Joe Volpe

[Immigration, March 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we are well aware of the issues before the department. We have said that we will do the appropriate thing in terms of phasing it in as is necessary.

The member should know that the appeals processes are there for everybody and that they work quite well. We are not interested in adding another layer of appeals, but we are looking at this measure.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his ongoing concern. He and members of the Liberal caucus have done their utmost to make sure that this issue has stayed front and centre.

I am pleased to announce that what the Government of Canada will do is join three other countries in ensuring that these individuals and families who are currently stateless will have the opportunity to join siblings and others who will sponsor them here from Canada. Provided that they pass the usual security clearances, we will have an opportunity to accommodate them together with their families and those who sponsor them from within the Canadian community.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 23rd, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for recognizing that the federal government is doing its share and more in the integration of potential citizens that it invites into this country. It is an important point to make. Not very many make that point as it is merited.

With respect to what our provincial partners would do on some of these issues, we have an ongoing review of our arrangement and they have to deliver on the services. They asked for our accord. British Columbia is one of those provinces with which we have an accord and therefore concomitant obligations that we will--

[Immigration, February 21st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated at an earlier time, this is a personal individual case, and I will not comment on the floor of the House on a private matter. The issue has already gone through the courts of the Canadian system and it is before the American system. We will not intervene in the affairs of another country.

When an application comes before us, we will deal with it as is appropriate for that application.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 18th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to give the hon. member really good news and the House as well. I hope they will rejoice in it.

Consistent with our streamlining process in reducing backlog and reuniting families, effective today, all spouses and common law partners in Canada, regardless of their immigration status, are now able to apply for permanent residence from within Canada under the spouse or common law partner in Canada class.

At the same time, all spousal applications from abroad will be prioritized and accelerated in their process. I hope the member will also celebrate this news.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 18th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member will know that Canada played its role and did its part and did it very willingly. Over 50,000 such refugees were welcomed into Canada and integrated into our economy and society. We are proud to have been able to integrate them fully. The situation to which the member refers is one that is resident in the Philippines and that the Philippine authorities are in the process of remedying. The fact that they are stateless creates a little bit of difficulty for all of the nations that have an interest, but the UNHCR is currently involved and engaged.

[Citizenship and Immigration, February 10th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the short answer to that of course is that those allegations are absolutely untrue. They do not do anything like that.

In fact, we give everyone an indication of their chances of getting into the country and we give them an opportunity to have a self-assessment and counselling assessment.

I do not think it is very helpful to have a member of Parliament stand in the House and make allegations like that that are hurtful to the people who are making those applications. Shame on him.

[Immigration, February 7th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, this case is still under review. We want to make all the best possible decisions. I am committed to providing him with a response that complies with all departmental regulations.

[Question No. 45, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, insofar as Citizenship and Immigration, CIC, is concerned, by November 1 of each calendar year, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration submits an annual report to Parliament. This annual report includes the total number of temporary resident permits, TRPs, issued in Canada, at ports of entry and visa offices abroad by all delegated officials.

From December 12, 2003, to December 11, 2004, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration authorized a total of 690 instructions for the issuance of TRPs which encompassed 902 persons. One instruction may cover a family or a couple.

The department does not keep statistics on the issuance of permits by electoral district.

As well, CIC does not keep statistics on the number of clients who choose to be represented by immigration lawyers and consultants in their dealing with the department, whether on issues related to TRPs or others.

[Citizenship and Immigration, January 31st, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, I have never heard anything so outrageous in my life. The member opposite already knows that the report is there. It was tabled in the House. She can read the stats. I will not accept those allegations, but I welcome the opportunity to finish the other three items of the six point program.

She will be pleased to know that we will taking a look at how to reform the temporary workers program, how to improve the program regarding student visas, et cetera, and then to pursue the regionalization of immigration, which is very important for her province of Alberta and for other provinces as well, and then finally--