Inmigracion a Canada

Invitacion al Foro de Nuevos Inmigrantes - Enero 9, 2007 Toronto

2007-01-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

La Ciudad de Toronto le invita cordialmente al

FORO DE NUEVOS INMIGRANTES

Patrocinado y dirigido por Vamos a Canadá y el Access and Diversity Unit
in Parks, Forestry and Recreation de la Ciudad de Toronto

“A networking event where employers can liaise with the most qualified NEWCOMER PROFESSIONALS”

Martes 9 de Enero del 2007, 4:30 a 10:00 pm

Nathan Phillips Square (City Hall) Rotunda - Main Floor

100 Queen Street West, Toronto M5H 2N1

El registro es gratuito y comienza a las 4:30 pm en punto

Conferencistas:

El Honorable Mario G. Racco, MPP y Asistente Parlamentario

del Ministro de Trabajo de Ontario

“Estándares laborales, seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo”

El Honorable Dr. Khalil Ramal, MPP y Asistente Parlamentario

del Ministro de Inmigración de Ontario

“Ley 124: Acceso justo a profesiones reguladas”

El Distinguido Keith Pelley, Presidente y Director Ejecutivo del equipo

de fútbol americano Toronto Argonauts

“Alto a la Violencia”

Para registrarse o pedir mayores informes llamar al (905)370-0119

o escribir un email a: jobs@vamosacanada.com

Hamilton Spectator - Ayudemos a los doctores extranjeros a estacionar sus taxis

2006-12-07T10:52:00.000-08:00

Fuente: Hamilton Spectator - News
Dos expertos en materia de inmigracion piden al gobierno de Ontario acelerar legislacion para ayudar a que los recien llegados puedan ejercer su profesion - Opinion de Carmela Fragomeni
The Hamilton Spectator
(Dec 7, 2006)
Excelente articulo referente al Proyecto de Ley 124 - Acceso justo a profesiones reguladas.

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-21- Canada’s New Government to help employers address labour shortages in Western Canada

2006-11-20T11:47:00.000-08:00

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-21- Canada’s New Government to help employers address labour shortages in Western Canada: "Canada’s New Government to help employers address labour shortages in Western Canada
VANCOUVER, November 15, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, today announced improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to make it easier for employers in Alberta and British Columbia to hire foreign workers when there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position.
“Canada’s new government has been listening to employers in Alberta and British Columbia, and they are truly having a hard time finding enough workers,” said Minister Solberg. “The improvements we are announcing today are making it easier, faster, and less costly for employers to hire temporary foreign workers.”
“These new initiatives will assist employers by reducing overall costs and make it two to four weeks faster for employers to hire temporary foreign workers,” said Minister Finley. “They will effectively help employers having difficulty finding Canadian workers to fill their human resource needs, while continuing to protect the access of Canadian workers to the labour market.”

globeandmail.com: Ottawa descarta posibilidad de Amnistia para ilegales

2006-10-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

globeandmail.com: Ottawa rules out amnesty for illegal workers: Ottawa ha descratado la posibilidad de amnistia para los trabajadores indocumentados, citando que seria injusto para la gente que sigue los procesos legales de acuerdo a una carta obtenida por el diario The Globe and Mail.
Otorgar la amnistia daria mas paso a mas ilegales, segun Linda Arseneau de Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Fuente: The Globe and Mail

Canada atrae inmigrantes bien preparados

2006-10-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Canada attracting skilled immigrants: La politica migratoria canadiense esta haciendo un buen trabajo en atraer gente preparada, afirma un experto en la Universidad de Queens

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-13 - Citizenship and Immigration Canada Changes Visa Requirement for Estonian Citizens

