Senator Enverga questions lengthy processing times for caregivers’ permanent residency applications

Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Ontario Senator. (Supplied)

Ottawa—On May 4, the Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Ontario Senator, questioned the Government Representative in the Senate during question period about the unacceptably long wait times that caregivers face to have their permanent residency applications processed under the Trudeau government. Senator Enverga had previously questioned the minister himself on this very matter in October 2016, but had not received an answer.

“Processing times for permanent residency applications for those in the Caregiver program continue to rise, meaning that the time that these caregivers must spend separated from their children and families continues to rise as well,” Senator Enverga said in a statement. “The

Trudeau government has not concerned itself with the serious hardships caregivers face upon coming to work in Canada, as applicants are often away from their families for at least six years.

I find this upward trend in wait times for applications to be processed quite alarming, and I will hold this government to account on this very important matter,” the Senator continued.

The questions raised by Senator Enverga examine why the wait times for permanent residency applications have increased under the Trudeau government, as well as how IRCC’s gender-based analysis policy is being met, given that it is disproportionately women who fall victim to these rising processing times.

The Government Representative, Senator Peter Harder, responded with a promise to inquire of the minister and will provide answers to Senator Enverga’s questions in the future.

“I assure all members of the public, especially those affected by these lengthy wait times, that the government’s response will be shared with them once it is tabled in the Senate,” Senator Enverga ended.