Subject: Denouncing the Federal Government’s Double Standards and Calling for Action to Ensure Fair Treatment for Quebec Families

Dear Members of Parliament,

I am writing to you today to bring your attention to a critical issue affecting numerous Quebec families: the inconsistency in statements and actions by the federal Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, concerning family reunification. This situation has serious consequences for our citizens, and it is urgent that the National Assembly takes a strong stance to defend the rights of these families.

Denouncing the Federal Government’s Double Standards:

In March, Mr. Miller justified a unilateral decision to exceed the immigration limits set by Quebec, citing a « humanitarian crisis » and a « moral duty. » Families welcomed this decision with relief.

However, two weeks ago, Minister Miller claimed that his actions had led to a reduction in the number of Quebec Selection Certificates (CSQs) issued for family reunification. He used this alleged reduction to justify respecting Quebec’s quotas. Yet, the facts show that this reduction was marginal, and we know that these decisions will have no effect on reducing wait times, given the current inventory of over 40,000 files and the annual quota of 10,400.

Thus, the Government of Canada fails to fulfill a moral duty to resolve a humanitarian crisis it has identified.

This contradiction undermines citizens’ trust in institutions and highlights chaotic management of this issue.

A Call for Fair Treatment for Quebec Families:

Quebec families face much longer processing times than those observed in other Canadian provinces. For example, the average wait time to bring a spouse to Quebec is 34 months, compared to just 12 months in the rest of Canada. For parents and grandparents, this wait time increases to 50 months in Quebec, compared to 24 months elsewhere in the country.

This difference in treatment is unacceptable and unjust. Quebec families should have the same right as all other Canadian families to fast and fair processing of their family reunification applications. These disproportionate delays not only harm family relationships, but they also create a sense of frustration and injustice among our citizens.

Recommendations for Action:

As Members of the National Assembly, you have the power and duty to correct this inequality. I urge you to:

• Hold the federal government accountable for the management of the family reunification file and the contradictions in statements and actions by the IRCC.
• Advocate for the alignment of processing times for family reunification applications in Quebec with the Canadian standard so that Quebec families are no longer penalized by excessive and unjustified delays.
• Create a specialized ombudsman to handle applicants’ complaints and concerns. This ombudsman would be tasked with providing impartial assistance and ensuring complete transparency in case processing.
• Collaborate with the federal government to allow permanent residency applicants in the family reunification category to apply for an open work permit from abroad. This measure would offer a temporary but crucial solution for families awaiting reunification.
• Improve communication by allowing calls from abroad and systematically confirming the receipt of documents sent by applicants. Transparency and accessibility of information are essential to maintaining citizens’ trust in the system.

Quebec families are counting on you to be their voice and to ensure that their rights are protected and respected. They deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity.

For more context, you can refer to the following articles:

• Ottawa threatens to exceed Quebec’s immigration threshold for family reunification – Radio-Canada
• Family reunification: Marc Miller got the numbers wrong, Quebec data shows – La Presse

I thank you in advance for your attention to this crucial matter and for the actions you will take in favor of these families.

Best regards,