Eleanor Dawson and Federal Court

Federal Court Appeal: The three-judge panel unanimously affirmed a Federal Court ruling that Kenney followed protocol in deciding not to continue funding for a language-instruction program for immigrants in 2009-10, according to Hamilton Spectator. In writing for the panel, Justice Eleanor Dawson said she agreed with the lower court assessment that if the federation had a procedural right to contest the federal decision, every failed applicant for monies would be entitled to a chance to address the minister concerns. "This would significantly constrain the minister ability to make broad, policy-based decisions on an expeditious basis." The appeal court also concluded the group freedom of expression was not infringed by the process, and that the minister overall decision was reasonable. In its ruling, the Federal Court of Appeal said the federation wasn't owed "a duty of procedural fairness" by former immigration minister Jason Kenney. Citizenship and Immigration told the federation in March 2009 that statements made by its officials appeared to be anti-Semitic and supportive of terrorist groups. The federation subsequently argued to the Federal Court that the actions and statements in question were either by people who did not officially represent the organization, or that it did not authorize or approve of them. The department letter said this raised serious questions about the federation integrity and had undermined the government confidence in it as an appropriate partner for delivery of services to newcomers. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.