Susan Davis

http://www.globeandmail.ca/servlet/s...wsgro0316_2/BN

Robert

"Susan Davis" <> wrote in message
news:...
    > http://www.globeandmail.ca/servlet/s...wsgro0316_2/BN
    > --
    > Susan Davis <>
Guess u pooched the link cos it don't work for me !

Wanna try again.

I like the globe and mail when it has to do with immigration cos 9 times out
of ten they get it wrong, or use old re-hashed material. Would be nice to
see if they can get it right occasionally.

Karen Gordon

Susan Davis () writes:
    > http://www.globeandmail.ca/servlet/s...wsgro0316_2/BN

(K): Finally !..... getting most of those appointed to the IRB out will be
a huge step in protecting the integrity of Canada's refugee system. How
many of them were refugees themselves, now holding the door open to more
who had ANY sad tale to tell - or the right price.
_____________________________


Ottawa moves to end patronage at refugee board

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Judy Sgro announces changes to the
appointment process for the Immigration and Refugee Board Tuesday.

By OLIVER MOORE
Globe and Mail Update - Tuesday, Mar. 16, 2004


The federal government is moving to end patronage appointments to the
Immigration and Refugee Board, hoping that tougher standards and
parliamentary review will help professionalize the much-maligned body.

Immigration Minister Judy Sgro said Tuesday that the changes should end
the whiff of patronage overlying the board and increase its effectiveness.

Critics point out that the board is stacked with a disproportional number
of Liberals, the result of an appointment process that favours political
allegiance over competence.

Ms. Sgro, in announcing the changes, said that she was fulfilling a
government promise to reform the refugee board. Among other things, it
will no longer be acceptable for the resumés of those seeking appointment
to be funnelled through ministers' offices or through MPs, she said.

If I get one myself, I'll tear it up, she said. No longer will it be who
you know.

Under the new system, the IRB chair will have much more power and will be
chosen through a merit-based competition, subject to approval by a
Parliamentary committee. The chair will name an advisory panel and a
selection board, which will together decide which candidates get submitted
to minister, and will replace the advisory board that now recommends
appointments.

Tribunal candidates who pass the initial screening and a written test will
be assessed by the advisory panel, made up of lawyers, academics, refugee
advocates and human resources experts. Successful candidates will be
interviewed by the selection board, composed of experts in immigration and
refugee issues. The chairman will then offer a slate of approved
candidates to the immigration minister.

The current board chairman, Jean-Guy Fleury, applauded the changes, saying
that he will ensure that the tribunals are made up of members who can make
fair decisions on behalf of the Canadian people.

Refugee determination is one of the most difficult forms of decision
making, said Mr. Fleury, an appointee who took up the post in late
November, 2002.

Patronage at the IRB has brought heavy criticism from those who point out
that people holding the power of life or death over would-be refugee
should be highly qualified and should not have been chosen for their
political ties.

The refugee board changes are only the latest of Prime Minister Paul
Martin's efforts to make a clean break with the government of Jean Chrétien.

In response to public anger at the behaviour of some Crown Corporation
executives appointed during the Chrétien years, Treasury Board President
Reg Alcock said Monday that openings for CEO and director of these
corporations will be advertised publicly, professional recruiters will be
used and the hiring process will be based on merit, not political allegiance.

The changes Ms. Sgro announced Tuesday will be instituted within 90 days.