VANCOUVER – The Official Opposition New Democratic Party is incredibly pleased that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) reversed its illogical and discriminatory decision. The federal agency will now allow Karen Talosig’s young deaf daughter to join her in Canada.
After a huge public outcry, Citizenship and Immigration Canada reversed its decision to deny Karen Talosig’s daughter, Jazmine Talosig, Permanent Residency. The NDP played a major role in highlighting this clear case of injustice and battled on the Talosigs’ behalf.
“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. She received an initial procedural fairness letter stating Jazmine’s inadmissibility back in June 3, 2014 for which a formal response was submitted.
“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.”
When she came to Member of Parliament Don Davies’ office, their application was in its final stages. Davies’ office assisted in sending a status update enquiry and by writing a letter in support of the Talosigs’ application. Again the enquiry came back that Jazmine had been found to be medically inadmissible. Karen was given 60 days to provide a response.
Fortunately, with the overwhelming support of the community and determined efforts of Karen Talosig and her former employer Helene Whitfield, the decision was rightfully overturned.
“There are many others who are in situations similar to the Talosig family,” added Davies. “In my riding of Vancouver Kingsway, there are many constituents who have been waiting over a decade 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.
Member of Parliament Don Davies
