2002-28

APPOINTMENT TO THE IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE BOARD

OTTAWA, September 16, 2002 -- The Hon. Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today announced a part-time appointment to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) in Toronto, to help reduce the inventory of cases created by the arrival last year of a record number of refugee claimants.

Antonius Knevel of Brampton, Ont., previously served as a member of the IRB from 1998 to 2002. He is a financial executive with broad experience and knowledge of financial management. He has effectively applied his expertise to such areas as labour negotiations and people management. Mr. Knevel obtained a certificate in management accounting in 1970 and is presently studying at York University in Toronto.

Created in 1989, the IRB is an independent administrative tribunal that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. The Board has three divisions -- the Refugee Protection Division, the Immigration Appeal Division and the Immigration Division. The IRB hears claims to Convention refugee status made in Canada and looks after appeals, investigations and reviews of detention orders.

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For more information (media only)

Sarah Bain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 954-1064

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