As you may know, our NDP Critic for this file is Jenny Kwan. MP Kwan is the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM). In March, the Committee tabled a report in the House of Commons following the conclusion of a comprehensive study on family reunification. That report can be found here [
http://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/42-1/CIMM/report-8/page-129#37 ]. In addition to the recommendations in the main report which we supported, the NDP also submitted a supplementary report. Regarding the Parent and Grandparent program specifically, we further recommended that: IRCC remove the quota on parent and grandparent applications and ensure adequate resources are allocated to this program to address backlogs and reduce processing times to 12 months.
The NDP has long advocated for the overall increase in annual immigration levels for Canada. Policy experts are clear that Canada can and should increase immigration levels to help counter our aging demographics and fulfill our economic needs. It is my firm belief that as part of the increased levels of immigration that a particular increase to the family reunification programs should also occur. Strong families build strong communities, and strong communities build a strong country.