2002-08

REINSTATEMENT OF REMOVALS TO ALGERIA

MONTRÉAL, 5 April 2002 -- Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, today announced that Canada is returning to its normal practice of removing to Algeria people who are not admissible to Canada. The decision flows from a thorough review of the country conditions and consultations with a number of stakeholders.

This decision affects Algerian nationals who sought to remain in Canada but whose applications, after thorough individual review, have been turned down. It will not result in mass removals, but will focus on people who have exhausted all avenues of appeal and can now be removed.

"The decision announced today," the Minister emphasized, "provides strong support to the integrity of the immigration and refugee programs. We will now ensure the timely removal of people inadmissible to Canada without putting them at undue risk in their home country. This decision reflects our assessment that there is no risk to citizens of Algeria who are removed after a full review of their case. We continued to remove serious criminals and security cases during the period in which a temporary suspension on removals was in place."

Minister Coderre emphasized that the Government of Canada "is committed to upholding the law, and removal is an important component of the immigration law. We trust that individuals subject to removal will obey the law and cooperate with the proper immigration authorities."

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For information (media only):

Nicole Beauchamp, Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 954-1064

René Mercier, Press Secretary
Cell: (613) 299-9027

BACKGROUNDER

Suspending and Reinstating
Removals to Countries in Crisis

 
The temporary suspension of removals is a process that allows for the interruption of deportations to a country when the general conditions there seriously endanger the lives or safety of the general population.

In principle, Canada removes all people not admissible to our country. However, conditions of war, extreme civil strife or environmental disaster, for example, could warrant a suspension of removals to certain countries. The decision to suspend removals is made by the Minister and is based on a recommendation from the Department.

The temporary suspension of removals does not apply to individuals with serious criminal records, those deemed to be serious security risks, war criminals, or individuals who committed crimes against humanity. These individuals continue to be removed.

CIC carried out these reviews of country conditions in consultation with other federal departments. Views were also sought from a number of stakeholders, including the Canadian Council for Refugees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Amnesty International and others. The following factors were taken into account:

• whether the general situation had improved significantly;
• whether violence had become localized and cities were generally safe;
• whether risk factors were individualized or violence remained generalized in the country;
• whether the government controlled the whole territory; and
• whether civilians were targeted by the army or other armed groups.

Individuals facing removal from Canada will continue to benefit from due process under Canadian law and will continue to have access to the following safeguards:

• the opportunity to seek protection as Convention refugees (based on a well-founded fear of persecution);
• the opportunity to seek a review of other personal risks they may face as refused refugee claimants if returned (under the Post-determination Refugee Claimants in Canada Class); and
• the opportunity to apply to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

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