Benson, Blog #4, IMCD-5

August 21, 2012

“Cronyism rather than Regulation is the future of immigration consulting under ICCRC?  What do you think?  Which side of the balance scale does your opinion weigh in on???” 

Is the Public really protected???   Unscrupulous representatives, consultants and lawyers exist???  $$$$ are their driving force. Now they can become regulated and find ways to roll in the cash and still look good on paper? Does ICCRC need to improve?  Are they content with their lot? I have read it’s been said that they “ICCRC” are an established monopoly overt the business and ghosts will simply work as agents of immigration lawyers and immigration consulting under ICCRC. How could this possibly be?  How could they get away with such a set up??  I wonder if some of the critics have validation to prove such a statement. What do you think?  Do they?  Hmmmm, more research is do and ongoing monitoring of activities. 

ICCRC our new regulatory board for Canadian immigration consultants is apparently the answer to weed out such crooks. 

According to http://crookedconsultants.blogspot.com/2011/06/cic-endorsed-crooked-consultants-blames.html  it is recorded that Minister Jason Kenney and Citizenship & Immigration Canada blame the crooked consultants for the broken immigration system, due to Ghost Consulting.  Back in 2003 there were request by the advisory committee that sanctions on ghost consultants should occur. From then until the birth of ICCRC here wasn’t anything done to address the ghost consultants and there wasn’t any concern shown by government officials.  Again in 2008 and ’09 the Standing Committee advised CIC to amend IP 9 and start to penalize ghost consultants.  Previous report from 2008 revealed that CSIC was never given the tools to address the need.  Hands were tied.  Therefore the ghost consultants were rampant seeking out whom they may devour! Meanwhile the good name of “Immigration Consultant” got dragged into the mud! 

Out of control?  Maybe, the almighty dollar feeds the corrupted soul to perform all kinds of hurtful deeds. Thinking about fraudulent job offers, before the ghost consultants could apply for an LMO or AEO through IP9 and once the application was submitted to CIC and the money purse was filled again and the consultant disappeared never to be heard of again. It’s been said by others that Minister Kenney’s and CIC have mislead Canadians to believe that changing the regulator will fix the problem. When actually according to the above blog; Cronyism rather than regulation is the future of immigration consulting under ICCRC.  Wow that is a powerful statement, does it have a legit platform to stand on, validated and proven to be true?? Has ICCRC even been in practice long enough to make such a statement??? What does the Minister think of such comments?  I’m a bit confused, the cloud of doubt is thickening on both sides, hmmm, time will tell?

It’s also been said via blog address above that the Minister and CIC will have you believe that it is authorized CSIC Members getting these fraudulent job offers, but why would anyone hire a CSIC Member to get a fraudulent job offer, when there are 1000s of ghost consultants operation within the law as interpreted by CIC and as we know ghosts are unaccountable for committing immigration fraud.  Wow this is something to chew the fat on!!! My goal is to one day become a member in good standing with ICCRC, huh, well I wanted to feel good about being a member; how should it improve?? Let me think about that for a moment and please provide some feedback to this dilemma. 

The Plot thickens; again I read: Quote by writer/blogger from above “Finally, what about immigrants who are victimized by crooked consultants? Let me shed a light on the true positions of Key Players, who cannot reveal their true response to the subject:  Minister Kenney’s honest answer; they are not my problem because immigrants are not voters.  Immigrations and their Permanent Resident relatives are not voters, so I just need to pretend to care for the sake of Canadian citizens who do vote.” ME:  Is this really true? Wow what a statement if so!  Now the above writer moves on to say more; quote: “CIC’s honest answer, after we get their processing fee, we will find a way to refuse their application.  If someone is ripped off prior to submission, that is not our problem.  ME:  I find this difficult to swallow, come on why would CIC say this and why would they openly say this anyway?  I am doubtful at this moment.  Maybe this is slander?  What do you think? Do you have any validation to support such a statement?

FIX the problems…hmmm, maybe, but first more validation is required proving that improvement is required, maybe we need to observe cases for a time and document the outcome, I believe the ICCRC is doing this with their code of professional ethics – bylaws and auditing of consultants.  I’ve heard from some consultants that each case they do does get audited, hmm such a business to be in.  But the admirable immigration consultant must focus on the purpose of their service, which is to pour out energy and time to ensure that they serve to the best of their abilities, under the umbrella of honesty and compassion towards their clients, treat them as they would want to be treated and this good work will surely overcome the bad reputation due to the ghosts.  In the event one knows of a ghost; who you gonna call? Ghost busters, ICCRC and hopefully the right action will be taken!

