On the issue around backlog, it is significant. It's pretty well in every single stream, although the government says they've put in resources and starting from this date they'll now abide by processing standards.
For the people who have been in the backlog who are not applying after the date, what do you think the government should do? Should we ignore those people and let them wait and wait? At some point in time, I suppose their application would be processed.
CIMM: Immigration backlog and processing standards
Citizenship and Immigration Committee
Sept. 27th, 2022
5:15 p.m.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I want to carry on with Ms. Launay with the question.
On the issue around backlog, it is significant. It's pretty well in every single stream, although the government says they've put in resources and starting from this date they'll now abide by processing standards.
For the people who have been in the backlog who are not applying after the date, what do you think the government should do? Should we ignore those people and let them wait and wait? At some point in time, I suppose their application would be processed.
Claire Launay
President, Le Québec c’est nous aussi
No. I think we should absolutely prioritize files that have been the longest in the backlog. These people have chosen Canada for a reason, and we definitely need them. We need to address those files first.
We were talking about absurdities earlier, and that's one of them. If you have to submit your file several times over to have a chance, to almost get picked up by the lottery of the backlog, that's not a system that works. Absolutely, pick the files that have been there the longest.
Also, I think we need a framework to determine Canada's responsibility. Once the standards of processing have been surpassed, let's say 12 or 18 months after processing, maybe we lift some criteria.
We need to decide what Canada can do for those people, because they've been waiting. Sometimes people have put their lives on hold with their immigration process. We can't let them just stay in the dark like we do right now.
Jenny Kwan Vancouver East, BC
NDP
Thank you very much.
I think you just answered my next question; that is to say, for people who are stuck in the system year after year after year, at some point in time a decision has to be made. With regard to your point then, I guess, the government needs to expedite the application or even waive the requirements. Short of criminality issues, for example, they should actually get their application processed.
Is that the kind of thing that you're talking about?
Claire Launay
President, Le Québec c’est nous aussi
Yes, for sure.
I mean, I'm not going to decide what criteria should be lifted, but I think this is something that we should definitely be looking at.
