Liberals promise to overhaul the Canadian immigration system
The Liberal Party of Canada has outlined its plans for Canadian immigration policies.
Key plans outlined by Stephane Dion, the leader of the Liberal Party are summarized below.
Dion said the overhaul would
- ease visa problems for foreign visitors,
- set up a new program for temporary workers and students to apply for permanent residence status and
- “significantly” raise immigration quotas.
If elected, he vowed his government would scrap the immigration law passed by the Tories that was widely criticized for vesting too much control of the system in the immigration minister’s hands.
“Last spring the Conservative government gave the immigration minister sweeping discretionary powers to reject whole categories of immigration applications,” said Dion. “When I am elected prime minister I will immediately reverse these unfair and dangerous immigration changes.”
Dion said the Liberals want to rewrite immigration rules and regulations to make it easier for newcomers to succeed in Canada once they are here.
“Immigration will account for all of Canada’s net labour and population growth during the next five years and is a key element of the Liberal plan for Canada’s future success.”
Saying the current visa system imposes wait times on visitors that “are not human,” Dion promised to bring in a Welcome Canada pass that would provide a five-year renewable, multiple-entry visitor’s visa for individuals sponsored by Canadian citizens and landed immigrants.
Links to this news story for more information
http://www.thestar.com/FederalElection/article/499026
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:06 pm
It will be critical to watch the immigration platforms of each party.
Having this site to keep a track on the news developments, is very helpful.
Thank you.
September 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 pm
The conservatives policies on immigration are hampering the abilities of businesses to staff their businesses. Labor shortage in parts of Canada continue to get acute by the day. Immigration is not about how many visas we grant and do favors to those wanting to come to Canada.
Immigration is about helping our economy run efficiently by not getting hampered due to skills shortages.
A less than efficient immigration policy will hamper the entire nation’s growth and development.
Don’t believe it – next time you are out in any Canadian city – imagine it without all those people who are contributing to the nations growth – chances are they are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
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