Sean Fraser, Minister
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Confederation Building, Suite 733 House of Commons,
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
sean.fraser@parl.gc.ca
October 25, 2022
Minister Fraser,
I am writing to present my concerns surrounding severe immigration hold ups for newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador with the Department of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
My office receives numerous calls from newcomers who are looking for information on their files for permanent residency or work permits. They cannot reach anyone at IRCC to answer basic questions or help understand what is being asked of them. I know I can pass it off to our Members of Parliament as it is a federal issue, but immigration is important for this province and for the newcomers I represent in my provincial district. Too many families are having to endure prolonged separation, impacting their mental and physical health.
It is disappointing to learn that the IRCC offices in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to remain all but closed. These closures are creating much of the backlog being experienced in this province. The lack of service for newcomers is disappointing and embarrassing to say the least. People have chosen this province, and this country, for a reason and their lives are being put hold on due to various delays.
Minster, I am asking for your intervention to reinstate staffing levels in Newfoundland & Labrador, to help clear the backlog, to process applications in a reasonable timeframe and provide adequate local IRCC service. I look forward to your prompt response to this important matter.
Regards,
Jordan Brown
MHA for Labrador West
CC. Hon. Gerry Byrne, Minister
Yvonne Jones, MP Labrador