IRCC’s automatic extensions on information requests can harm immigration agents

In a recent special report, Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard revealed that five unnamed people were identified by the department to be subject to automatic delays in requests they made through Canada’s access to information laws. According to the report, the IRCC was out of step with access to information rules. Under the act, federal entities have to respond to access requests within 30 calendar days or request an extension of 60 or 90 days as required. During the period of 2017-2020 when the department was receiving a huge number of requests, five individuals were identified as frequent requesters and then “automatically” decided an extension was needed on their files. Immigration agents fill numerous access to information requests on behalf of their clients and this delay can harm their companies’ reputations and the confidence clients place in them. #access_to_information, #Information_request, #agents   https://www.hilltimes.com/2021/06/03/irccs-arbitrary-automatic-extensions-on-information-requests-created-unfair-playing-field-say-immigration-agents/300319

June 7, 2021

The scientific panel advised the Canadian Government to end hotel quarantine

The scientific panel advising the Canadian government advised to end the mandatory three-day hotel stay since the virus’s incubation period is much longer. The panel also recommended keeping the home quarantine policy in place. Since February 22, all air travellers to Canada have been required to stay in a government-approved hotel for three days upon the arrival. Then they are required to take a COVID-19 test, and after a negative result, they are required to complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine period. This recommendation can ease Canada’s travel restrictions. #Quarantine, #Covid_19   https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=The+Scientific+Panel+Advised+The+Canadian+Government+To+End+Hotel+Quarantine&qpvt=The+scientific+panel+advised+the+Canadian+Government+to+end+hotel+quarantine&FORM=EWRE

June 7, 2021

Immigrants are encouraged to get vaccinated in Quebec

Immigrants 12 years and over, living in Québec, regardless of their immigration status, can be vaccinated free of charge as part of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. On June 3, 2021, The Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration announced that immigrants can book an appointment on the Clic Santé platform or get their vaccine doses in walk-in clinics. The health insurance card is not mandatory for vaccination, but clients must present an identification card at the vaccination site. #Quebec, #Covid_19   https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/advice-and-prevention/vaccination/covid-19-vaccine/

June 7, 2021

Some students were denied boarding on their way to Canada

The pandemic situation has been getting better in Canada recently. Postsecondary institutions announce their plans to convert some courses to 'offline' in the fall semester. Many international students have started to pack their luggage to come or return to Canada as they already have study permits. But some international students were denied boarding when they were returning to Canada because it was more than four weeks away from the start date of their classes. The Canadian Embassy in China said in a statement: "International students shouldn't try to enter Canada more than four weeks before their school starts, because they might be denied entry or boarding for travelling too early." #International_students, #study_in_Canada

June 4, 2021