Human Smuggling and the Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal: The Court of Appeal for British Columbia on Wednesday overturned an earlier ruling by the lower court to acquit the accused men because the net of Canadas anti-human smuggling legislation was cast too wide and, thus, was unconstitutional, according to The Star. The decision confirms a growing trend in Canada of closing doors on refugees. Canada is losing its international leadership role in refugee protection, the Canadian Council for Refugees said in a statement and A B.C. appeal court has ordered a new trial for the captain and chief crew members of MV Ocean Lady, who were charged with human smuggling following the ships arrival in Vancouver in 2009 with 76 Tamil refugees . Wednesdays decision, which will likely be challenged at the Supreme Court of Canada, means refugee workers and people helping family members to seek protection in Canada could face criminal charges even if its for humanitarian cause. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.