News and Events
APRIL 20, 2007 - KANATA EMC NEWS - Letter to the Editor: Faster process required for immigration papers
Dear Editor,
Newcomers to Canada living in our riding, or waiting to reunite with local family members, need their immigration applications processed faster. Many are left waiting in the queue, months turning into years for some. Even if approved for residency, their outstanding work skills often go unrecognized.
As a human rights lawyer who also litigates immigration cases, I see this all the time. Last month, at arbitration, I was successful in convincing Immigration Canada that a South Asian entrepreneur, the husband of a Canadian citizen, had the required skill and experience to fully contribute to Canadian society. I was amazed that his wife’s sponsorship of him was initially denied.
The recent federal budget contained no significant new measures to resolve these problems. It is unacceptable and a waste of financial and human resources to keep people in limbo, often for years, then grant them residency based on their skills, only to discover they are denied work in their professions.
A recent private and public sector initiative within the City of Ottawa, called the Employer Council of Champions, with a mandate to champion the skills of new immigrants, is to be applauded.
Scott Simser
Katimavik