immigrantscanada.com

Independent topical source of current affairs, opinion and issues, featuring stories making news in Canada from immigrants, newcomers, minorities & ethnic communities' point of view and interests.

John Rae: Provision and Immigration Act

john rae: The provision is at the centre of public hearings by a parliamentary committee to review a provision of Canada's immigration law that rejects immigrants who are expected to place excessive demand on health or social services if let into the country, according to Toronto Star. Disability is the last major characteristic that remains a barrier to settling and building a life in Canada, and the Council of Canadians with Disabilities believes this provision is outdated and discriminatory and must be removed from the Immigration Act, said John Rae, a vice chair of the council. Rights groups and individuals affected by the so-called medical inadmissibility rule say not only is it inhumane, but it also breaches the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. On Wednesday, Citizenship and Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen agreed the rule needs to be updated. Article Continued Below This provision needs to be changed. He was vague on exactly how the law might be changed, saying no decisions would be made without input from the provinces and territories who bear most of the costs of health and social services. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.