Paul Dewar and the New Democrats stand for a fair, efficient, transparent and accountable immigration system.

We will repeal the Harper government’s new immigration law (C-50), which was passed with the Liberals’ co-operation. We opposed the arbitrary, secretive and restrictive measures of the legislation and continue to do so. This legislation means increased exploitation of ‘guest workers’, more delays and restrictions for family reunification, less effective strategic planning for labour market needs, and more secretive and arbitrary decisions by cabinet ministers.

To increase Canada’s productivity, Paul Dewar and his New Democrat colleagues will:

Accelerate and streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, overseas degrees and previous employment experience in conjunction with provinces and licensing authorities.

Review the point system used to assess new applications to match the reality of work in Canada, including specific provisions for blue-collar workers and tradespeople.

Increase financial support for the settlement process for new Canadians to assist with literacy, community integration and orientation, including bridging, mentorship, English and French as a second language (ESL and FSL) programs and resource service centres.

To improve family reunification, Paul Dewar and his New Democrat colleagues will:

Significantly increase resources and support for immigration processes to reduce the huge and unacceptable backlogs that currently exist in processing applications, work to meet Canada’s target of annual immigration (1% of population), and establish firm targets for on-time completion of family class and spousal sponsorships.

Stop the decline in family reunification, and maximize the economic and social advantages of family stability.

Implement the New Democrats’ Once In a Lifetime bill to expedite sponsorship of one family member as a new Canadian.

Eliminate landing fees for new immigrants, as well as processing fees for refugees and people fleeing torture or domestic violence.

To establish fairness in the immigration system, Paul Dewar and the New Democrats will:

Develop credible, accountable procedures and appeal processes for potential visitors to Canada for important family events such as weddings, births and illness, and for the reunification of married couples.

Properly regulate immigration consultants to stop abuse of immigrants and potential immigrants, and crack down on unscrupulous and illegal activities.

Immediately implement the provision in the Immigration Act for a refugee appeal division to help facilitate a fair refugee hearing and determination process, and ensure that all vacancies on the Immigration and Refugee Board are filled in a fair and transparent manner.

Eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in admission processes.

Allow people without status who are living in Canada the opportunity to apply for legal status.

Continue to ensure that all new Canadians have access to the "core" immigration system, rather than expand the Liberal-Conservative temporary "guest worker" and "live-in caregiver" programs. These programs deny basic employee rights, do not allow application for immigration, and result in longer delays in the entire system.

To create a more compassionate Canada, Paul Dewar and his New Democrat colleagues will:

Through the refugee class of immigration offer new hope to people fleeing persecution, violence and repression.

Based on the recent decision by the Federal Court of Appeal that overruled the "safe third country" approach, abrogate the Safe Third Country Agreement with the United States so all refugee claimants are granted a hearing outside of Canada.

Establish a special program to allow "Iraq War resisters" from the US to remain in Canada.