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
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
Trees and tulips were in full bloom last week in Canada's capital Ottawa as re-elected Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled his new Cabinet of ministers.
Mr Harper’s Conservative Party won a solid victory in the May 2nd Canadian federal election, taking 166 ridings out of the 308 comprising the House of Commons. This was Canada’s fourth election in the last seven years, and the first majority government since the 2000 victory by then Liberal PM Jean Chretien. The only sour note for the Conservatives was its showing in the province of Québec, where support declined, and its total of elected MPs fell from 10 down to five. 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