Harper Government introduces Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act

On June 20th, our Government introduced the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act to deport foreign criminals out of the country more quickly, while enhancing the safety and security of Canadians. The Harper Government is delivering on yet another one of its campaign commitments.

Canadians are generous and welcoming, but have no time for criminals and fraudsters abusing our generosity. Through this bill, the Harper Government is putting a stop to foreign criminals relying on endless appeals in order to delay their removal from Canada, during which time they continue to terrorize innocent Canadians.

By limiting foreign criminals’ access to appeals, we will be able to deport them up to 14 months faster and prevent cop-killers like Clinton Gayle from staying in Canada. Drug dealer Clinton Gayle received a sentence of two years less a day for multiple drug offenses. The Government repeatedly tried to deport him between 1990 and 1996. He was able to appeal and while he was delaying his deportation, he murdered Todd Baylis, a 25 year old Toronto police officer with a stolen handgun.

The measures in this bill are tough but fair. We want Canada to have an immigration system that is open to genuine visitors, but at the same time, no longer has loopholes available to foreign criminals that allow them to delay their deportation, endangering Canadians families in the process.

By introducing the Faster Removal of Foreign Criminals Act, our Government’s message to foreign criminals is clear: you are not welcome in our country.