2006-10-04T10:30:00.001-07:00

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-13 - Citizenship and Immigration Canada Changes Visa Requirement for Estonian Citizens: "Citizenship and Immigration Canada Changes Visa Requirement for Estonian Citizens
OTTAWA, September 27, 2006 – The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration (CIC), announced today that Estonian citizens no longer require a temporary resident visa to visit Canada.
“Canada’s analysis of Estonia indicates that they are ready for a visa exemption,” said Minister Solberg. “Canada has the largest community of Estonians outside of Estonia and we enjoy strong trade and tourism ties. This decision will help build on that relationship.”
Citizenship and Immigration Canada regularly reviews the visa requirements we place on citizens from other countries who want to visit Canada. These reviews are done on a country by country basis to see if they warrant potential visa exemptions or the removal of an exemption. Country reviews weigh the risks and benefits of visa-free travel to Canada. Possible risks to Canada include abuse of Canada’s tradition of refugee protection, passport fraud or organized crime in the country under review. Some of the benefits to Canada may include increased trade and tourism.
By law, all visitors to Canada require a temporary resident visa, except citizens of countries where an exemption has been granted.
Visa requirements are Canada’s first line of defence in maintaining the safety and health of Canadians where travellers to Canada are concerned. The visa is also an effective way to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration and refugee programs while facilitating the entry of legitimate visitors.
For a complete list of countries whose citizens require a visa, please visit CIC’s Web site at www.cic.gc.ca/engl"

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-13 - Citizenship and Immigration Canada Changes Visa Requirement for Estonian Citizens

2006-10-04T10:30:00.000-07:00

Federal government seeks to boost French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec

2006-09-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Federal government seeks to boost French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec: "WINNIPEG (CP) - The federal government is hoping to increase the number of French-speaking immigrants who settle outside Quebec.
Immigration Minister Monte Solberg has announced a five-year plan that includes recruiting more francophone foreign students to schools such as the College Universitaire de St. Boniface in Winnipeg.
The plan also calls for new aid for francophone immigrant business owners in Winnipeg and other communities with a strong French-speaking population.
It's not clear how much new money will be spent, because the government says many initiatives can be covered by existing programs.
Federal figures from 2001 show 3.1 per cent of immigrants outside of Quebec were French-speaking.
Ottawa is hoping to boost that number to 4.4 per cent to match the current French-speaking population outside Quebec. "

Cuidado con aquellos abogados o consultores que le ofrecen garantias

2006-08-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Be careful of those who offer you a guarantee: "Be careful of those who offer you a guarantee
No honest lawyer makes such claims

On more than a few occasions in my twenty years of practice, prospective clients have declined to use my services because I wouldn't guarantee the outcome of their immigration application.
They claimed that for a few dollars more, they could be guaranteed the desired result by some unnamed immigration official or adviser.
In such circumstances, it's hard to distinguish between bluster and a genuine criminal enterprise.
However, what is clear is that such corruption does exist.
In June, Yves Bourbonnais, a former member of the Immigration and Refugee Board, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to 30 counts of conspiracy and obstructing justice.
He and his accomplices solicited bribes to ensure the success of immigration appeals for cash payments of up to $15,000.
Last week, Michael O- Keefe, a senior official at the U.S. consulate in Toronto was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes in connection with U.S. visa applications. The payoff is reported to have included exotic dancers, trips to Las Vegas, jewelry, etc. He and an alleged beneficiary of this scheme, face up to 15 years in jail.
While crooked immigration officials and advisors may offer so called guarantees, honest immigration lawyers can't.
The Rules of Professional Conduct of Ontario's Law Society of Upper Canada state that a lawyer should be wary of bold and confident assurances to the client, especially when the lawyer�s employment may depend upon advising in a particular way.
A lawyer or consultant who purports to guarantee the successful outcome of an immigration application or hearing may be just as dishonest as an immigration official on the take.

