Standing Committee Report

In March 2002, the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration released a report following the pre publication of the Regulations under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Bill C-11).

The Standing Committee's report was composed of 10 parts passing in review issues relative to the new selection system for skilled workers, as well as issues related to the family class, refugees and inadmissibility. Part 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the report reviewed issued related to applications, regulations of immigration consultants, Immigration and Refugee Board rules and other related matter such as humanitarian and Compassionate considerations. Part 9 of the report focused on Tranche 2 of the regulations and Part 10 covered issues related to the implementation date of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, indicating that the Committee supports the decision to implement the new Act and regulations on June 28, 2002.

In regards to the new selection system for skilled workers, the Committee made 27 recommendations relative to the retroactivity, the point system (education, language, age, adaptability, pass mark, point system grid, settlement funds required for permanent residence applicants, ongoing applicability of the selection criteria) and recognition of foreign credentials.

Despite the Minister's clear indication that the Committee's recommendations would be given significant weight it seems that most of the recommendations will not be followed.

However, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has indicated that they will reduce the requirement from 1 year to 6 months LICO and will provide an exception for individuals who receive points under Arranged Employment. Also, CIC agrees with committee’s recommendation of eliminating the informal job offer.

CIC also indicated that there is not enough time for another pre-publication of the regulations. Final publication is scheduled in June; shortly before proclamation.

The complete House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration reports on both sets of proposed regulations was posted on the CIC website on March 21, 2002 at this URL.