Meanwhile let’s revisit the ICCRC critic’s list:  from the Canada Gazette and the judge has heard CSIC’s case too. Statements of incompetence are well known to those of us who are paying attention;  hmm I wonder who the “us” are?  Anyhow moving on to the list.  A couple of examples to ponder;

·         Jeffrey Hemlin, who was recently ordered, revoked and to pay costs of $50,000 by CSIC’s independent discipline council, yet he continues to be President of CAPIC, the trade association that has transformed into the ICCRC. Hemlin has published statements defending his actions and ICCRC has appeared to endorse Hemlin by failing to distance themselves from Hemlin. Clearly, ICCRC’s concern is to protect the interests of Hemlin, a crooked consultant, rather than the public interest

My Comment:  In order to improve ICCRC they must insure that only upstanding characters ones with a clean record should only be granted such privileges as Jeffrey Hemlin.  Suggestion is the Board should be reviewed by the members and then the board should be reviewing who has the character of good standing to actually operate under the name ICCRC.

·         Once again agreeing to accept a revoked CSIC member into ICCRC is unthinkable, but what I am reading states that such an unaccepted action has taken place.  Revoked member despite her revocation and works as a ghost consultant, she an individual who could not meet CSIC standards, and has been acting as a ghost consultant is now likely to be allowed to join ICCRC. 

My Comment:  Hmmm this doesn’t sound right and doesn’t fit with the professional code of ethics.

On another note: Lawyers have a more robust regulatory body, ICCRC is being compared to high standards which are validated by the higher membership fees.  It’s been said lower fee, less staff, less quality.  Hmm what do you think?  Would hiring the membership fee actually improve the ICCRC.  I don’t think so the rich would just keep getting richer.

Wow another blow as I continue to read through the above mentioned online link:  Phil Mooney attained his position as President/CEO of the proposed new regulator ICCRC by undermining the regulator…read on…what do you think?  I’m amazed at how this all got set up. 

Improvements to ICCRC is to investigate everyone involved in the regulatory board on an ongoing basis, just as the consultants are being monitored and just as the ghost consultants should be getting weeded out so should the ghost ICCRC representatives.  This is improvement, which will take time.  Who is everyone really accountable to?  Please let me know your thoughts.

Pro Bono yes it is beneficial

Pro Bono!  Pro Bono!    For the Public Good!!    Benson- Blog #4

Happy to know the need of the needy is addressed by lawyers, qualified representatives who do the Pro Bono services!!

Many immigration appeals and hearings are hosting the Pro Bono lawyer/representative, one who volunteers their services to a person in need. 

Claimants’, those who are need of representation, but do not having any funds to hire a qualified lawyer, one who can go up to bat for them; Pro Bono is good news for them.

I believe this paints a great picture for the lawyers, representatives proves they are not just in the business for the almighty dollar!  It also looks great on the resume

Detained immigrants nation-wide who face deportation, including the asylum seekers, as well as individuals who have lived here for years. Many will be forced to leave children, spouses and other loved ones behind, pets too. They cannot hire an attorney due they have no money to do so.  Pro bono, the guidance and assistance of a qualified person to represent them is such a blessing and the person doesn’t have the burden to pay for a much needed service to which they do not have the finances to pay for. 

Example of a Pro Bono service: REPRESENTATION AT CREDIBLE FEAR INTERVIEWS AND PREPARATION OF A PAROLE. The representative is allowed to speak with the asylum seeker prior to the interview to prepare him or her for the interview.  The representative is then permitted to attend the interview.  If the asylum seeker is found to have a “credible fear,” the representative will prepare a parole application requesting that the asylum seeker be released from detention while the Immigration Court procedure is pending. With-out a qualified lawyer/representative the asylum seeker could be doomed. 

REPRESENTATION OF DETAINED IMMIGRANTS: Detainees, those individuals in need of representation in their immigration case, including asylum or Convention against Torture claims. Our detained immigrants do need the help of a Pro Bono representative to aid them in their hearings. I don’t believe they can do alone; they end up fading into the cracks and even face deportation.  A qualified representative a Pro Bono can change this person’s outcome in a most positive way.  Make a difference for the life of someone in need.

