Sponsorship appeal

I was at the IRB this morning to finish a spousal sponsorship appeal. Ministers Counsel was Ms Catherine King who is adept at cross examination and, given her posting at CHC Delhi, understands the cultural considerations at play for a sponsorship from India.

While the presiding Member, Ms Maryanne Kingma, had reservations about some of the aspects of the case, she rendered an insightful (and positive) oral decision which took into account the legal burdens at play and the operation of section 4 of the Regulations.

The experience this morning is an example of a proper administrative proceeding which should be granted considerable deference by a reviewing court. The decision maker was efficient, fair, was knowledgeable about the relevant statute and jurisprudence, and was cognizant of the evidence before her.