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Mr. Speaker, I am presenting a petition requesting funding be restored to KAIROS.

KAIROS is a faith-based organization that promotes sustainable development, human rights and peace through education, advocacy and co-operative programs. It delivers benefits to hundreds of thousands of people in marginalized communities who are facing humanitarian crises as well as political oppression and who urgently need this service.

Moving forward and new requirements for passports

Jean Crowder, The Citizen
Published: Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Taking action on the economic crisis is the top priority for most Canadians. I have written and spoken about the economic challenges for some time, focussing on the need to create and save quality jobs, protect pensions and retirement savings, and build a green economy. People have made it clear that they want action on the economy now. New Democrats continue to work to make that happen.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo-Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by acknowledging all the work the member for Trinity-Spadina has done on this aspect of Bill C-50. I know many other members of the New Democratic Party have risen in the House to raise concerns around the immigration aspect of Bill C-50, and I will add my voice to those other voices who have spoken out against what many would allege as a potential abuse of power by the immigration minister.

Outspoken watchdog Bill Abram's passport application likely wasn't rejected for security reasons, the feds say.
But that's cold comfort to the local senior, with a clean record, who wanted to renew his passport to travel stateside and to Britain this summer.
Canada Post is now tracking his application while working with MP Jean Crowder's office to find out where his Jan. 29 application is and why it was turned down March 14.
"It's in limbo," says a frustrated Abram, 79, who heads the Cowichan Citizens' Coalition with wife, Celia.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP):
    Mr. Speaker, I would just like to set the record straight. We know that the member for Burnaby—Douglas spoke at length in the House about the need to take a very serious look at the temporary foreign worker program.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP):  
    Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Burnaby—Douglas for his very eloquent discussion on the problems with this piece of legislation.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo—Cowichan, NDP): 
    Mr. Speaker, as in many other rural areas of Canada, constituents in my riding of Nanaimo--Cowichan are experiencing long delays in the processing of their passport requests. The nearest passport office is in Victoria which serves all of the residents of Vancouver Island.

Ms. Jean Crowder (Nanaimo/Cowichan, NDP): Mr. Speaker, I am rising in support of this motion and to further discuss the principles outlined in Motion No. 195.

This motion calls on the government to create a secretariat responsible for overseeing a foreign credential recognition program.