In addition one of the benefits of Pro Bone is that it is a great way to build on ones skills and expand the skills base.  It is most beneficial to engage in Pro Bono services. Enhances not only skills but your reputation and increases your network.  Also looks impressive on your c.v.

By getting involved in Pro Bono work you are ensuring that the under privileged have access to justice, which is a basic human right and also important to the representative to be involved in such human services.  Here! Here! for Pro Bono…

Pro Bono work provides satisfaction knowing you have influenced a fairer and just hearing, the ability to make a difference from a giving of your services. This is rewarding and builds services with integrity.  This Pro Bono is an action which results in a feeling of belonging, reaching out to those in need without asking for anything in return.  Making a difference in the lives of our sisters and brothers who are less fortunate.  Community services at its best!

I believe this is a reward which cannot be measured in monetary terms.

Pro Bono services give lawyers an opportunity to develop important skills

that are gained from the practical experience in which they are involved in.    

Without this assistance, clients’ security to remain in is in jeopardy and reunification with their families is thwarted. The types of clients who require such Pro Bono services are; low income refugees and other displaced people.

Refugees and other displaced individuals need assistance with applications for lawful permanent residence status and naturalization to become citizens. They need assistance with family reunification - filing petitions for family members, such as spouses and children, to join them. In addition, refugees and other displaced persons need help with routine matters such as travel documents, replacement of lost cards, and delays in the application processes. Pro Bono!!!!  Yes it is necessary and does affect the lives of those in dire need!!!

Hazel Benson 

Benson – Blog #1, crse 5

Canada Coat of Many Religions, Cloaks our Land with Prayer and Fasting

Hats off and a Bow to Minister Kenny!!!  Minister Kenney issues statement recognizing Tisha B’Ava 

I’m impressed with Minister Kenny remembering Tisha B’ Ava.  I believe it is important to acknowledge all nationalities and their special days of remembrance.  We have many Jews in our communities all across Canada who are fasting and observing this special day of remembrance of their ancestors who all through history have been persecuted at one time or another.  This is a factor in most nations, at one time or another they become the target of abusive treatment.   As for the ninth day in the month of Av when the breaking in of the sun appears, the fast begins for the Jew.  I have heard it said that the Jews have and will suffer all through history until they are restored again by Adonai. 

Prophesies of unrest for the Jews from the Torah, Old Testament has been identified to have been fulfilled: Please read on.   What do you think?

“ No rest for their souls while in exile amongst the nations – Excerpt Old Testament – Tora for People of the Book.
Deut 28:65-66 Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life.
For nearly 2000 years following the destruction in 70AD, the 'wandering Jew' has lived without a homeland, subject to the strongest racial prejudice and torment suffered by any people group. From the day they were scattered to the day Hitler devised his 'final solution to the Jewish problem', this prophecy spoken by Moses has sadly been fulfilled.”

“ ...would lead to the nation of Israel being scattered amongst all nations.
Deut 28:64 'Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other.' 
See also Lev 26:33, Jer 9:16, Ezek 12:15. In all, 6 different books of the Bible predict the scattering of Israel amongst all the nations of the earth. History records this being fulfilled in 70 AD when Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman Empire and the remaining Jews were scattered amongst the nations. “

 Meanwhile other brothers and sisters are celebrating Ramadan, fasting goes on for a month during daylight hours and fast is broken at the setting of the sun.  This is what makes Canada a great place to immigrate to in this time in history.  Such diversity, such a free country to practice one’s religion in.  Charter of Freedom of Rights is a pillar which holds us all on a platform of fairness and equality.

Now thinking backwards, returning to our former immigration representatives for Canada in the early nineteen hundreds; I believe they would be shocked at Minister Kenny;  after all they did turn away a

Ship filled with Jewish refugees who were destined to die in the cruel chambers of the concentration camp.

 

Children are shown on the deck of the MS St. Louis in this undated handout photo. The Wheel of Conscience, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, will be unveiled Thursday at Pier 21, Canada's immigration museum in Halifax. The cylindrical steel sculpture memorializes Canada's shameful decision in 1939 to turn away a steamship carrying more than 900 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

When I look at the joy in their faces upon arrival to what they thought was a safe haven, turned out to be rejection and sent back to certain death. I wonder how they felt as the ship turned around and left Canadian shores, the joy melted to immense sadness and terror.  The children, the children.

