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Ottawa, December 8, 2008 — The government is committed to protecting the integrity of the refugee protection system and the immigration system, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, said today.

“As the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I believe strongly that Canada is richer for the newcomers who come here,” Minister Kenney told the Consultative Committee on Practices and Procedures of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). “Each year we welcome from every corner of the world almost a quarter of a million newcomers who embrace our values of freedom, of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

Minister Kenney acknowledged the important role that the Committee plays in working with the IRB, noting that it “allows for a unique and valuable perspective on Canada’s immigration and refugee system.”

The Minister’s address also highlighted recent important improvements that are a part of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration, including the changes that will improve the immigration program’s responsiveness to Canada’s labour market, reduce wait times for new applicants and reduce the size of the application backlog. 

The government is also upholding its commitment to reunite families and maintain its humanitarian obligations to refugees by granting between 26,300 to 27,200 refugees and their family members permanent residence in 2009. “This builds on a longstanding humanitarian tradition of welcoming refugees and displaced persons,” added Minister Kenney.

The Consultative Committee on Practices and Procedures was established by the IRB to advise its key national stakeholders, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Canadian Council for Refugees, and the Canadian Bar Association, of its organizational priorities, gather their views, and consult on specific policies and initiatives as appropriate. Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada