Jason Kenney: Right Intentions, Bad Timing

Posted by Laura Steiner Jul 20, 2009

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced last week Canada is going to put visa restrictions on visitors from Mexico and the Czech Republic. This set off a string of reactions including the Czech Republic recalling their ambassador from Canada and threats of placing similar restrictions on Canada. Mexico for their part is going to require Canadian diplomats and officials to have visas, but haven't placed any restrictions on tourists.

Kenney defended his government's actions: "All too often people who truly need Canada's protection find themselves in a long line waiting for months, and sometimes years to have their cases heard." While I agree with his sentiments, and the decision to start cracking down on false refugee claims this isn't the way to do it.

As of 2007, Canada had 3000 people claim refugee status from the Czech Republic. It's said the majority are Roma who have accused the Czech government of human rights abuses. Let's suppose for a moment their rights are being abused, and they "truly need Canada's protection," should we make them wait, and possibly risk lives in the process while applying for visas? Or let them come because they need our protection?

Kenney argues of the situation in Mexico that most are in fact middle-class who can afford plane tickets. that might be true, but what of those who face persecution? Do we deny our protection to those who need it? I don't think we do, I don't think we can.

This whole situtation has been handled without regard for diplomacy: Czech Republic and Mexico are both trading partners, and allies. Canadian officials should've told their Czech and Mexican counterparts what the problem was, and what they were considering. Then they should've asked how best to implement it with as little fuss as possible.

Kenney's intentions were good: putting Canada forward as a sanctuary for people who truly need it while cracking down on those who don't. His execution wasn't that great.

For more information on this issue see: New Visa Rules For Czechs, Mexicans