Status of Women Canada
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Minister of State Helena Guergis' Statement on Bill C-45, and Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
June 18, 2009
Ottawa - Our Government is committed to ensuring that foreign workers receive the protection from exploitation that they deserve. Yesterday, I seconded Bill C-45, which was reintroduced by Minister Kenney. This is an act which will amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to help protect vulnerable foreign workers, many of whom are trafficked into Canada against their will and forced to be exotic dancers, sweatshop workers, and agricultural laborers.
Women are often the most vulnerable to exploitation as foreign workers. Canadians want an immigration system that treats people fairly and equally. They do not want an immigration system that can be used to exploit vulnerable people. These amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) will give immigration officers the authority to deny work permits to applicants who may be at risk of being abused or exploited.
Human trafficking is a particular concern for this Government. We have taken strong action to address this, from increasing the length of temporary resident permits available to victims of trafficking, to supporting M.P. Joy Smith's Private Member's Bill calling for mandatory minimum sentences for those who traffic minors. Bill C-45 will create a tool that will not only address a broader range of activity beyond human trafficking, they will also assist us in our ongoing efforts to prevent human trafficking from occurring.
Our Government has a strong record on supporting women - particularly those who are victims of criminal activity. Bill C-45 further demonstrates this commitment, and I look forward to this bill receiving support from the Opposition in the House of Commons so that those most vulnerable to exploitation - including many women - finally receive the protection they deserve.
Thank you.
- 30 -
Sherine Mansour
Senior Special Assistant Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4222
Minister of State Helena Guergis' Statement on Bill C-45, and Act to Amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
June 18, 2009
Ottawa - Our Government is committed to ensuring that foreign workers receive the protection from exploitation that they deserve. Yesterday, I seconded Bill C-45, which was reintroduced by Minister Kenney. This is an act which will amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to help protect vulnerable foreign workers, many of whom are trafficked into Canada against their will and forced to be exotic dancers, sweatshop workers, and agricultural laborers.
Women are often the most vulnerable to exploitation as foreign workers. Canadians want an immigration system that treats people fairly and equally. They do not want an immigration system that can be used to exploit vulnerable people. These amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) will give immigration officers the authority to deny work permits to applicants who may be at risk of being abused or exploited.
Human trafficking is a particular concern for this Government. We have taken strong action to address this, from increasing the length of temporary resident permits available to victims of trafficking, to supporting M.P. Joy Smith's Private Member's Bill calling for mandatory minimum sentences for those who traffic minors. Bill C-45 will create a tool that will not only address a broader range of activity beyond human trafficking, they will also assist us in our ongoing efforts to prevent human trafficking from occurring.
Our Government has a strong record on supporting women - particularly those who are victims of criminal activity. Bill C-45 further demonstrates this commitment, and I look forward to this bill receiving support from the Opposition in the House of Commons so that those most vulnerable to exploitation - including many women - finally receive the protection they deserve.
Thank you.
- 30 -
Sherine Mansour
Senior Special Assistant Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4222