Entrepreneurs to get faster immigration processing

2006-08-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneurs to get faster immigration processing: "Wency Leung, Vancouver Sun
Published: Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Immigration Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Economic Development announced a new pilot project Tuesday that aims to speed up the immigration application process for entrepreneurs wanting to settle in the province.
As part of the project, Citizenship and Immigration Canada will identify entrepreneurs interested in locating to B.C., then mail them information about the province's existing Provincial Nominee Program to encourage them to apply.
The Provincial Nominee Program, introduced in 2001, puts skilled workers and investors on a fast track to obtain permanent residency in B.C.
'In general, this will go much more quickly and make it possible for people to come here who might otherwise say, 'We want to go somewhere else,' ' Immigration Minister Monte Solberg said at a press conference in Burnaby.
'I think this is B.C.'s response to their own desire to bring more entrepreneurs here. This is a province that thrives on entrepreneurship.'
Solberg said there is no limit on the number of people who can enter the province under the program.
He said there are an estimated 4,000 people currently applying to immigrate to Canada who could qualify as entrepreneurs. About 1,000 of them have indicated they're eyeing B.C. as a destination, and could immediately be targeted under the new pilot project.
Those who apply to the Provincial Nominee Program as entrepreneurs would still have to meet a number of criteria, as outlined by the province, such as making a $1 million investment if they locate in the Lower Mainland, or investing a lower amount and creating a certain number of jobs if they intend to settle elsewhere in the province, Solberg said.
The provin"

Canada National News - The Brooks Bulletin

2006-08-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Canada National News - The Brooks Bulletin: "Foreign workers program is failing Canadian businesses: report

CELESTE MACKENZIE
Sunday, August 13, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) - A federal program that brings low-skilled foreign workers to Canada is not meeting the needs of labour-hungry employers, says a new report.

The problem is that the program only allows workers to stay in Canada for a maximum of 12 months, says the Canadian Bar Association report.

Author Wendy Danson, an Edmonton lawyer, said the 2003 federal pilot program to bring in low-skilled workers makes employers provide worker housing, pay return airfare, and doesn't let workers bring families or eventually apply for landed immigrant status.

'There is such a demand for labour here (in Alberta) because of the oil sands,' she said. 'It's just crazy. You can earn 19 dollars an hour just for sweeping the floor. Our clients just can't get the labour they need.'

The association includes 800 immigration lawyers who represent a variety of businesses.

Danson submitted the report to the Department of Human Resources, which is completing a review of the program's impact on employers. The review will feed into a general assessment of its Foreign Workers Program.

Susan Nutt, who runs Alberta Bridges, a bridge maintenance and construction company in Pickardville, Alta., says she employs up to 19 workers year-round at a minimum of $18.65 an hour. In 2005, Canadians she hired never showed up for work, or quit after a few weeks, so this spring she employed six Filipino workers through the program. They will be replaced with six more next year and Nutt says she'll be sad to see the first batch go.

'Much of the year is just getting people trained, and safety is a big part of that."

Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Canada | O Canada, do we stand on guard for thee?

2006-08-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Macleans.ca | Top Stories | Canada | O Canada, do we stand on guard for thee?: "O Canada, do we stand on guard for thee?
What does the government owe dual citizens who live elsewhere?
LUIZA CH. SAVAGE
Maybe it was the complaining that did it. Here was the Canadian government spending a yet-untold sum to evacuate Lebanese Canadians from a war zone, while most Canadians were coming to terms with the fact that there were enough dual citizens living in Lebanon -- around 40,000 -- to fill a small city. Then came the complaints of some evacuees about disorganization and nauseating conditions on the boat ride out. One evacuee said she would have preferred to stay under the bombs, another said she was ashamed to be Canadian. Although most evacuees said they were grateful, well, some Canadians finally snapped.
'If they don't live here and don't pay taxes, and may never be coming back, what is the responsibility of the government of Canada supported by the Canadian taxpayer?' asks Garth Turner, Tory MP for Halton, Ont. His website became one of numerous forums for the outpouring of passions around the country, where critics disparaged 'Canadians of convenience' and 'dualies' who use their passports as 'insurance.' The outraged calls streaming into his office 'became an overwhelming chorus of concern,' says Turner. "

