In her letter, Kwan, who is not a member of the committee because the federal NDP lacks official party status, said the incident “raises very serious questions about procedural fairness” and a potential misuse of authority.
Kwan said the announcement raises questions about the “discretion” that can be exercised by a minister or parliamentary secretary when it comes to cases involving performing artists, as well as the criteria the immigration department uses to deny entry to Canada, when no criminal record is present.
She wrote that the incident also touches on issues surrounding how such announcements can be made, as well as “the need to ensure that discretionary decisions respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canada’s international obligations, particularly regarding freedom of artistic expression.”
“To that end, I respectfully urge the committee to look into this matter,” Kwan wrote.
“Ministerial accountability includes the role of parliamentary secretary. It is critical that Canadians and the international community are reassured due process is safeguarded, so that public trust in the fairness and integrity of our immigration and cultural exchange policies is (reassured,)” her letter read.
Kwan said looking into the matter would also provide clarity to Canadians who bought tickets to see the band play in Toronto and Vancouver.
