House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 46% of the vote.
Immigration December 9th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I would first like to extend a welcome to the Bloc Quebecois' new immigration critic, the member for Chambly.
That having been said, it is very clear that when someone arrives in Canada as a visitor, he must prove that he is a bona fide visitor, meaning that he is here to visit Canada and nothing else.
I have every reason to believe that immigration officers acted in accordance with the Immigration Act.
Immigration December 8th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, these arrests were the result of an official task force composed of members of police forces and immigration officers.
It is clear that Canada is committed to combat this problem. We must realize that people smuggling and trafficking in human beings, particularly women and children, is an international phenomenon. That is why we are engaged with different countries to combat that problem. Under the leadership of the United Nations we are working right now on an international protocol to get rid of the problem.
Citizenship Of Canada Act December 7th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-63, an act respecting Canadian citizenship.
Madam Speaker, I have the honour today to table Bill C-63, an act respecting Canadian citizenship.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Immigration November 27th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, again, there was no refusal, because there was no application.
Immigration November 27th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, the member for Hochelaga—Maisonneuve knows very well that I cannot comment publicly on any individual case.
That said, allow me to say that, first of all, the people of Ireland do not need visas to enter Canada.
Second, for anyone deemed ineligible for entry into Canada for whatever reason, the law contains provisions covering such a possibility. Of course, the individual in question must apply in the first place.
Immigration November 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as everyone knows, our refugee determination process is one of the most generous in the world, and our legislation enables us to welcome people from the world over who have been persecuted.
That said, it is clear that persons seeking asylum in Canada must provide Canadian authorities with accurate information.
Central America November 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the member for London—Fanshawe and all members of parliament that we are monitoring the situation very closely in Central America. All removals to that part of the globe are being reviewed on a case by case basis. It is clear that we do not want to put people at risk.
I must add that for the people also from Central America who are on our territory right now on a legal basis, and I am thinking about the visitors, foreign students or temporary workers, there is a possibility to extend their visas.
Immigration November 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I will begin by saying how distressed the people of Canada are by the dreadful consequences of the hurricane on the lives of thousands of people in Central America. That is why Canada is monitoring the situation closely and providing the aid we can afford.
As for immigrant applications for family reunification, visitor visas or student visas, I can assure the members of this House that steps will be taken to ensure that all necessary humanitarian consideration is given in such situations.
In addition, people from these countries who are currently visiting Canada have the possibility of extending their visitor visas at this time.
Questions On The Order Paper November 2nd, 1998
a) In 1997, the Department of Citizenship and Immigration issued 2,244 minister's permits to persons inadmissible for a variety of reasons other than criminal or medical inadmissibility. The department does not have a list of the 10 most common reasons for which these permits were issued on behalf of the minister because data is not collated in this manner. However, the majority of permits issued for technical reasons were issued to members of the family class to allow early admission to Canada before all of the processing steps were concluded. An example would be the issuance of minister's permit to a spouse of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is unable to undergo the required immigration medical X-ray due to pregnancy. A minister's permit may be issued to allow her to be reunited with her family despite the fact she has not met the medical requirements.
In such cases, the X-ray is normally completed after the birth of the child and the processing of the spouse's application for permanent residence is then completed in Canada.
Minister's permits may also be issued to facilitate the entry to Canada of highly skilled workers or business immigrants where Canadian jobs are at stake. An example would be that of an applicant for permanent residence destined to work with a Canadian high-tech company. The worker is key to the implementation of a project or the ability of the company to honour its contractual obligations. Hundreds of Canadians will be laid off if the company is not able to bring in the skilled worker immediately. The prospective immigrant cannot be issued an immigrant visa because the medical examination or criminal or security screening have not been completed. A minister's permit may be issued to allow the prospective immigrant to enter Canada and to start work immediately while processing of the immigration application continues abroad.
b) In 1997 the department issued 1,497 permits to persons inadmissible for criminal reasons. The department does not have a list of the 10 most common reasons for which these permits were issued on behalf of the minister because data is not collated in this manner.
However, an example would be that of a prospective visitor who admits to a minor criminal conviction several years ago, such as driving under the influence, possession of marijuana, or shoplifting, but wishes to come to Canada to visit family. After determining that the individual presents no danger to the public, a minister's permit may be issued to facilitate the visit.
c) In 1997 the department issued 275 permits to persons inadmissible for medical reasons. The department does not have a list of the 10 most common reasons for which these permits were issued on behalf of the minister because data is not collated in this manner.
An example would be spouses and dependent children sponsored by Canadian citizens or residents that are found to be medically inadmissible. Minister's permits may be issued in such cases on humanitarian and compassionate grounds in order to facilitate family reunification. Departmental officials consult with provincial health officials before issuing minister's permits in such cases. Another example would be minister's permits issued to medically inadmissible visitors, including children, coming to Canada for medical treatment where the treatment is not available in the home country and the treatment has been prepaid by the visitor or the visitor's family in Canada.
Nunavut Act October 28th, 1998
moved that Bill C-57, an act to amend the Nunavut Act with respect to the Nunavut Court of Justice and to amend other acts in consequence, be read the second time and referred to a committee.