Immigration policy will be part of election conversation, opposition says | Toronto Star
2015/05/20 1 Comment
Pretty skimpy on the details, given the range of changes implemented by the Conservative government.
We may see more precision when the electoral platforms are released, however the tone is markedly different:
Immigration policy under the Conservative party’s watch has changed substantially, with many rules and regulations making it harder for refugees and immigrants to make Canada their home.
The Tories’ tough-on-immigration stance has won over some ethnic groups; others are less than keen. Critics in Parliament have argued vigorously against the changes. But the Tories argue that their changes have saved taxpayers money, streamlined processes, cut waiting times and stopped “bogus” refugees. A spokesman for the Minister of Immigration Chris Alexander said he wasn’t available to talk to the Star to discuss the changes or what lies ahead.
But according to University of Toronto’s assistant political science professor Erin Tolley, immigration rarely makes it as a central election issue because it “has the potential to alienate.”
But this time around both the Liberal and the NDP say they are going to make immigration policy part of the election conversation.
Key points:
NDP:
- family reunification emphasis
- loosening of citizenship language test requirements
- more welcoming approach to refugees
Liberals:
- Restore pre-Permanent Residence time 50 percent credit for citizenship
- Repeal intent to reside provision
- Reduce overall processing times
- Commit to larger number of refugees, strengthen due process
- Not assume “every second person is a criminal”
Interesting that revocation not mentioned.
Immigration policy will be part of election conversation, opposition says | Toronto Star.
About Andrew
Multicultural Meanderings 
Seeing no consideration of the revocation clause, I must assume that all parties listed view everyone with dual nationality (perhaps a much larger part of the population than they realize) as a second class citizen, to be highly suspect of criminal activities.
I would like to see more flexibility around the issue of “second generation born abroad” as there are those of us who will not yet qualify to have our citizenship restored due to the fact that our “Canadian” parent was born abroad”. For example, mine arrived as a Home Child from Scotland so I was told that he would not have qualified, along with being out of the country in WWII. This limitation is still going to be a problem going forward, for those working abroad such as in the military.
As far as I know, the promised restoration of citizenship to Lost Canadians born in the first generation abroad has not yet been implemented, so perhaps that could be an issue, too.
An added suggestion would be to provide more leniency and assistance to off-shore workers, especially those who should be appreciated for their contributions to the growing and harvesting of food. Canada could greatly increase food production overall, especially if we find areas of the country with longer growing season due to climate change. I believe we should have better programs and plans for those workers, who have so much to offer, not only to their own countries(i.e. the Caribbean and Mexico) but to Canada.
Having said that, I would commend the parties for their key points as outlined above.