Denis Coderre

[Immigration, June 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I can address that omnibus question by saying that we are doing our job. We are doing what it takes. When there is a mistake, we say it. I was pretty clear on the Yellowknife case.

Besides that, I have full confidence in the officials in my department. They are doing a tremendous job. Immigration is the centrepiece of any policy for the future. We are working closely with everybody, every agent, to make sure this country will have its share.

[Immigration, June 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we all know that since there is an ongoing investigation with the RCMP I surely will not comment on that.

We take very seriously any allegation of wrongdoing, but we will let justice take its course and we will let the RCMP do their job.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, let me remind the population what we mean when we are talking about generosity and flexibility.

First, we gave an extra nine months to all of those individuals to treat their cases. Second, we gave them the opportunity for a refund. Out of 60,000 only 413 said they would accept that refund. Third, we gave an extra five points which means that in their cases with the new rules they will not need 75 points but will need 70 points. What does the member call that, generosity, flexibility, common sense? We have the right to decide what kind of immigration we want to put in place and that is what we are doing.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, first, it is clear that the Federal Court decided not to hear the appeal because we had already taken steps to resolve these 102 cases.

That said, Trial Justice Kelen was quite clear in saying that the government was entitled to impose regulations. We have been quite generous and flexible to ensure that everything is being done fairly. That is what we are going to do.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 27th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, it is important to choose one's words with great care.

First, all refugees claimants must undergo medical screening. When active TB is detected, that individual is immediately referred. We are fully implementing the action plan with Health Canada. We are taking the necessary steps.

I think that there is room for improvement as far as communication is concerned, and we are working on this. But, with regard to health, we are taking the necessary steps.

[Supply, May 15th, 2003]

You are right, we are a country. I am pleased to hear that, coming from the Bloc.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, the definition of my democracy is to have debate in this society and that is exactly what we are doing.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 7th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I will not comment on a case that is in the hands of the federal court. She is a lawyer. She knows exactly how the process works. We should provide the opposition with some questions in order to talk about serious questions.

[Citizenship and Immigration, May 6th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Cambridge for the question. Like he mentioned, we had the opportunity with our colleague from Guelph—Wellington to visit the facilities of the Wellington centre.

We are still waiting for the provincial government to show us clearly that it does not want to lease us that facility. A few months ago we had a deal and at the last minute it failed. We believe that for the sake of our own policy we need to do something. If the minister of public security from Ontario is serious when he talks about detention, he should be on side.

[Immigration, May 2nd, 2003]

No, Mr. Speaker. I think that we must commend the plan of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. I also think that our government is indeed ensuring that things are put into perspective.

That having been said, I think that the first principle is to ensure francophone immigration. We must make sure this development tool is available across Canada for minority communities as well. There is a steering committee in charge of conducting all assessments, and we will make the appropriate adjustments based on these assessments.