NDP statement on court ruling for Minister to act on asylum cases

Jenny Kwan, the NDP Critic on Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees, made the following statement:

"In light of the Federal Court ruling which orders Ralph Goodale, the Minister of Public Safety, to end the indefinite delays that asylum seekers face when applying for appeals on their refugee applications, the Minister must take immediate action on all cases before him.

We know that in some cases the Minister’s refusal to act in accordance with the law can leave the future of asylum seekers in perpetual uncertainty for over a decade.

On behalf of New Democrats, the individuals left in limbo, and their families, I call on the Minister to act swiftly on these requests for asylum.

The Judge ruled that Minister Goodale’s excuse of being too busy was as flimsy as it sounds to the average person. The Court ruling is clear: this is the Minister’s job and, as long as he holds that position, it is his duty to make a decision on these cases."