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Liberals 'will scrap $975 landing fee' |
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By Ethan Caleb »
Prime Minister Paul Martin has announced that the $975 landing fee
imposed on new immigrants will be scrapped, a move transparently
designed to win the votes of new Canadians.
The elimination of the right of permanent residence fee, to use its official term, will hinge on the Liberals returning to power in the January 23 election. Opinion polls currently have the Conservatives and Liberals running in a virtual dead heat.
"We as Liberals have always been committed to supporting families, and that means support for all Canadian families," Martin said in a campaign speech in Victoria, British Columbia. The province is home to a significant minority of immigrants, especially of Chinese and East Indian origin. The immigrant vote is likely to be a deciding factor in several key ridings in the election.
Martin said the landing fee will be phased out over the next three years. The fee will drop immediately to $600, then to $300 after 12 months, and finally to zero within the next two budgets.
The heavily criticized fee was introduced in 1995 by a Liberal government headed by Martin's predecessor Jean Chretien. It was imposed to cover costs associated with processing applications. The only exceptions made were for dependent children or orphaned relatives. In 2000, refugees were exempted as well.
"For many Canadian families with immediate relatives overseas, one of the challenges that they have faced is the $975 right of permanent residence fee," Martin said in his campaign speech.
“We’re going to eliminate that fee, over the course of our mandate.”
Immigration Minister Joe Volpe said the decision would build on measures the Liberal government has taken to encourage immigration.
“This government has made immigration a priority,” said Volpe. “We have made investments in the recognition of foreign credentials, in improving settlement and integration services, and on improving the system so that those interested in coming to Canada will know what contributions they can make to this country."
Recent measures undertaken by the Liberal government include an investment of $700 million to improve the immigration processing system and establish an in-Canada economic class.
The Liberals have also pledged to invest $1.3 billion to fund improved settlement and integration services across the country.
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Newsfile 