EFC Election Kit 2008: Fact Sheet on Refugees Protecting the Vulnerable The Old Testament instructs God’s people to love the orphan, the widow, and the stranger within their country. Then as now, people flee to another country in search of safety and security. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are over 10 million refugees in the world today as a result of violence, persecution, and poverty. As Christians, we are called to welcome those who seek refuge in this country. In order to do this well, we need a coherent refugee and immigration policy based on compassion and care for our neighbour. In 2002, Parliament passed the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which guaranteed refugee claimants the right to a merit-based appeal if their claim was denied. This appeal was a needed safeguard to ensure that vulnerable refugees are not turned away in error. In November 2005, after three years of postponing the establishment of the Appeal Division, the Immigration Minister announced his decision not to implement the appeal process at all. Without a Refugee Appeal Division to re-examine the facts of a case, very little can be done to remedy a situation once a bad decision is made. Bill C-280, An Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is awaiting Royal Assent. Questions to ask on this issue: - What steps will you take to make the refugee system more transparent, compassionate and just?
- Will you actively support a merit-based appeal system for refugee claimants?
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