Desperate Colombians turning to false Mexican passports to enter Canada

2006-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Desperate Colombians turning to false Mexican passports to enter Canada: "OTTAWA (CP) - Colombians desperate to leave their war-torn country are attempting to bypass stricter Canadian legislation by claiming refugee status at inland points rather than traditional U.S.-Canada border crossings.
Citizenship and Immigration figures show Colombian claims at airports and other inland points jumped from more than doubled from 2004 to 2005, jumping from 114 to 243.
Border claims dropped by 75 per cent during the same period. Those making it to Canada are using a myriad of strategies to get here, including the use of fake Mexican passports, refugee advocates say.
Mexicans are the only Latin Americans who don't need visas to come here.
Francisco Rico, co-director of a Toronto refugee assistance group says three Colombians have sought assistance at his centre so far this year carrying fraudulent Mexican documents. "

Newcomers held back

2006-07-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Canada's laws, policies pressing issues: report
By Bill Dunphy
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 13, 2006)
A newly released report by a Hamilton researcher says Canada's laws and policies are undermining the efforts of newcomers to become self-sufficient and productive citizens.

"Few issues are as pressing," researcher Sarah Wayland says in the report, jointly commissioned by the Law Commission of Canada and the Community Foundation of Canada.

"Immigration ... accounts for more than half our population growth and about three-quarters of our labour market growth."

Most economists believe our economic health is dependent on growth, which is driven by immigration. If immigrants fail to thrive (they are doing worse than previous generations of immigrants) then, the theory goes, so will we.

"The difficulties newcomers face as part of their settlement experience must be recognized as Canadian problems, rather than 'immigrant problems,'" Wayland says. In her report, Wayland urges the private and non-governmental sectors to get involved in finding solutions to these problems, and says they have a key role in providing employment opportunities.

Hamilton Spectator - News

globeandmail.com : Bevilacqua propone expansion en politica de inmigracion

2006-06-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

CAMPBELL CLARK

OTTAWA -- Canada needs to double the flow of immigrants into the country to build up its population and drive economic growth, Liberal leadership candidate Maurizio Bevilacqua said yesterday.

In a bold proposal to throw open the doors to the country, Mr. Bevilacqua proposed that Canada expand its immigration system beyond filling holes in the labour market, bringing in far more foreign relatives of Canadians to expand the population.

His proposal calls for Canada to increase its immigration rate immediately to 1 per cent of the population, or about 325,000 people, rather than the roughly 240,000 a year it brings in now. By 2016, he would increase immigration to 1.5 per cent of the population, which would be about 490,000 people a year based on the current population.

"We can't be timid," Mr. Bevilacqua said in an interview yesterday. "I have very much an expansionist view of Canada."

globeandmail.com : Bevilacqua proposes 'expansionist' policy to boost immigration

London Free Press - London, Ontario la ciudad escogida por los inmigrantes para vivir

2006-06-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

City the pick of new citizens

Mon, June 19, 2006

London leads Ontario in the number of immigrants deciding to stay here.

By NORMAN DE BONO, FREE PRESS BUSINESS REPORTER

London is holding on to more immigrants than ever before -- and leading the province in the number of new Canadians staying here.

The numbers are a sure sign that they're finding jobs here. It also translates to a larger pool of employees to attract potential new businesses, John Kime, chief executive of the London Economic Development Corp. (LEDC), said yesterday.

Figures from Citizenship and Immigration Canada show the number of new arrivals moving to and staying in London jumped 38 per cent in 2005 over 2004. That's the highest total in Ontario and fourth-highest in the country.

London Free Press - Local News - City the pick of new citizens

Town hospital at risk in immigration battle

2006-06-12T07:51:00.000-07:00

Richard Warnica, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Tuesday, May 30, 2006
EDMONTON - An eastern Alberta town could be forced to temporarily shutter its hospital this summer if a doctor fed up with Canada's immigration system decides to go home.

Dr. Andre Louw has been in Canada for six years, but he still can't get status as a landed immigrant. If his case isn't resolved soon, he says, he'll return to South Africa -- leaving Vermilion with just one family doctor.

And if Louw leaves, the town, which is already short at least three doctors, will be forced to close its hospital, at least until a replacement is found, said Dr. Odell Olson, vice-president of medical services for the East Central Health region.

"It's a critical shortage (of doctors) now," Olson said. "If Dr. Louw leaves, it's past critical."

Town hospital at risk in immigration battle

globeandmail.com : 100,000 abuelos y padres en el backlog de inmigracion

2006-06-02T11:39:00.000-07:00

100,000 grandparents and parents in immigration backlog
MARINA JIMENEZ

Globe and Mail Update

Canada's Immigration Department illegally discriminated against people who applied to bring their parents and grandparents to Canada, causing waits to escalate to as long as a decade, according to a recently filed lawsuit.

Currently, documents filed with the lawsuit say, 100,000 parent and grandparent sponsorship cases are in the backlog and applicants are charged a $550 processing fee in advance, even though the files might not be opened for two years, and might not be processed for many more.

Lorne Waldman, the Toronto immigration lawyer who initiated the lawsuit, says the government has no legal right to discriminate against a certain kind of immigration applicant.

Documents obtained under the Access to Information Act show that the Immigration Department deliberately “managed downward” the target for parents and grandparents, the lawsuit says. Ottawa dramatically reduced the Mississauga immigration office's resources to process parent and grandparent applications, and established quotas in offices overseas to restrict the number of visas to parents and grandparents. This plan was not made public, and the lawsuit alleges that the Immigration Department “made efforts to conceal the true state of the backlog and delay.”

globeandmail.com : 100,000 grandparents and parents in immigration backlog

Ontario facilitara el empleo de profesionales extranjeros

2006-06-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ontario to speed employment of foreign-trained professionals
Fuente: Ottawa Business Journal
Viernes 2 de Junio del 2006 9:00 AM EST

El gobierno de Ontario introducira una nueva legislacion para ayudar a personas que estudiaron en el extranjero a conseguir trabajo en su area mas rapidamente.

La nueva Ley llamada "Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act" se aplicaria a 34 profesiones reguladas en Ontario, incluyendo doctores, contadores, abogados, maestros, ingenieros y trabajadores sociales.

"La legislacion propuesta trata de asegurar que la gente con experiencia global tenga posibilidades reales y justas de ejercer su profesion", aseguro el Ministro de Inmigracion provincial Mike Colle en un informe.

Aun no se han dado a conocer los detalles de esta legislacion pero el gobierno provincial de Dalton McGuinty espera introducirla antes del final de sesiones de la asamblea legislativa actual.

Al mismo tiempo el gobierno dice que creara hasta 70 programas de internship con duracion de 6 meses para que los profesionales extranjeros trabajen en agencias y ministerios provinciales del gobierno.

"Estamos marcando el paso ya que somos la primera provincia con este tipo de iniciativa", dijo el Ministro de Servicios Gubernamentales Gerry Phillips.

TheStar.com - How much do foreign credentials count?

2006-05-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

Skilled newcomers can't find work — as jobs go unfilled Organizations

help get credentials recognized here
May 25, 2006. 01:00 AM
DANIEL GIRARD
EDUCATION REPORTER

When he left his engineering job in the Middle East to immigrate to Canada, Iskandar Abi-Karam believed he was coming for "a good life," a land of opportunity for those with skills.

A year and a half later, Abi-Karam, 49, is planning to leave — he hasn't been able to get a job, or even be accepted as an engineer, despite 20 years of experience throughout the Middle East and Europe.

"If so many countries in the world felt I was worth something and put me to work, then I can't understand why Canada feels I am useless," said Abi-Karam, a married father of two who was born and raised in Lebanon and speaks six languages. "If it was that I didn't know how to do the job, fine.

"But I am being ignored before I can even get started. If I cannot find work, I cannot stay."
TheStar.com - How much do foreign credentials count?

