Citizenship and Immigration committee  I apologize to the interpreters for speaking so fast. On the impact, we've heard already on the study that Ms. Cleveland and Cécile Rousseau spoke about earlier today about the separation of children. I can tell you personally, if I were faced with the idea that I could be separated from my child for five years, potentially even eight years—because it's a year to get the refugee status, five years afterwards...after that I have to apply for permanent residence and then apply to sponsor my child.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  That's a good question. I know there has been, or will be, other groups speaking specifically about clause 19 and the changes to clause 19, but as it stands right now, I think it would put fear in almost every single refugee and immigrant community throughout Canada. Mr. Opitz, you referred to having served in Bosnia earlier in your life, so we'll take the example of a Bosnian refugee who comes to Canada, was found to be a convention refugee, and who now, under the provisions, because of the change of circumstances in Bosnia, could be stripped of both refugee protection and her permanent residence simultaneously and sent back there, because it's safe there now.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  On detention, Mr. Opitz said this morning that we detain people until their identity is established. That is true today. That is true of the present system. Under Bill C-31, if the group is designated, then they would not be released, even after their identity is established. That is a very significant change.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  I think we'll split the time because we have different recommendations. In respect of the basis of claim form, I think the 15 days are untenable and unworkable. The same 15 days are also untenable and unworkable for the RAD. Right now in the Federal Court we have 15 days to file the notice and then a further 30 days to perfect our record.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you. That's a very good question, and it's a question legal aid is still struggling with. I am here today speaking as an individual and not representing legal aid, but I can tell you the federal government has just announced that the funding to all legal aid plans across Canada will remain the same as last year's level, which was just over $11 million.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  As I was saying, not only do we do the financial eligibility and testing, but we also do the merit screening. Fifteen days for the basis of claim is going to make it extremely difficult for legal aid to do its job in ensuring that we are distributing moneys and funding those applicants who deserve it the most, and who, as I said, warrant the expenditure of public funds.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Good afternoon.

Citizenship and Immigration committee  Thank you. Thank you for inviting us to present before you. My name is Carole Dahan, and I'm the director of the refugee law office at Legal Aid Ontario. This is my colleague, Andrew Brouwer, a staff lawyer at the RLO. As I said, we're a staff office of Legal Aid Ontario, and we're a very small office; there are five lawyers and five support staff.