Minister Chris Alexander and Government Request

European Union: Boswell refused the government request to stay his ruling for 12 months, saying every day the policy is in force is a day that claimants are not equal before or under the law, according to Brandon Sun. A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says the government will ask again for a stay, because it intends to appeal the decision. "We remain committed to putting the interests of Canadians and the most vulnerable refugees first," Alexandra Day said in an email. "Asylum seekers from developed countries such as the European Union or the United States should not benefit from endless appeal processes." The Conservatives established the designated countries of origin program in 2012. By denying applicants from designated countries of origin the right to appeal when their claims are rejected, the government violates equality rights enshrined in the charter, Justice Keith Boswell said. "The distinction drawn between the procedural advantage now accorded to non-DCO refugee claimants and the disadvantage suffered by DCO refugee claimants under is discriminatory on its face," Boswell wrote. "It also serves to further marginalize, prejudice, and stereotype refugee claimants from DCO countries which are generally considered safe and 'non-refugee producing.'" But Boswell stopped short of declaring the program unconstitutional, agreeing with the government that such a determination was beyond the scope of the case at hand. The new policy was in response to what they said was a flood of applications from countries respecting human rights and offering state protection, so they shouldn't be sources of refugees. They cannot apply for work permits, nor appeal if their applications are rejected. So, countries that met certain criteria were declared safe, and refugee applicants from there now have their applications heard faster — in order for the government to deport failed claimants faster. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.