Cantv.net > Viajes y Turismo

2006-05-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

La consultora canadiense Vamos a Canadá y el portal venezolano aemigrar.com alcanzan un acuerdo para poner a disposición de los navegantes de Internet toda la información sobre como emigrar a Canadá y esto de forma gratuita, ofreciendo consejos y los puntos mas resaltantes de este proceso.
11/05/2006. Recientemente la consultora Vamos a Canadá ( www.vamosacanada.com ) y el sitio web www.aemigrar.com han firmado un acuerdo para poner a disposición de los internautas latinoamericanos información actualizada, gratuita y extensa sobre como emigrar a Canadá, el material estará disponible en los próximos días, los contenidos abarcaran desde el campo legal hasta los aspectos de la vida común de un inmigrante que desee estudiar, trabajar o ser simplemente un ciudadano más de ese país.

Cantv.net > Viajes y Turismo

CIC Canada | News Release 2006-03 - Citizenship for Adopted Children

2006-05-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ottawa, May 15, 2006 — On this International Day of Families, the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, introduced a new bill in the House of Commons to amend the Citizenship Act. The proposed legislation will allow children adopted abroad by Canadian citizens to obtain Canadian citizenship without first having to become permanent residents. As a result, the difference in treatment between children adopted abroad and children born abroad of a Canadian parent will be minimized.

“We are supporting Canadian families who adopt foreign-born children by helping them get citizenship without having to go through the immigration process,” Minister Solberg said. “It is fitting that the introduction of this important bill occurs on the International Day of Families.”

In order for the adopted child to be granted citizenship, the adoption must conform to the laws of the province or the territory of residence of the adoptive parents. Adopted children will be able to acquire Canadian citizenship as soon as the adoption process is completed, providing that an application for citizenship is submitted in their name.

“This is a major step forward for foreign-born adopted children and their adoptive families,” said Sandra Scarth, President of the Adoption Council of Canada.

“The Government of Canada is committed to working to welcome these young new Canadians and enhance fairness,” said Minister Solberg.
CIC Canada | News Release 2006-03 - Citizenship for Adopted Children

CIC Canada | Gobierno Canadiense reduce el costo del Right of Permanent Residence Fee casi en un 50%

2006-05-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

CIC Canada | Reduction of Right of Permanent Residence Fee: "The 2006 Federal Budget includes a 50 percent reduction in the $975 Right of Permanent Residence Fee. The new Right of Permanent Residence Fee is $490 for immigrants who become permanent residents under all social, humanitarian and economic classes. The change is effective as of 12:00 a.m. EDT on May 3, 2006.
If you paid the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, but did not become a permanent resident until after 12:00 a.m. EDT on May 3, 2006, you are entitled to a refund."

CTV Toronto - Cientos de personas marchan en Toronto en defensa de los indocumentados - CTV News -- Canadian Television

2006-04-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

Organizers expected up to 3,500 people for a march and rally through the streets of Toronto, but only a few hundred supporters of undocumented Portuguese workers braved rainy weather on Saturday.

Chanting "support, don't deport," the crowd made its way from Queen's Park to Toronto city hall to cheer speakers who said Canada's "immigration system is broken."

"We are trying to put a human face on the issue," Peter Ferreira of the Portuguese Congress said. "Sometimes we tend to see these people as numbers. They are not numbers, they are people, they are human beings."

The federal immigration department is cracking down on undocumented foreign workers living in Canada. Planeloads of people have recently been sent to their home countries, despite the fact that many work full-time, pay taxes and have established families in this country.

CTV Toronto - Hundreds rally in Toronto for illegal workers - CTV News, Shows and Sports -- Canadian Television: "Organizers expected up to 3,500 people for a march and rally through the streets of Toronto, but only a few hundred supporters of undocumented Portuguese workers braved rainy weather on Saturday.
Chanting 'support, don't deport,' the crowd made its way from Queen's Park to Toronto city hall to cheer speakers who said Canada's 'immigration system is broken.'
'We are trying to put a human face on the issue,' Peter Ferreira of the Portuguese Congress said. 'Sometimes we tend to see these people as numbers. They are not numbers, they are people, they are human beings.'
The federal immigration department is cracking down on undocumented foreign workers living in Canada. Planeloads of people have recently been sent to their home countries, despite the fact that many work full-time, pay taxes and have established families in this country."

