NDP also vows to reverse Conservative immigration changes, pledges to develop a credible and accountable immigration system

Running up their bill of election promises, New Democrats (NDP) have also vowed to completely repeal the controversial immigration amendments implemented by Conservative government this year, while pledged to develop a credible and accountable immigration system.

The Conservative-legislation, New Democrats are promising to reverse, was written into the 2008 budget bill C-50 in an attempt to tackle a backlog of nearly one million applications and, consequently, excessively long processing times. Critics have taken aim at the law for the authority it assigns to Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to hand-pick immigrants.

New Democrats called these ministerial powers "arbitrary, secretive and restrictive". From the viewpoint of New Democrats, these immigration reforms mean increased exploitation of "guest workers", more delays and restrictions for family reunification, less effective strategic planning for labor market needs, and more secretive and arbitrary decisions by cabinet ministers.

Although defeated but NDP was the only party which not only brought motion in the Parliament to block budget bill to proceed for second reading but also suggested Finance Committee to split the budget bill into two bills by separating the budget reforms and proposed immigration reforms. NDP voted against the immigration reforms and wanted to force an election on this issue.

New Democrats also have a plan for an improved immigration system that will ensure fairness, boost Canada’s productivity and ease family reunification. They have pledged to significantly increase resources and support to deal with immigration backlog, reform visa program, create a more compassionate system for refugees, raise immigration quotas "significantly" and introduce a series of programs to help new Canadians learn one of the country’s official languages and have their professional credentials recognized.

The specific measures of New Democrats’ immigration plan will include:

• Implement "Creating Fair Opportunities" plan to accelerate and streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, overseas degrees and previous employment experience of newcomers with national standards, permanent training, bridging programs and international reciprocity agreements.


• Review current point system to match the labor market needs, including specific provisions for blue-collar workers and tradespeople.


• Increase funding to settlement support services for new Canadians to assist with literacy, community integration and orientation, including bridging, mentorship, English and French as a second language (ESL and FSL) programs and resource centers.


• Increase annual immigration level up to 1 per cent of total population.


• Establish firm targets for on-time completion of family class and spousal sponsorships.


• Implement "Once in a Lifetime" bill that will permit any citizen or landed immigrant to sponsor at least one family member from outside the "family" classification.


• Eliminate landing fees for new immigrants, as well as processing fees for refugees and people fleeing torture or domestic violence.


• Reform the visa program, so overseas family members of Canadian citizens or landed immigrants have proper visitation rights for important family events such as weddings, births and illness, and for the reunification of married couples.


• Abrogate the "Safe Third Country Agreement" with the United States so all refugees claimants are granted a hearing outside of Canada.


• Establish a special program to allow "Iraq War resisters" from the US to remain in Canada.


• Continue to ensure that all new Canadians have access to the "core" immigration system, rather than expand the Liberal-Conservative temporary "guest worker" and "live-in caregiver" programs. These programs deny basic employee rights, do not allow application for immigration, and result in longer delays in the entire system.


• Allow people without status who are living in Canada the opportunity to apply for legal status.


• Eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in admission processes.


• Immediately implement the provision in the Immigration Act for a refugee appeal division to help facilitate a fair refugee hearing and determination process, and ensure that all vacancies on the Immigration and Refugee Board are filled in a fair and transparent manner.


• Properly regulate immigration consultants to stop abuse of immigrants and potential immigrants, and crack down on unscrupulous and illegal activities.

New Democrats believe that a successful immigration plan could be built by increasing Canada’s productivity, improving family reunification, establishing fairness and offering new hope to people fleeing persecution, violence and repression.

Liberals vow to reverse Conservative immigration changes, promise a fairer and faster system worth $800M

Running up their bill of election promises, Liberals have vowed to reverse the controversial immigration amendments implemented by Conservative government this year, and pledged to overhaul country’s immigration system through an $800-million strategy.

The Conservative-legislation, Liberals are promising to repeal, was written into the 2008 budget bill C-50 in an attempt to tackle a backlog of nearly one million applications and, consequently, excessively long processing times. Critics have taken aim at the law for the authority it assigns to Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to hand-pick immigrants. Although Liberals called these ministerial powers "unfair, sweeping discretionary" but they were abstained in the House of Commons at time of voting on this legislation perhaps to defeat Conservatives in Parliament that could trigger an election.

The Liberals also pledged to invest a total of $800 million in federal funding to deal with the immigration backlog, bring in a new business and visitors’ visa system, set up a new program for temporary workers and students to apply for permanent residence status, set up a more efficient refugee-determination system, raise immigration quotas "significantly" and introduce a series of programs to help new Canadians learn one of the country’s official languages and have their professional credentials recognized.

A breakdown of this investment, over four years, would be as follows:

• $400 million to modernize the immigration system, process applications more efficiently and support the admission of significantly more permanent residents to Canada.


• $200 million in New Beginnings Canada – an enhanced language training initiative designed to help newcomers master the language necessary to get jobs that match their qualifications.


• $200 million for a Bridge to Work plan – a new initiative that will better prepare newcomers for the workplace through the use of internships, special training and work placement opportunities.

Other measures will include (a) revamping the immigration points system to give greater weight to skilled trades, better aligning immigration policy to the Canadian labour market; (b) creation of an In-Canada Fast Track program that will accelerate the process for temporary workers, international students and live-in caregivers to apply for permanent residence within Canada; (c) direct financial assistance to help foreign professionals obtain recognition of their credentials; (b) introduction of Welcome Canada Pass – a five year renewable, multi-entry visitor’s visa for individuals sponsored by Canadian citizens and landed immigrants; (c) Creation of a so-called Canada Express Pass for frequent business visitors to reduce processing times and promote trade and commerce; and (d) strengthening provincial nominee programs.

Liberal party has declared immigration a "critical component" of its election platform and believed that a successful immigration plan is built on the sound principles of fairness, accountability and opportunity.