OPEN LETTER to Immigration Minister on delays in processing for family and spousal sponsorships

Could you please advise specifically innovation actions has been taken or are being planned, what budget and resources have been allocated within IRCC to employ these “innovative solutions” and what is the timetable for the implementation of these measures.
Finally, some of the individuals who are in the midst of the spousal sponsorship process have written me with their concerns that their letters or emails to the Minister, or even their participation in petition or social media campaigns to raise public awareness of the difficulties that they face are allegedly being logged as notes in IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS). As one writer noted, “Our right to advocate peacefully is guaranteed by the Canadian constitution. Should these notes be held against spousal sponsorship applicants, or in any way hinder their application process, this would represent a serious and fundamental breach of our constitutional rights.” Could you please verify whether these correspondences or other communications are being logged in the GCMS, and if so for what reason. 

"August 10, 2020

The Hon. Marco Mendicino
Minister, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

Dear Minister Mendicino,

Open Letter Re: Delays in Processing for Family and Spousal Sponsorships

Nova Scotia newspaper The Chronicle Herald recently published an article (https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/its-something-we-live-with-everyday-couples-separated-amid-pandemic-477410/) in which an IRCC official made reference to work that is being done to find "innovative and compassionate ways to reunite families”. While this language is hopeful it is important that these words have action behind them.

Could you please advise specifically innovation actions has been taken or are being planned, what budget and resources have been allocated within IRCC to employ these “innovative solutions” and what is the timetable for the implementation of these measures.

Finally, some of the individuals who are in the midst of the spousal sponsorship process have written me with their concerns that their letters or emails to the Minister, or even their participation in petition or social media campaigns to raise public awareness of the difficulties that they face are allegedly being logged as notes in IRCC’s Global Case Management System (GCMS). As one writer noted, “Our right to advocate peacefully is guaranteed by the Canadian constitution. Should these notes be held against spousal sponsorship applicants, or in any way hinder their application process, this would represent a serious and fundamental breach of our constitutional rights.” Could you please verify whether these correspondences or other communications are being logged in the GCMS, and if so for what reason. page1image7804352
I would also like to inquire about the department's effort in addressing the delays in processing family and spousal sponsorships.

I appreciate the opportunity to bring these important issues to your attention, as these are serious matters of growing urgency to many people in Canada who want nothing more than to be able to at last reunite with their loved ones. As always, I stand ready to assist in any way that I can and will look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Jenny Kwan
MP for Vancouver East
NDP Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship"

 

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