Position Papers & Backgrounders

Background

The government has introduced Bill C-31 as a way to reform Canada's refugee determination system. The Bill as written will not protect refugees, but will punish them instead.

The Issue

Comments on proposed change to Immigration regulations with respect to proposed “conditional permanent residence” for sponsored spouses
Published by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in Canada Gazette, Part I, Vol. 146, No. 10 - March 10, 2012

Background

The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) welcomes the proposal to encourage employers to hire immigrants by offering a tax credit. This is an investment in new Canadians that will benefit all Ontarians, since improving their integration in the labour market will serve to strengthen Ontario's economy. Let us look at why this is important and necessary.

The federal budget tabled in Parliament on Monday June 6, 2011 by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty includes $4 billion in cuts intended to aid deficit reduction. This was the biggest change from the last budget tabled on March 22, 2011 (see OCASI comments on the previous budget).

The Government of Canada has proposed the introduction of a conditional residence period of two years or more for some sponsored spouses. OCASI has serious reservations and concerns about the proposal, which would increase the vulnerability of women and put them at risk.

Federal Budget 2011 tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday March 22 by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is disappointing in its failure to address pressing needs in areas such as labour market integration, housing and education. It is also disappointing in its lack of comprehensive social programs that would lead to poverty reduction.