CTVNews.ca StaffPhotos
Immigration Minister Jason Kenney introduces a new bill during a press conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)
Date: Fri. Feb. 17 2012 8:22 AM ET
The Conservative government's new plan to reform the refugee system will prevent legitimate claimants from telling their stories and will damage the Immigration and Refugee Board's ability to review those claims, says one immigration expert.
The reforms were announced Thursday by Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, who said Canada is being preyed upon by "bogus" refugees from democratic countries with strong human rights records.
Under the proposed changes, refugees from so-called "safe" countries will have to file a claim within 15 days of arriving, and will not have the option of appealing the Immigration and Refugee Board's decision or accessing social services such as welfare.
Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20120217/expert-responds-to-refugee-changes-120217/#ixzz1mf6FRpOg
