MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 2, 2012
New Residents and Immigrants Left in the Cold with CIC Office Closing
Charlottetown, PE – “I have seen a major increase in the number of people looking for help with their immigration and visas in my office over the last 3 months, “stated Sean Casey, Charlottetown MP. “I recently spoke with the other MP offices and they are experiencing the same thing.”
The Charlottetown Citizenship and Immigration Office closed earlier this spring except for one half time staff that will only deal with organizations’ funding agreements, not clients.
“It’s unfortunate. We have worked really hard to get immigrants to move to Canada and now we are saying ‘you’re on your own’” commented Casey. “Our offices can help but we are not immigration experts.”
“Canadian permanent residents and those working here temporarily need guidance and assistance yet they have nowhere to turn,” stated Wayne Easter, Malpeque MP “We have lots coming in to see how to get their brother or mother to come for a visit because CIC isn’t there to help. Sure they say call the 1-800 number but you can be on there all day without getting anyone.”
CIC offices across Canada have closed their doors to walk in assistance for immigration and visas directing clients to their website or their 1-800 number.
“Many of the clients cannot grasp English or French when first arriving so reading a hard to navigate website or talking to someone at the other end of the phone just isn’t practical,” remarked Lawrence MacAulay, MP for Cardigan. “If we need more immigrants to settle in Canada for our future, we are sending the wrong message.”
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For more information:
Christina MacLeod, Executive Assistant for Sean Casey
Office: 902-566-7770
Cell: 902-393-8527
Fax: 902-566-7780
Email: sean.casey.c1d@parl.gc.ca
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