Mr. Speaker, the motion calls on the government to “bar non-citizens convicted of serious crimes from making refugee claims”. However, it seems to overlook the existence of political refugees, people falsely accused of committing criminal acts by corrupt authoritarian regimes. If adopted as is, the motion would prevent someone like Raif Badawi from joining his family in Canada.
That is why the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada exists: to determine whether or not the charges these people face are valid. Barring anyone who is facing charges from entering the country makes no sense, considering some could be political refugees.
Is the hon. leader of the Conservative Party prepared to amend his motion to that effect?