Mr. Speaker, today is World Refugee Day, a good day to note concerns about Canada's refugee program.
The refugee appeal division still has to be implemented. Justice demands a merit based appeal. The government should obey the law.
Refugees continue to seek sanctuary in churches. The government must solve these particular situations that drive religious communities to this difficult step.
A time limit must be imposed so that failed refugees from countries to which a moratorium has been placed on deportations do not have their lives put on hold indefinitely.
Application fees charged to in-Canada refugees must be eliminated.
Canada must review the safe third country agreement with the U.S. The number of refugee arrivals at our land borders has been cut in half and many question the fairness of the hearing that some receive in the U.S.
The private sponsorship program, the basis for our international reputation on refugee issues, is backlogged and must be revived. Canadians remain ready to do their part and the government must respond.
Refugee issues demand our attention. World Refugee Day would be a good day for the government to announce action on these issues.