Women’s groups worry changes to immigration law could put them at risk
Posted Apr 25, 2011 12:54 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new proposal to Canada’s immigration law is getting a resounding thumbs down from community and women’s groups across the country.
The proposal by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, would impose a conditional permanent residency period of two years for those spouses or partners living together two years or less.
Even if the relationship were to become violent, the sponsored immigrant would be forced to stay with their partner for a minimum of two years.
While many are calling the proposal restrictive, Calgary Counselling Centre Director of Family Violence Christine Berry calls the rules short-sighted.
“When you look at the dynamics, anything that gives one partner a tremendous amount of power over the other, can be used as a tactic in their relationship,” says Berry. “That’s never a good idea.”
She understands what they’re trying to do but says she’s opposed to anything that might add barrier after barrier to someone’s liberty.
Berry adds it becomes an increasingly delicate situation when dealing with immigrants or new Canadians.
“If you don’t know the language, where the shelters are, or don’t have good experience with police, there’s the restriction of being new in this country,” she says.
In the end, she doesn’t feel it will do what they need it do and it may have negative consequences.
Berry suggests they talk to women who have come here and listen to their experiences before enacting any proposals.