Today I’m proud of Canada for stepping up to the plate and welcoming all nationalities; those who need help and who in the future will  become economically established and enjoy calling Canada home.

Today I’m proud of Minister Kenney for his acknowledgment to a nationality of people whose ancestors  have gone through so much suffering. 

Every nationality has endured ill treatment and projected ill treatment, when will we ever learn? When will we ever learn?  It’s like “Where have all the Flowers Gone”.

God is watching us?  Hmmm what do you think?

Submission Hazel Benson

Temporary Permit for Conrad Black

Hazel’s Blog – Temporary Permit for Conrad Black 

I am new at reviewing these types of cases.  I keep asking myself what could have, what should have been approved or not approved and what was the validation which lead to an approval for a TRP?

Wow lots of comments on Conrad’s welcome back to Canada; for the time being.  Somehow I have a feeling that he will be granted a permanent resident or even his Canadian Citizenship status back.

How to we look at this case?  Keep changing glasses to see it from another perspective.  Focusing in on his needs at his age and his wife’s holistic wellbeing.   Should we feel compassion and forgiveness for such a case?  Even if there is forgiveness should there still be a consequence for his actions.  Would others be treated in this same manner? Should we compare this case to others? I think so, there are those who get refused, we need to do some comparison research.  Also was the Minister involved, I heard he wasn’t, does this fit the regulations for approving a TRP, or does the regulations state that the Minister must be involved. 

I hear an echo of; it’s not fair and yet we also see his face and see him as a family man who needs to come home, or wait a minute he renounced his Canadian Citizenship!  Should this count for something? Where is his patriotism to Canada, he signed it away!  Now Canada has opened her arms and embraced him for the time being.

I believe in forgiveness and also in serving the sentence to which he had been given for the crime he committed.  Anyone of us would have to.  Same time this is setting an example to the rest of Canada and to the world of how one can demonstrate their loyalty to one’s country, to practicing honesty, and to how a sentence can be shortened for some or would this have happened for anyone in Conrad’s position? 

Black paid a 200.00 fee for his temporary resident permit; this is the fee anyone would have to pay.  Temporary Resident Visa is a doorway into Canada which those who otherwise would never be admitted and those who are deemed inadmissible due to foreign citizenship and the owner of a criminal record.

Immigration officers weigh the information and the person’s probability to recommit the/a crime and also their reasons of why they need in and based on that they either approve a TRV or reject it.

Conrad’s last citizenship was in United Kingdom, maybe he will end up returning there and his family can follow.  Media eyes are watching and ears are listening for the next episode of Conrad Black.  Hmm I still wouldn’t want them to be separated or look at wrongly, he did time (some) for his crime, let’s hope if he stays in Canada that he will now be patriotic.  

Hazel’s BLOG – IMCD 03, 1 May 2012

News Release — Amendments to the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act

Announcement !! Hear Hear!  

Proposed amendments to Bill C-31

“Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act”

According to Minister Kenney “We have always said that we were open to amendments that make Bill C-31 stronger and help us to fight human smuggling and to protect Canada’s immigration system.  These amendments do jus tat, and make for a stronger bill.”

I agree that we do need to have a stronger bill to continue to protect genuine refugees. While making sure that the others; those who are not genuine who are seeking asylum, those whose actions could be a problem, a threat, or inflict harm on others should be detained, processed and quickly removed from Canada.

This is an intense manner; to pull out and identify the genuine refugee without further adieu.  This amendment assures that mass arrivals are investigated thoroughly before they are released into the community.  Persons would be released from detention before 12 months if they are found to be genuine refugees.   Others detained and removed.

Assisting and welcoming the genuine refugees is of utmost importance and having a process in place that is able to service their needs quickly and also protect Canada is an ideal plan. 

Some critics feared that the cessation of permanent residence might be used in such a way as to remove permanent residence status from refugees who have become well established in Canada, but who’s rationale for refugee status stops because of improved conditions in their country or origin  Apparently the amendment proposed by the government will clarify this.

