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NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY
THE HONOURABLE ED KOMARNICKI, M.P.

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY
TO THE MINISTER OF CITIZENSHIP
AND IMMIGRATION

on

THE SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

April 10, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Check against delivery

* * * * *

Mr. Speaker, monsieur le Président, I want to begin by saying that it is a privilege to be appointed the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

I want to thank the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and the Right Honourable Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve my country and my constituents, indeed all constituents, in this capacity.

I look forward to working with all members of this House in promoting and advancing the interests of Canada and the many applicants for entry into Canada under Canada’s immigration and refugee program. Canadian citizenship is highly valued not only in Canada but throughout the world and is something we all cherish and can take pride in.

I am indeed grateful for this opportunity to speak before all honourable members and to comment specifically on the immigration matters that are referenced in the Speech from the Throne and that are of considerable importance to our country.

At the very beginning of the speech, the Governor General describes Canada (and I quote) as a land “where people from around the world have found a home — women and men of ideas, conviction and action…” People from all walks of life and from around the world, Mr. Speaker, who have made Canada the unique and great nation that it is today.

This refers not only to the massive contribution immigration has made in years past, but to the role it will play in the decades ahead. To remain competitive in today’s global economy, when our demographics are dramatically changing, we need the skills, the ideas and the conviction that newcomers can contribute to their new country and to our future together.

Immigration is not just about our past, it is about our future, a future built on hope and a new dynamism that will express itself in a new and vibrant Canada. A Canada that is building, expanding and creating new opportunities for all peoples, and where all of us can enjoy and share the benefits of Canada’s growth and prosperity.

The speech also refers to Canada as offering “a promise of hope for the oppressed.” There are many oppressed in our world, and Canada recognizes its international obligations as exemplified by its humanitarian tradition of being a safe haven for those in need of protection.

Mr. Speaker, our refugee program in its essence is recognized by the United Nations and countries around the world as a model of fairness and compassion. Our refugee system needs to be one that is readily available to those in need, and vigilant enough to guard against those who seek to abuse it.

The speech affirms that our government “will seek to improve opportunity for all Canadians, including Aboriginal peoples and new immigrants.” This is why our government envisages, among other measures, the reduction of the right of permanent residence fee for applicants who wish to make Canada their new home, and this government will work to hasten the recognition of foreign credentials.

This will assist us in getting properly trained professionals working in Canada in jobs that make the best use of their skills and education. We must also look at how the immigration system can better help address our ever-expanding need for skilled trades and labour in our vibrant Canadian economy.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the speech describes Canada as not only a country where “everything is possible and where each of us is free to follow his or her dream,” but also a country where everyone “has a duty to help build our country and prepare it for the challenges that lie ahead.”

With the great privilege of Canadian citizenship comes also the responsibility of citizenship. The shared responsibility all of us have — newcomer or long timer — to contribute the best of what we are and have to a richer and better Canada of which we are all a part. A Canada where we are committed to the well-being of our neighbourhoods, our communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, the Speech from the Throne recognizes immigration as central to our past and vital to fulfilling the promise of our future.

I am very pleased to stand in this House and recognize that this government is determined and committed in its aim to cherish and promote our shared values through Canadian citizenship and by enhancing and improving not only in substance, but also in process, Canada’s immigration and refugee program.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Merci, monsieur le Président)