Mensaje de Monte Solberg, Ministro de Inmigracion (Toronto Star, Abril 17, 2006)

2006-04-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

We must separate fact from fiction about Canada and our policy on undocumented workers
Apr. 17, 2006. 01:00 AM

Recently I met with community, union and business leaders in Toronto, mostly from the Portuguese community, to discuss concerns about the removal of undocumented workers and their families back to their home countries.

While it is true that the people being removed are on the whole good and hard-working, they are here illegally. This is a problem that must be addressed.

I am committed to ensuring that Canada's immigration policy is reoriented to better meet the demands of our labour market. Let met put the undocumented worker issue into context.

Some have claimed that Canadian Border Service Agency removals are increasing and that the Portuguese community has been singled out. These are serious claims. They are also untrue.

Last year, there were almost 12,000 removals from Canada of which 408 were to Portugal.

This year, during the same period ending on March 31, the number of removals to Portugal dropped to 197.

Meanwhile, over the last 12 months, 68 people from Portugal were allowed to stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds even though they had entered illegally.

Many others from Portugal entered Canada through proper channels and hundreds more are currently waiting to enter via regular means.

In other words, there has been no change in policy.

Removals have been cut in half and Canada allows many Portuguese to stay on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Several groups have raised the idea of offering an "amnesty" or "regularization" to undocumented workers.

This is not a new idea. The previous government said they would investigate the issue, but in the end the Liberals neither agreed to, nor funded, nor even signed a proposed memorandum of understanding to proceed with a pilot project.

Today, more than 800,000 people are waiting in line to come to Canada. Some have been waiting for years. Those waiting argue it's unfair for people who come to Canada illegally to get legal status, while those who play by the rules sit in line.

Others have suggested putting a moratorium on removals.

However, this may lead to speculation that a regularization program is coming.

We have to ask what kind of message that would send to millions of potential newcomers. Even a small increase in the number who decided to come and stay here illegally based on the hope of regularization would simply recreate the very problem the proposal is supposed to fix.

So where does that leave us?

Employers from every sector need workers. One way to start to tackle the shortage is to improve existing programs and drive foreign workers to legal channels.

The Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) program is designed to respond to local and job-specific needs. Last year, with the help of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, more than 80,000 qualified foreign workers came to Canada.

Participation in the TFW program helps workers improve language skills and integrate into Canadian communities. In turn, it boosts their chances of earning enough points to apply for permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also hold the potential to marry newcomers with labour market needs. These programs allow the provinces and territories to bring in immigrants with specific skills and applicants with a Provincial Nominee Certificate are given priority processing by the department.

Manitoba, more than any other participating province, has taken charge of addressing its immigration needs.

Last year the provincial government brought in 4,600 people to meet job demand. By comparison, B.C. brought in 787, and Alberta brought in 614.

All Canadian provinces except Ontario and Quebec have PNPs.

Quebec has its own system, while Ontario is on the cusp of starting a pilot project.

Obviously the PNPs are underutilized, and in a way, that is understandable. The federal government has a history of selecting newcomers to Canada and the provinces and territories are just now testing the waters. It's time to get these programs moving.

After two months as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, it is clear to me the immigration system needs repair.

Waiting lines are too long, the Temporary Foreign Workers program needs improvement, and the Provincial Nominee Program is underutilized.

But by working with the provinces, business, and labour, I 'm sure we can bring newcomers to Canada legally, more efficiently, and in a way that addresses our labour market needs and gives a fair chance to workers to become citizens of the greatest country on earth.

It's our obligation to do so.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monte Solberg is Canada's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

Monte Solberg