Mark Carney Must Not Import the EU’s Migrant Crisis

Ottawa, ON - The Hon. Michelle Rempel Garner, Conservative Shadow Minister for Immigration, released the following statement following reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to loosen immigration rules with the European Union:

"Yesterday the Wall Street Journal and several Canadian outlets reported that the Liberal government was having discussions about deepening ties with the European Union: a move that could include, in the Prime Minister's own words, 'enhanced labour mobility' between Canada and the 27-member bloc.

"In a media scrum this morning, Mr Carney confirmed that there was something on the table, but refused to provide further details.

"It is imperative that he immediately clarifies what exactly these plans entail. This is doubly true regarding migration, which has become a central issue across the European Union in recent years.

"Over the past decade, the EU has enabled millions upon millions of people to illegally enter the Schengen Area. Social cohesion is fraying in many member states as divisions have deepened and welfare systems have come under immense strain. Most recently, the world watched as tens of thousands of illegal migrants stormed the Spanish city of Ceuta in an effort to gain access to Europe.

"Even more concerning, the EU's own Pact on Migration requires member states either to accept a quota of illegal border crossers or pay enormous fines. Given the existing immigration chaos in Canada after a decade of Liberal policies, the Prime Minister must be absolutely clear that he will not make matters worse by importing Europe's immigration crisis. He must also unequivocally reject anything that even resembles Canadian participation in the EU Pact on Migration.

"The Liberals have already brought too many people into Canada too fast for housing, healthcare and jobs to keep up. Millions remain in the country on expired and expiring visas, and the government has no plans to make them leave.

"I call upon the Prime Minister to unequivocally promise that he will not allow the EU's migrant crisis to become Canada's."