Denis Coderre

[Immigration, April 9th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we must be very careful here.

First of all, as I said before, our country does not have an exit control program. At the same time, we have a policy for the integrity of documents. We issue a new permanent resident card which is 20 point fraud resistant. We now have a new computer system that will integrate all offices at the enforcement level.

The bottom line is that we are more secure and we are doing what we have to do. We need that balanced approach between openness and vigilance.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, our department is working hand in hand with the revenue department to ensure that we can indeed have a policy of consistency and efficiency and that both departments can protect Canadian citizens, that is, new arrivals and those welcoming them.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, we have a memorandum of understanding with the revenue department. We are working together. Authority is delegated by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to the people at Canada Customs. We are working together.

I must stress that our goal is to achieve a balance between vigilance and openness. And on both counts, we are doing a fine job.

[Immigration, April 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I am always very worried when the Canadian Alliance talks about Quebec. We all recall the party's constant Quebec bashing during election campaigns.

One thing is sure, though; not only am I pleased to see that the Auditor General has given us the tools needed to work, but we have not stopped there. In addition to investing additional money for immigration control officers, we have also signed a safe third country agreement with the United States. We signed a MOU with my colleague from National Revenue to ensure that we are indeed effective on the ground. A balance between vigilance and—

[Immigration, April 8th, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, first, I take good note of the Auditor General's report. As a matter of fact, and I want to emphasize what the Minister of National Revenue just mentioned, not only is security our top priority but we have the memorandum of understanding that proves the government is doing things instead of calling people names.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, in both cases, when we take a final decision it is because we go through a process, so not only do we respect the process, we respect the rule of law. When the time comes to take the proper steps, we will do what is good for the country.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 3rd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I do not want to drag the case that we settled yesterday through the political arena. I think we acted properly.

As regards the other individual, it is precisely because we complied with the process and wanted to protect Canadian citizens that this person is now behind bars.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, by her question I understand one thing, and that is that on their side they disagree with taking steps based on compassionate grounds, so they are against the fact that we emitted a permit for Mrs. Dougherty. Shame on them.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is unacceptable to use Mrs. Dougherty to try to score political points. I have announced very clearly that, on compassionate grounds, I have asked officials in my department to take the necessary steps to ensure that she can remain in Canada. Instead of trying to score points, the member should be congratulating this government for once again showing compassion.

[Citizenship and Immigration, April 2nd, 2003]

Mr. Speaker, I think there is a middle ground. We can keep the home helper program, which I am told by the communities I visit is a good one. But I do believe we must work to ensure the respect of human rights. Tools must be developed to prevent abuses.