News Release

Canada’s new government introduces amendments to deny work permits to foreign strippers

Preventing vulnerable foreign workers such as strippers from being exploited or abused

Ottawa, May 16, 2007 — The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, today introduced amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) to help prevent vulnerable foreign workers, including strippers, from being exploited or abused.

“This will prevent situations where temporary workers in Canada, including strippers, may be abused, exploited or possibly become victims of human trafficking,” said Minister Finley.

The proposed amendments will give the authority to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to instruct immigration officers to deny work permits to foreign strippers.

Without this authority, immigration officers cannot deny a work permit to someone who meets all the requirements to enter Canada, even if they believe there is a strong possibility of exploitation or abuse. Strengthening the Minister’s authority would provide the Government of Canada with a tool to respond to situations where a permit applicant could be at risk.

Over the past year, Canada’s New Government has used all existing legal authority to cut back the number of foreign strippers admitted to Canada. These amendments would further Canada’s efforts to strengthen its immigration system. They would give the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the authority to instruct immigration officers to deny work permits to individuals, including exotic dancers, who could be subjected to humiliating and degrading treatment, including sexual exploitation, in Canada.

“It will also ensure that Canada’s immigration system is not used by criminals to victimize people. For those people applying to enter our country, Canada represents hope, safety and a new start. This is one more measure that helps ensure that this hope is not shattered through exploitation, and that the expectation of safety within Canada is preserved,” added Minister Finley.

For a copy of the bill, please refer to the House Government Bills section of the Parliament of Canada Website.

For further information (media only), please contact:

Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Marina Wilson
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

Backgrounder

• Proposed discretionary authority under IRPA