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In the wake of several high profile immigration scandals, the leader of Canada' s opposition Conservative Party says it will start examining alternative policies, CTV reports.
Earlier this month, Canada's Immigration Minister Judy Sgro resigned amid accusations that she had accepted gifts of food and help in her election campaign from a constituent, Harjit Singh, in return for a promise to help him stay in Canada despite a deportation order. But Conservative leader Stephen Harper believes there are deeper problems.
"The fall session was dominated not just by the Judy Sgro controversies, but by the bigger question behind that: The mounting evidence of abuse and incompetence in the administration of immigration policy," he said on January 26.
The Conservatives plan to hold a series of round table meetings across the country involving immigrant groups to discuss services provided by the immigration department, family sponsorship and the refugee system. "The purpose of this is to seek advice from Canadians, particularly those most affected, as to how we can restore the integrity and effectiveness of the immigration system," said Mr. Harper.
See our section on immigration to Canada for details on the current Canadian immigration system.
