Winnipeg Free Press – PRINT EDITION

Removing non-Canadian criminals fair policy

By: R. Reis Pagtakhan

Posted: 1:00 AM

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney has introduced a proposed new law that will make it easier for the government to remove certain non-Canadian criminals from Canada. While some of the other parts in this proposed law may need to be changed, the part that eliminates the ability of certain convicted criminals to appeal their removal from Canada is fair.

Under the current law, a Canadian permanent resident who is convicted of a crime and is sentenced to less than two years of prison can appeal an order removing him or her from Canada. This appeal is made to the Immigration Appeal Division where the convicted criminal can argue why he or she should be given a second chance to remain in Canada.

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Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney talks about immigration legislation in Ottawa, Ont. on Wednesday June 20, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

CALGARY – Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says it’s time to hit the “reset button” and temporarily put the brakes on new applications under two programs popular with skilled workers wanting to come to Canada from abroad.

Kenney told a business audience Thursday that the government is placing a six-month moratorium on the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Immigrant Investor Program.