This proposed amendment will make it crystal clear as to where the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada determines that an individual protected person status has stopped to exist due to a change in country conditions, that person would not automatically lose permanent resident status.  This is the original reason of the provision of the bill.

Government is proposing to amend this new provision so the 12 month bar will apply as soon as Bill C-31 receives Royal Assent.  Application delays should not occur through this provision.  Individual who received a negative outcome their refugee claim or they have received a negative decision from the IRB, or have given up on their claim will be barred from applying for a PRRA until 12 months after that first negative decision/action of withdrawal.

In addition; the time for removal of non genuine refugees has been beefed up.  This is because a PRRA is duplicative of the IRB decision, and the main purpose of the bill was to reduce redundancy and unnecessary delays in the removal process for failed asylum seekers.

This change is also to prevent previous failed asylum seekers from going underground and evading their removal.

Will it work as put forth?  We’ll see, any amendment to better help genuine refugees and keep Canada safe within her boarders from unsafe persons is a good thing, I believe.  Let’s see.

Hazel’s Blog IV, IMCD - 02

PNP need for family reunification and "Abrupt changes to Saskatchewan’s Provincial Nominee Program;   May 28, 2012 FWCanada"

The notice about the change was brought to light on May 2^nd, 2012.  No transition period, no preparation, it just happened.  It’s amazing how quickly changes can occur to cancel a process. 

Our provincial nominee programs are a pathway to employment for immigrants who want to come and who we need to fill a skill shortage.  I believe that this is the trend and will be here to stay for some time. 

Baby boomers are retiring, we keep hearing about this and also we have a low birth rate.  I believe in times past that there was one time that there were more abortions registered then live births registered in Toronto.  Excerpt from:  wcr.ab.ca/Columns/OpinionsStories/tabid/70/entryid/.../Default.aspxCached

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

29 Aug 2011 – By 1982, there were more abortions than live births in the city of Toronto. I have talked to physicians who practiced medicine during that time.

I believe we are heading into a time of economic change and need that we may not have experienced to this degree before. Back in the late sixties and seventies the birth rate dropped.  Most couples were having one or two children compared to the larger families of days gone by. 

I believe we can fill the gaps and increase our population concern by inviting more immigrants and developing programs that make it viably for a mother or father to work and afford child care for both single and married couples of all income brackets.  Sometimes the middle income level becomes the working poor.  The economic balancing ball, with no tax breaks.

If we don’t have the Canadians and the new immigrants to cover the jobs as the aging population retire; what will the answer be to address such a need? What would the affect be on our economy within and to our international trade without?  I believe that the PNP fast track for business entrepreneurs that BC has should be a module followed for not only business investment and self-employed streams, but for other occupations as well. PNP helps the new immigrant to have a job to come to, or a business or to have been or be a student with a Canadian University (accredited).

PNP programs are great, the newcomer to a job that needs to be filled and matches their occupation and abilities to become economical established.  I believe having family with them is the comforting fact that influences their performance and wellbeing in a positive manner

This is time to prepare for the labour market climate, the economic boom that is upon us.  If we can change a PNP policy and regulations so fast and so abruptly, perhaps we can create them to accommodate the needs just as quickly.  Something to think about, are we already starting to scramble?

Limiting family applications in Saskatchewan is devastating news for the new PN who had high hopes of having all their family members with them.  Now they can only nominate one individual at a time, before they could sponsor multiple relatives for a permanent resident visa all at once.  Having ones family with them I believe would make life easier and help the integration process. 

The Saskatchewan government has placed a limit on applications and the primary candidate must be employed here in Saskatchewan for a 6 full months before they can sponsor any additional family members.  There are other PNP programs and the federal family class to which they may apply as an alternate route to fit into Saskatchewan’s own reunification legislation.  They must be able to financially support their family to ensure that they don’t need to pull from government. 

By instilling these new changes the goal is to reduce the burden upon provincial government’s social welfare systems by supporting those who can become economically established.  I’m wondering how it got to be a burden in the first place, what measures were not taken and how can we plan and prepare to avoid making our newcomers feel like they are a burden.  Proper screening and diligent investigations before approval could be intensified to ensure that the financial stability is there.  Also do we play a part, when we bring in newcomers to a job they end up getting laid off from when the boom turns to bust?  I believe catching the financial need that could occur during paid work or in the event of a lay off; should be reviewed more intensely and the ability to become economically established with the job or without should be confirmed before approval is granted.

