2004-14

MEETING BETWEEN FEDERAL AND QUEBEC PROVINCIAL IMMIGRATION MINISTERS, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004

OTTAWA, September 28, 2004 — Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Judy Sgro, and Quebec’s Minister of Relations avec les citoyens et Immigration, Michelle Courchesne, held a bilateral meeting this morning to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern.

They began by reiterating their agreement on the need to reform the refugee system. They emphasized the importance of looking at various solutions in order to ensure a fair and more efficient system, particularly in terms of admission wait times.

The ministers also highlighted the cooperation that led to the signing of the Agreement on Off-Campus Work for International Students, which allows international students studying at universities and colleges in the regions to work off campus. They agreed on the importance of looking into expanding this pilot project.

Both ministers were pleased with the meeting and repeated their willingness to continue working together on all issues of mutual concern, in accordance with their governments’ responsibilities under the 1991 Canada-Quebec Accord Relating to Immigration and Temporary Admission of Aliens.

-30-

For more information (media only):

France Bureau
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
(613) 954-1064

Daniel Desharnais
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Relations avec les citoyens et Immigration du Québec
(514) 873-9940