Denis Coderre

[Citizenship and Immigration, March 12th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the government has security as its priority, but it is also clear that human smuggling does not occur only in Canada.

Human smuggling is not just in Canada, it is all over the world. We have invested more and more money since December 10. At the same time, what we have accomplished with Bill C-11 and regulations, is that we now have the proper tools to answer those needs.

[Immigration, March 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, you know as well as I that when there is an inquiry we cannot intervene and I surely cannot answer those kinds of questions.

We have said that there is an inquiry. They are doing their jobs. Let them do their jobs. They are doing great.

[Immigration, March 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, that is a very good question. After discussions with the hon. Becky Barrett, Manitoba's minister of labour responsible for immigration, we are happy to announce to the House today that the provincial immigrant nominee program will be increased from 750 to 1,000 cases.

We have also discussed the possibility of pilot projects to encourage Francophone immigration in Franco-Manitoban communities, as well as a comprehensive immigration strategy for the west.

I would like to pay tribute to the people of Manitoba for their great contribution. Today's announcement is a direct consequence of what we can accomplish together.

[Terrorism, March 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is easy and very dangerous to constantly associate all immigration related activity in Canada with terrorism. Therefore, I think we must be very careful when talking about this.

That being said, the Immigration Act contains provisions for the extradition of permanent residents who are found guilty of serious crimes, and we can conduct the related investigations.

However, I agree with him that it is not enough to simply pass a law; its provisions must be enforced, and I believe that this is what the government does best.

[Terrorism, March 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, because of the Privacy Act, I am not able to comment on personal or specific cases.

That having been said, with respect to Bill C-11 and the new regulations, additional powers allow us to fight terrorism even more effectively.

I would like to reassure my colleague that the safety and well-being of Canadians are a priority for this government.

[Immigration, March 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we may not comment when RCMP investigations are under way.

That having been said, we have also put in place other means of assuming our responsibilities. The immigration control officers we have hired since 1995 have arrested more than 33,000 smugglers.

Following negotiations with the Americans—over 60% of people coming to Canada as refugees come through the United States—we concluded a 30 point agreement, signed by our colleague, the Deputy Prime Minister, and Tom Ridge. We are in negotiations and we are working together.

[Immigration, March 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for this pertinent question.

First of all, when theft was involved, we assumed our responsibilities. An investigation is under way.

As for recycled forms, we implemented a pilot project which has now become permanent and which makes it possible to cancel these forms so that they cannot be used again.

Increased vigilance is also important. Accordingly, we have beefed up the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, which means that each time people pass through customs, we are able to do the necessary checks.

[Immigration, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I totally disagree. First, I not only had the occasion to visit Paris and London, I also visited the Pearson and Dorval airports to ensure the frontline was working well. I can assure the House that not only are we doing what we have to do but security is also our number one priority on that level.

[Immigration, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I think it is incorrect to say we have not done anything. Since September 11, not only have we had a security agenda, but we in Immigration Canada have focused our efforts on measures that do indeed keep these smugglers out of this country. We have done our job. We will continue to do our job, and we are looking to the future.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 28th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the solicitor general who announced this morning that we are getting tough on cross-border crime because we are investing $4.6 million at Cornwall.