NDP Says Conservative Policy Will End Family-Focused Immigration

OTTAWA – Federal NDP says the newConservative immigration measures thatcame into effect this year will make itharder for families to reunite in Canada.“The Conservative government hasabandoned Canada’s commitment tohelp reunite families who have emigratedhere,” said the Official Opposition criticfor immigration and citizenship LysaneBlanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds –Dollard). “I regularly meet constituentswho are doing everything they can toreunite with their family and feel like theyare not being treated fairly by this government.These new Conservative measureswill only aggravate the situation.”Changes implemented as of January 2nd2014 include:•Increasing required income by 30% forsponsoring families;•Increasing liability and relevant costsfrom 10 to 20 years;•Cutting by three years the age of admissibledependants of emigrating parentleaving some youth behind;•Capping the number of sponsorshipapplications at 5,000 after completelyblocking them for two years.“As of a week ago 7,000 people hadapplied, so for the vast majority of thosewho will apply this year the moratoriumremains in effect,” said Andrew Cash(Davenport). NDP critic forMulticulturalism, “Additionally newrequirements increase the level ofincome and liability required to sponsor aparent or grandparent, making sponsorshipa luxury.”