Citizenship and Immigration committee  I can also add something in that respect, because Canada already has good experience with alternatives to detention. You know that with the Toronto bail program there is a very high rate of compliance, more than 90% compliance, so this is considered a well-run program, cost-effective, and reasonable.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  According to international standards, detention in the asylum process is permissible. This is regulated by ExCom 44 of the executive committee. As you know, the executive committee is the governing body of UNHCR, which approves the budget of the organization, and also issues conclusions that are guidance, direction, on international protection to UNHCR.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, honourable members of the committee, ladies and gentlemen, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, welcomes the opportunity to comment before the committee on Bill C-31, the Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act.