Tell Canada to Reject the "Bogus" Refugee Bill
Canada's Immigration Minister, Jason Kenney, introduced Bill C-31 (Protecting Canada's Immigration Act) to the Canadian legislature, stating it would help rid the country of "bogus claims" regarding refugee status. In reality, the bill would deny refugee claimants basic dignity and human rights.
According to the new bill, upon arrival in Canada, refugee claimants will have 15 days to submit a written application in English or French. If claimants can't find an interpreter or lawyer to assist them and miss the deadline, refugees will be sent back to face persecution in their home country.
The new legislation also lets the Immigration Minister detain non-citizens for a year without warrant or review. Even if a detained refugee claimant can persuade a decision-maker that he or she is a refugee, the new law authorizes the government to deport refugees at any point if the government decides their home country is "safe."
Remind Jason Kenney that refugee claimants deserve the opportunity to present their cases before independent, impartial decision-makers. Act now to tell the Canadian Parliament to reject Bill C-31, which would impose brutal, arbitrary, and cruel measures on people who have committed no crime and are seeking a safe haven from persecution.
We the undersigned call on you to reject Bill C-31, Protecting Canada's Immigration Act, which would impose brutal, arbitrary, and cruel measures on refugee claimants.
According to the new bill, upon arrival in Canada, refugee claimants will have 15 days to submit a written application in English or French. If claimants cannot find an interpreter or lawyer to assist them and miss the deadline, they will be sent back to face persecution in their home country.
The new legislation also lets the Immigration Minister detain non-citizens for a year without warrant or review. Even if a detained refugee claimant can persuade a decision-maker that he or she is a refugee, the new law authorizes the government to deport refugees at any point if the government decides their home country is safe. However, refugees often come from marginalized, vulnerable populations for whom even "safe" countries can be risky.
We therefore urge you to reject Bill C-31, which denies refugee claimants basic dignity and human rights. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
