hon. member for York West, who was the Liberal critic in this area, denounced this measure by saying: "That action would be unwarranted and unfair and I have asked the minister to abandon the proposal and to avoid needlessly penalizing the Canadian Portuguese community, and a European friend and ally".
This unjustified requirement generates enormous problems for family members wishing to visit relatives here.
I have asked a number of questions of the minister and her predecessor. I have prepared press releases, so far to no avail. The Bloc Quebecois supports this campaign.
I am therefore again condemning this measure, because visa applicants are being subjected to unacceptable interrogation and red tape at the Canadian embassy in Portugal. They are also being required to pay a fee which keeps going up. Sometimes, as well, they have to cope with either refusals or intolerable delays. While this is going on, the event they were invited to, such as a marriage or a baptism, has often come and gone.
In her response to my question in the House on October 8, the minister said she was, and I quote: "quite prepared to reopen discussions with the Portuguese authorities on this question". The next day, she met José Lello, the secretary of state for Portuguese communities abroad, during his visit to Ottawa. Why did the minister not take advantage of this excellent opportunity to put an end to this discriminatory and totally unjustified requirement?
I can understand the Portuguese community's anger and annoyance at the attitude of the Canadian government. Canadians and Quebecers of Portuguese origin make a significant contribution to our society. They are exceptionally hard workers. I know the
community well, especially in Montreal and the Outaouais. I know that all members of the community want to see the end of the visa.
Various Portuguese-Canadian organizations are circulating a petition in Canada on this issue. It will be tabled in the House shortly. Those signing it state that the visa hinders the development of bilateral relations in the areas of culture, education, job training and trade. Furthermore, it prevents Portuguese citizens from regularly visiting their relatives for various family events when their presence is required.
I would like to conclude by again requesting the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to immediately remove the visa requirement for Portuguese visitors. Canada must implement a policy of reciprocity with Portugal, which does not require a visa from Canadians.
I take this opportunity to salute my many friends in the Portuguese community in Canada and Quebec.