It’s been said that Canada, the government wants to tighten the ropes for the family reunification program to stop and discourage abuse of the system and to secure the economic integration and welfare of sponsored applicants. 

Ottawa’s recommendations at the risk of losing the program altogether and to further communicate its main objectives, such as: matching the skills of foreign workers to the short term demands of its local labour market, only individuals aged 18 to 49 may now be eligible for sponsorship and must also have an arranged employment off in hand. 

I believe we shouldn’t lose such an opportunity to bring those newcomers who want to come and to provide the opportunity of job matching for them.  We do need this, but we must keep in mind that family members are the supporting platform that keeps our primary applicant/worker in a state of wellbeing.  They are only allowed to sponsor one family member and then work six months before they can sponsor another.  I’m wondering if this process of breaking up the sponsorship from all on one form is going to up the cost for generating separate applications.  More paper work, more government staff will be needed to do the additional work. Is it really cost affective?

It’ll be interesting to watch the processes evolve and unfold over the next few months/years.

Ottawa doctors decry cuts to refugee health benefits

Hazel’s Blog   May 17, 2012

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney recently announced he would eliminate coverage of supplemental health benefits like vision care, dental work and drug costs for refugees.  Excerpt from: Rebecca Lindell, Global News: Friday May 11, 2012

“Refugees will still receive basic health coverage, comparable to provincial programs and medication and immunizations will be provided in cases where there is a risk to public health.  The government expects the cuts will save taxpayers 100 million over five years.

“Tyndall disagrees: “It will be offloaded to emergency rooms to deal with these things and it makes no sense at all…I’ll cost five times that much if we rely on emergency rooms and hospitals.”

SOUNDOFF:  Do you think refugees should receive a year of health care benefits, which include those not available for average Canadians like dental and vision care?

Of course I believe in equality for all.  Don’t take away this most precious gift that our Canadian Refugees need to help them to rise to their potential here in Canada and become healthy productive citizens. They are part of our economic future and if we address any health issues and concerns now we will be avoiding creating a pool of very ill and dying people that will be even more costly to the health system.  Also costly to a more important factor “Human Life” and dignity; it’s inhumane to step back and let people become ill.  They say it takes a community to raise a child, I say it takes a nation to raise a refugee, an immigrant to the pinnacle of settlement, where they can stand tall and feel proud to call Canada home and mean it.  Our investment today is our outcome for tomorrow, let’s pull together and build our new and future Canadians.

Any child, elderly, or young person with an aching tooth should have basic dental care. Depending on the dental need should depend on government coverage.  There should be a plan in place for refugees and Canadians alike to meet basic coverage, even start with emergency dental work.

Drugs and medications; once again I think that refugees have come from a background that we don’t fully understand, they may be in poor health due to civil warfare or famine.  Their needs may differ and be life or death threatening.  Once again I believe that Canadians should also receive the same treatments when the seriousness of a health condition validates the need.

I don’t think that we should abolish the refugee health plan, which is only in place for them for a two year period.  Tynall says; “refugees won’t get the drugs they need to treat conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or pneumonia.”  I believe that it is inhumane to let any human being fall in to bad health when it can be avoided.  Also the hospital trips and medical care costs would far outdo the drug costs.  When they become seriously ill due to lack of treatment then the whole scene gets worse including the medical costs.  We should keep in mind that we need to help our Canadian Refugees bounce back to good health, build them up, we need to remember that they are part of our Canadian mosaic and future tax payers too.  By letting them get stuck in bad health is cruel and is not a help to our health system.  Spend some money today to save for tomorrow and do the right thing and treat people when they are ill.   Also by treating refugees and others who are ill we do keep some of the devastating diseases at bay such as tuberculosis; the worst thing to do is not to check for and treat it.  We need to address the need to stop the spread of any potential communicable diseases.  

Are there other areas that could be cut back; how many more #*#?*$ and new buildings do we really need?  Hmm… what other cutbacks would be more suitable, ones that would be better than cutting back on health services.  Let’s prioritize. 

Let’s not wait until we’re in a state of emergency, an epidemic of some sort, let’s practice preventive medicine and keep the medical benefits coming as needed for refugees and Canadians alike.