“I don't like that rejected refugees get luxury health care instead of being deported. The government lost 28,000 of them. They ran off and are still billing Canadians. Where are these 28,000 fraudsters? When will the government deport them?”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Oral Questions
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
A wide-ranging bill to strengthen Canada's immigration system and borders. Among many provisions, it eliminates the 'designated countries of origin' regime, increases maximum penalties under the Proceeds of Crime and Terrorist Financing Act, and amends the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. In debate, Conservatives focused on temporary health coverage for asylum claimants, which they characterized as 'luxury, taxpayer-funded' care. Liberals countered that asylum claims are down 59% due to their measures, and that criminals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law regardless of immigration status.
“The rejected refugees' luxury health care is only temporary. It covers essential services. The cost is tied to volumes. We lowered volumes by 59%. Liberals save money. The PBO said Liberals will save $400 million per year.”
“You said rejected refugees are the most vulnerable people. But a rejected refugee named William Imona-Russel raped two women and killed a 20-year-old girl while still in Canada. The Liberal plan gives criminals like him physiotherapy and home care. Do Liberals think rejected refugees should get better health benefits than Canadians?”
“You got me. I don't want to talk about our policy's actual effects. I'll just keep saying 'criminals should be prosecuted' until this uncomfortable moment passes.”
“That's bad. The other guy is a bad person. We have to spend more to help vulnerable people. That makes me look good.”
“The other party messed up. Their system doesn't work. It spends too much money on the wrong people. They should admit it's bad and stop wasting taxpayer money.”
“The other party is wrong. I am doing a good job. More people are getting help. The budget office says we're spending less now. Everything is fine.”
“A non-citizen committed a crime 14 times. They should have been deported. A judge gave them house arrest instead. That's wrong. The other party is okay with criminals not being deported. I don't like that.”
“I want to correct the other speaker. Judges can't give special deals. We make laws. The other party didn't vote for them. I want them to vote with us.”
“I want this bill to pass so the government can claim it is helping families.”
“I don't want to talk about the bill you proposed. Let's talk about something else. Supreme Court, cabinet, criminal law reforms, penalties and deportation.”