In May 2012, the Barbra Schlifer Clinic, METRAC, and LEAF presented a written submission on Bill C-31: The Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Immigration.
The submission argued that Bill C-31 contained provisions that would result in the arbitrary detention, intimidation, failure to protect, and ultimate re-victimization of highly vulnerable people seeking asylum in Canada – people who were also positioned to ultimately contribute significantly to Canada once settled. The Schlifer Clinic, METRAC, and LEAF were particularly concerned about the impact of Bill C-31 on women survivors of violence, and children.
The three organizations’ main concerns included that Bill C-31 would:
- Impose unreasonably short deadlines on asylum-seekers, thereby preventing legitimate claims from being properly presented
- Designate certain countries as “safe” when in fact they are not safe for women
- Lead to the deportation of women survivors of violence prior to an individualized risk assessment
- Severely limit access to vital humanitarian and compassionate applications, often the last resort for women refugees and their children
- Impose one year of automatic detention on certain refugee claimants which could re-traumatize those fleeing violence
- Prevent family reunification for at least five years for certain refugees, endangering women and children left behind who were waiting for sponsorship
- Allow the permanent residence of legitimate refugees to be withdrawn at any time, creating a sub-class of new Canadians who can never fully settle and feel safe
- Conflict with Canada’s obligations under the Charter and its obligations under international law
Read the press release announcing our submission here.
Download the submission, available in English and French, below.
Bill C-31 Submission - English (315 KB) -