7 April 2000
 

The Canadian Council for Refugees today responded with mixed reactions to the government's tabling yesterday of Bill C-31 and the accompanying announcement. "The Bill contains some excellent proposals, but also many measures that are deeply troubling," said Francisco Rico-Martinez, President.

"We are particularly disappointed at the negative rhetoric used by the government in announcing this bill. We are not happy to see Canada following the example of so many other countries where political points are scored by blaming foreigners."

In terms of the contents of the bill, the CCR is particularly pleased that the government has included an appeal on the merits for refugees in Canada. The lack of an appeal is one of the fundamental flaws of the current system, a flaw that has recently been highlighted in a report on Canada's refugee determination system by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The CCR also welcomes the consolidation of all risk-related decisions at the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Among CCR concerns with the bill are the fact that many crucial provisions are not to be in the Act but only in Regulations, away from parliamentary oversight, and the increased discretionary powers given to officials, at the expense of individual rights. With respect to refugees, the CCR is concerned at the possibility of increased detention of refugee claimants and additional bars on access to the refugee determination system. Canada's first response to refugees fleeing persecution should not be to detain them. Denying people access to the refugee system leads to refugees being sent back to persecution.

The CCR welcomes the fact that the Minister has said she is open to changes to the bill. The CCR will be developing a detailed analysis of the bill and will be recommending changes to the Minister.

For more information, please contact:

Francisco Rico-Martinez, President, Toronto - 416-469-9754
Alistair Boulton, Vice-President, Vancouver - 604-662-7404
Jetty Chakkalakal, Executive member, Toronto - 416-204-7121
David Matas, former president, Winnipeg - 204-944-1831
Sharry Aiken, former president, Toronto - 416-736-5189
Mitchell Goldberg, Chair, Inland Protection, Montréal - 514-844-7528
Janet Dench, Executive Director - 514-277-7223