Stewart Sharma Harsanyi Immigration Law Firm Blog

Israel - top 10 source country for refugees

Somewhat surprisingly, Israel is among the top 10 refugee source countries for Canada. Israel is in the (unenviable) company of Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Nigeria and Sri Lanka. Israel's ambassador has labeled the claims as bogus and urged the IRB not to accept Israeli asylum seekers. Acceptance rates were 31% in 2005 and 18% in 2006. Link here. Read more →

Herouxville, QC issues Immigrant Declaration

A little town in QC, Herouxville, has made the unusual move of adopting a declaration setting out societal norms for the benefit of immigrants. Only one immigrant family currently resides in Herouxville, nonetheless, the town elders have indicated (inter alia) that: Weapons are forbidden in school (including kirpans, notwithstanding the Supreme Court of Canada's ruling in favour) Children can swim together irrespective of gender Female police officers can arrest male suspects Women are allowed to drive, dance and make decisions on their own It would appear that there is some backlash among elements in Canadian society against the (almost ingrained) concept of 'reasonable accommodation' of minorities ... another wrinkle in our developing multicultural tapestry. Globe and Mail article here. Read more →

AB Skilled workers and PNP link

Here's a new publication from the Alberta Provincial Nominee Program (Nov. 2006) entitled "Useful websites for skilled workers and employers." I think it is a very practical tool because it has links to the various Federal and Provincial immigration and employment programs as well as information particular to Alberta (trades, settlement and employment standards). http://www.alberta-canada.com/immigration/albertaImmigrationPromotion/files/pdf/UsefulWebsitesSkilledWorkersEmployers_Nov2006.pdf Read more →

Alberta PNP

I am attending a CBA section meeting on the PNP program right now. Looks like AB is moving toward the MB model but will avoid the 'population building' aspects and concentrate on skilled workers and employment. One good development is that they are planning to increase numbers to 5000+ by 2009/2010. Past quotas or targets were around the 400 mark. There are no waiting times for 'complete' applications and such applications can be processed within 2 months. The vast majority (90%+) of applications are for foreign nationals already in Canada on a work permits. The program is looking for true skilled workers (as defined by the NOC) but there is a pilot program for low skill workers in 1. Food/meat processing 2. Hospitality industry and 3. Long haul truck drivers. All in all, sounds like good developments for AB labour shortage. Read more →

CIC Fact Sheet on Refugee Issues

CIC link to refugee determination issue criticism here and deals with the following (contentious) matters: Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement Family Reunification — Families of Protected Persons in Canada Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program Refugee Appeal Division Temporary Suspension of Removals Essentially CIC is defending its policy and practices relating to the Safe Third Country Agreement and non-implementation of RAD. Also of note is the present list of countries subject to a temporary suspension of removals: The following countries are currently the subject of a TSR: Afghanistan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Read more →