VANCOUVER – After public outcry, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is reversing its decision to deny Karen Talosig’s daughter’s application to join her mom in Canada on the basis that the young woman was deaf. New Democrats, who fought on the Talosigs’ behalf, welcome this news and vow to keep fighting for other families in similar situations.
“The evidence and documentation overwhelmingly showed that Karen Talosig’s daughter would not be a burden to society, but the Conservatives insisted on treating her like one just because she is deaf,” said NDP Deputy Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Critic Don Davies (Vancouver—Kingsway). “We’re very pleased to see CIC reverse its decision but it was unfortunate that it had to take public outcry, and severe political pressure, for CIC to revisit the case.”
Karen Talosig has been waiting for five years to hear the news that her 14-year-old daughter will be able to come to Canada.
“There are many others who are in situations similar to Talosig,” added Davies. “In my riding of Vancouver—Kingsway, there are many constituents who have been waiting over a decade long to reunite with their family.”
Davies also said that after ten years in office, the Conservatives have done substantial damage to Canada’s immigration system and only Tom Mulcair’s NDP has a plan to fix it.