Sometimes reforms can lead to new problems. In the past year the federal government has taken measures to protect foreign workers bound for or already in Canada, and the integrity of our immigration system, by implementing more detailed screening of employers. This is aimed at rooting out fake job offers and reducing exploitation of such employees. The government has also speeded up the Work Permit renewal process. These are worthy achievements. Unfortunately, in practical terms they are like oil and water. They don’t mix together, and a whole new crop of problems has arisen due to the interplay of the two. Read More
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has demonstrated an increased vigilance in recent months. This approach goes hand in hand with Canada’s international obligations to combat terrorism and organized crime, as well as the Harper government’s emphasis on ‘law and order’.
We all benefit when close attention is paid to passports to verify the identity of travellers. Similarly, CBSA officers often play a key role in thwarting international arms smuggling and child kidnapping.
Canada Customs: not the place to seek sympathy
However, the more intense scrutiny by CBSA officers can have some less than pleasant consequences for the great majority who do not consider themselves criminals or terrorists. Read More
On Friday, June 3rd, the newly re-elected Conservative government of Canada outlined its legislative agenda in the Speech from the Throne, read by Governor-General David Johnston (seen at left). True to the May 2nd election night promise of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Speech did not set out any surprises or hidden agenda, but stayed very close to the published election campaign of the Conservatives.
Immigration, border security concerns, and citizenship
On immigration matters, the government did not propose any comprehensive reform. It intends to proceed with previously announced plans to tackle smuggling as well as the problem of marriage fraud in relation to sponsorship applications. The government also said it plans to cooperate with the Obama administration to “streamline and secure our border and enhance regulatory cooperation” to promote security while supposedly enhancing the movement of goods and persons between Canada and the U.S.
Surprisingly, the Speech from the Throne contained nothing to indicate the government intends to make long overdue changes to Canada’s citizenship legislation. Read More
The government of Canada is seeking to implement major changes to the Immigration rules governing sponsorship. Two of the proposals deal with sponsorship of spouses, common law and conjugal partners. The third would modify rules pertaining to the sponsorship of any member of the “family class”. Read More
Canada is well into our federal election campaign, which came about after the opposition parties united to adopt a motion of “non-confidence” against the minority Conservative Party government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Voting takes place on the 2nd of May 2011.
Canada follows the British model of parliamentary democracy. Thus we do not get to vote directly for Mr Harper, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff or NDP chief Jack Layton unless we happen to live in their particular riding. Citizens may vote for the official local party candidate of our choice for Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. The party winning the most number of ridings or “seats” in the House (regardless of total national popular vote) has the opportunity to form a government. Read More