Op-Ed
– Liberal and Conservative Immigration Plans
By
Immigration Minister Joe Volpe
Conservative
Leader Stephen Harper is trying to portray his party as a friend of new
Canadians, but no one should be fooled by this sudden transformation.
During
his announcement of the Conservative immigration platform, Mr. Harper said
he would reduce the landing fee for new Canadians over the life of his
mandate if elected Prime Minister.
But
Mr. Harper’s announcement comes a day after Prime Minister Paul Martin
announced the Liberal government’s plans to eliminate the right of
permanent residence fee over the next three years.
The Liberal
plan is the best choice for new Canadians.
It unequivocally commits to eliminate the landing fee over three
years, reducing it to $300 by year two of the next government.
The
Conservative plan only commits to reducing the landing fee to $500, and
leaves any further reduction to the discretion of a Conservative
government.
Mr. Harper
claims his "government will reduce the barriers facing new Canadians
looking to make a new life in this country."
Why then
does he build a $500 barrier to entry?
Mr.
Harper also said he would work with provinces and professional
associations to help improve the recognition of foreign credentials.
Once
again, the Conservatives are a step behind the Liberals.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Paul Martin, we have made
the recognition of foreign credentials a priority.
And we will continue to working with partners to improve how we use
the experience and training of foreign-trained professionals.
Canadians
will not be fooled by Mr. Harper’s campaign conversion – the
Conservatives’ public record on immigration speaks for itself.
Mr. Harper
is the same man who once referred to recent immigrants as “people who
live in ghettoes.” (Stephen Harper, The Report Newsmagazine, January 22,
2001)
When
Mr. Harper was Chief Policy Officer of the Reform party, his party
platform stated that immigration "should be essentially economic in
nature" and should not "be explicitly designed to radically or
suddenly alter the ethnic makeup of Canada." (Platform &
Statement of Principles, Reform Party of Canada, August 14, 1988)
And less
than a year ago, Mr. Harper said Canada needs more barriers to immigrants,
not less:
"Well,
I've always believed that we have to be a lot tougher with undocumented
refugee claimants. Whether the best thing is to send them right out of the
country or simply detain them until we get full information, we can look
at either…this is a problem that does
need
to be fixed." (Stephen Harper, CHML Radio AM 900 Hamilton, June 3,
2004)
In
stark contrast, the Liberal government has a history of helping new
Canadians from all walks of life. Today’s
immigrants are a vital force in building and sustaining a stronger nation,
and the Liberal government welcomes them.
Under
the Prime Minister’s leadership, we have made investments in the
recognition of foreign credentials, in improving settlement and
immigration services, in training international workers and in improving
the system so new Canadians can fully contribute to their new country.
Mr. Harper
and the Conservatives are building walls to immigrants; the Prime Minister
and the Liberals are tearing them down.
