FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 7, 2006

PEGGY NASH INTRODUCES A “ONCE IN A LIFETIME” BILL

OTTAWA —NDP MP Peggy Nash (Parkdale – High Park) today introduced a Private Member’s Bill that will allow any Canadian citizen or landed immigrant to sponsor, once in their lifetime, one family member from outside the family class as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

“Family reunification is key to immigration policy, and this bill is a response to that reality.” said Nash. “This is important to my riding of Parkdale – High Park whose large and vibrant immigrant population contributes so much to our riding, our city and our country.”

Nash was joined by NDP Immigration Critic, Bill Siksay (Burnaby – Douglas) who introduced a similar bill in the last Parliament.

"One of Canada's immigration objectives is to help families reunite in Canada. Families are the building blocks of this nation," said Siksay. “By passing this legislation, the government will affirm its commitment to promoting the well-being of new Canadian families, and make this country stronger.”

“The people who work directly with immigrants and their families have been telling us for years that this is the kind of legislation that we need,” said Nash. “The aim of this bill is to reunite families that in many cases have spent years apart. Let’s not miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to do the right thing.”

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For more information, please contact:
Gaby Senay, press secretary, 613-295-9228