84.10 Claiming Refugee Status in Canada
Whereas, The Government of Canada agreed to accept world refugees as defined by the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951; and,
Whereas, Persons from any country can enter Canada and apply for Convention Refugee Status: each of these applications must be adjudicated and added to the existing backlog; and,
Whereas, Unfavourable decisions may be appealed and the final determination delayed for an extended period of time; be it,
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
- Institute a universal visa requirement with the exception of citizens of the United States;
- Ensure that persons in Canada under Visitors Visas or Student Visas can only claim Convention Refugee Status if the situation in their countries of origin has changed during their stay in Canada to such an extent that there are compelling reasons to expect persecution if they return to their country;
- Eliminate the Refugee Status Advisory Committee and enlarge the Immigration Appeal Board to give an impartial and public hearing to persons who are at present in Canada and have claimed Convention Refugee Status.