Since the initial passage of the current Immigration Act in 1976, the world has changed dramatically. More than ever before, people are on the move. For trade, tourism, investment, and education. To develop their skills, share their knowledge, and pursue their dreams. Canada has been an enormous beneficiary of this global movement of people.
Immigration is a continuing source of our social, economic and cultural richness.
But organized criminals are also on the move, and threats to public health and safety must always be taken seriously. In the eight months since I assumed this portfolio, I have learned that the business of Citizenship and Immigration Canada is one of risk management. I have also learned that we have not always been very good at it. Administrative changes are under way to provide overdue support to key offices at home and abroad in their efforts to improve client service, reduce backlogs, minimize litigation and confront every and any grievance or allegation of malfeasance quickly and fairly. Funding announced in the recent Federal Budget will provide for strengthened overseas interdiction, more immigration officers at our ports of entry, better medical and security screening of applicants, and an improved capacity for the timely removal of inadmissible persons from Canada.