Immigration

Government ignores sexual orientation issues

   Although family reunification has been one of the cornerstones
of Canadian immigration policy, the federal government has
repeatedly refused to allow the immigration of the same-sex
partners of Canadian citizens.
   Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and
Sweden all permit same-sex spousal immigration.
   Canada also allows the immigration of refugees who have a "well-
founded fear of persecution" in their country of origin. In 1992,
the Immigration and Refugee Board granted asylum to several gay
refugees who faced persecution on the basis of sexual orientation
in Argentina and Russia. However, other similar applications have
been rejected.
   Legislation which recently overhauled the Immigration Act (Bill
C-86) contained no reference to sexual orientation issues.

The EGALE questionnaire asked

Do you support amendments to the Immigration Act to allow the
immigration of same-sex partners of Canadian citizens?

Conservatives: No
The Conservatives support "Canada's concept of the family....There
are no plans to change the Act at this time."

Kim Campbell:"I have not considered the matter fully, and I would
like to hear all of the arguments for and against." 

Liberals: ?
"We would not favour any legislation that discriminates on the
basis of sexual orientation."

New Democrats: Yes
Svend Robinson: "I have actively pressured the Minister of
Immigration to make these changes to Departmental regulations."


Do you believe Canada should grant asylum to refugees with a well-
founded fear of persecution on the basis of sexual orientation?

Conservatives: ?
"There is no need to change our regulations to include sexual
orientation because under our refugee determination system, all
persons are entitled to assert a claim to Canada's protection."

Liberals: ?
"The Liberal Party is firmly committed to banning discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation."

New Democrats: Yes

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