I think it strikes all of us, especially on days like Canada Day, just how profoundly fortunate we are to live in a country like Canada.  It doesn’t surprise me that so many want to call it home. 

Canada has a long tradition of helping people from around the world who seek protection.  Yet, over the past few years, it has become harder and harder to do so. 
Canada’s refugee system has been in dire need of an overhaul for some time as more and more false claims bogged down the system preventing those who required legitimate help from coming to Canada.

That is why the passage of the Balanced Refugee Reform Act, on June 29th, 2010, was an important milestone in improving Canada’s asylum system and enhancing our resettlement program. 

Canada already has one of the most generous refugee systems in the world, but these reforms will lead to faster protection for victims of torture and persecution, and faster removal of failed asylum claimants including those who try to abuse Canada’s generosity.  

Under the Act, failed asylum claimants will have access to a new fact-based appeal at the Refugee Appeal Division, while taxpayers will save an estimated $1.8 billion over 5 years because failed claimants will no longer be able to stay in Canada for years.

Under the new system, waves of false asylum claims coming from safe, democratic countries as well as those determined as “manifestly unfounded” by the Immigration and Refugee Board will be fast-tracked and failed claimants will be subject to removal from Canada in a matter of months, which will be a key tool in protecting the integrity of Canada's immigration and refugee systems. 

Not only will the new system work better for those who legitimately need our help, it means more resources are available to assist in the resettlement of refugees from abroad. 

The government is also hopeful that a stronger, more effective asylum system will motivate local organizations to sponsor refugees and Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has put out a call for action. 

“Throughout the summer, I will be asking groups within Canadian civil society, such as faith-based organizations, to redouble their efforts to help provide new homes for refugees who are victims of torture, ethnic cleansing, and persecution. We will also be increasing assistance for Government-Assisted Refugees through a 20% increase to the Resettlement Assistance Program, and we are providing more resources to increase the capacity of Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) who do such good work. But I believe that civil society can do more, just as the government is.”

Local organization here in the Okanagan have made great efforts in the past to help refugees settle safely in Canada and I know they will be up to the challenge set by the Minister.

Certainly, such organizations can move forward confidently knowing that the changes to the system will improve the amount of time it takes for legitimate refugees to come to Canada.

The Balanced Refugee Reform Act has been a long time coming and I wish to recognize the outstanding efforts of my colleague Minister Kenney but also those in opposition who put partisan politics aside and worked to improve the refugee system in Canada. 

In a Parliament so often characterized by acrimony, the Balanced Refugee Reform Act was an outstanding example of Parliament at its best.  It was a collaborative effort by all parties, which led to the acceptance of a series of amendments and all-party support in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
This new legislation supports the underlying principles of Canada’s asylum system: ensuring fairness, protecting genuine refugees and upholding Canada’s humanitarian tradition.

One last bit of news before I sign off: On Wednesday, July 14th, my colleague the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour will be in town for breakfast at the Manteo Resort @ 7:30 am.   The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is hosting.  Tickets are $35 and are available by calling 250 469 7350.  I hope you will come out and join us as I would love to introduce you to my colleague.

As you know I’m working in the riding for the summer and am always glad to hear from you.  If you have any questions or comments on this or any other federally-related matter don’t hesitate to contact me at ron@cannan.ca or at 470-5075.

Ron Cannan is the MP for Kelowna-Lake Country.