2006:03 PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR NATIONALS OF MORATORIA COUNTRIES
Whereas:
The Canadian government has suspended the removal of persons from Canada to certain countries because of the risk of persecution in those countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe; and
Whereas:
There are people now living in Canada, some for over ten years, in virtual legal limbo since they have been denied permanent residence, although the Canadian government recognizes that they are unable to return to their homes; and
Whereas:
These people have been denied refugee status in Canada under a determination process which lacks transparency and fairness and which at present has no implemented right of appeal so that without permanent residence status they cannot get on with their lives in Canada; and
Whereas:
These people therefore have limited job prospects, are ineligible for federal child benefits, have to re-register their children for schooling every year, have access only to emergency health care coverage and cannot travel outside Canada; and
Whereas:
These persons are prohibited from applying to sponsor their spouses or children under Family Reunification rules that are available to refugees or immigrants with residency status; and
Whereas:
Only 3% of these persons each year qualify for residency under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds; therefore be it
Resolved:
That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that persons denied refugee status in Canada, who are from countries on which Canada has imposed a moratorium on removals, have been in Canada for more than three years and who have no criminal record in Canada be granted permanent residence; and be it further
Resolved:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Establish a process to facilitate the granting of permanent residence to persons denied refugee status in Canada, who have been in Canada for more than three years, have no criminal record in Canada and who are from countries on which Canada has imposed a moratorium on removals
b. Review and report to the Canadian people on the Refugee Review Board process and ensure that this process be administered by a panel of at least three persons; and be it further
Resolved:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to provide full access to health care and education for all persons, with or without status, residing in Canada who are from moratorium countries; and be it further
Resolved:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to provide persons residing in Canada from moratorium countries, access to the Family Reunification process.