Human Resources committee  I'm not sure it would make that much difference, because essentially we get the file when the province has basically approved the adoption, in terms of making sure that the family that is going to receive the child is an appropriate family for that—

Human Resources committee  I think it is the full answer. It's essentially that we're doing this, and the route of permanent resident or citizen doesn't make much difference in terms of processing time; it doesn't matter.

Human Resources committee  Thank you for your question. Essentially, “the best interests of the child” issue is the same in both situations, whether the child comes by way of permanent residency or by way of citizenship. Usually the choice of which route to do really will depend on the parents' sense of t

Human Resources committee  Yes.

Human Resources committee  Erica can probably comment more on that, but my understanding is that the processing time, given that we have essentially to ensure the same kind of evidence, such as having the provincial approval, having all the comfort in terms of the local environment, that it's not a case of

Human Resources committee  If you're talking about the provinces, I assume they do, in terms of looking at the home study and the issues related to whether—

Human Resources committee  Essentially, the process we follow is a two-step process. The first step, as you've mentioned, is really the provincial process, to ensure that the family is adequate. At that time, then, it basically is almost flipped to us by way of a request to facilitate the entry of the chil

Human Resources committee  Once the child is in Canada, the laws of Canada apply. Normally the provinces are responsible for child welfare legislation. We do not carry out any active follow-up of such cases.

Human Resources committee  Just to add to Mr. Paquette's comment, I'd say there is the general administration, but our role is to review the applications on a case-by-case basis. In the different countries, our officers are reviewing the information to ensure that the adoption papers are correct, that ther

Human Resources committee  You are correct; that is the responsibility of the provinces. Our role is really to facilitate the child's entry into the country as a permanent resident or a citizen.

Human Resources committee  My sense is that the current system works quite well. There is effective cooperation between the departments, the provinces, international agencies, and other stakeholders. Sometimes there are problems in certain countries of origin. I think it's important to consider the point I

Human Resources committee  That's right. It's fairly complex. It's important wherever possible to simplify things and ensure that adoptive parents have a good idea of the process, of what to expect, and of our requirements.

Human Resources committee  Thank you for your question. Your summary of our responsibilities with respect to international adoption is correct. Our role is really limited to facilitating the child's entry, either as a permanent resident, or as a citizen, but it does not concern the other details.

Human Resources committee  Thank you, Madam Chair. It's a pleasure to be before you today to explain CIC's role. I'm accompanied today by Erica Usher, senior director, international region, who handles many of the operational aspects of helping to reunite or unite families. I would like to lay out the ro

Human Resources committee  He's first, though.