I would like to thank all the representatives of the various Churches here for their testimony before the committee.
The question of the Refugee Appeal Division is one that is very important to me. Having worked in co-operation with a number of volunteer groups on the issue of sanctuary in places of worship—I now have seven cases—, I am aware of the weight that falls on the shoulders of volunteers. It is commendable work, and I thank you for doing it.
I must also agree with what Ms. Leddy was saying: that MPs also seem to be a form of recourse, and we do not control all the means at our disposal.
The media are also becoming a form of recourse, and we do not find this at all normal. The Appeal Division is therefore necessary, and I am pleased to have my colleague Nicole Demers, who has agreed to table the bill on the Appeal Division. I don't know if you know, but it was a random draw. I am 290th. The chances of me having my turn this session were thus very slim. However, I have a very generous colleague who, I think, shares my opinions. We decided to request the immediate application of certain sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Thanks for the support with the Appeal Division.
We also have a correspondence with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which says it is disappointed that Canada is not establishing the Appeal Division and gives the reasons in favour of setting up an appeal division.
You have talked a lot about the issue of sanctuary in places of worship, and I would now like to ask you a few questions on the refugees' environment and the whole context of limitations on refugees' rights. The committee heard some unsettling testimonies a week ago, when it learned that pre-removal risk assessment officers were given only two weeks' training before conducting pre-removal risk assessments.
In your opinion, is two weeks' training sufficient to properly understand the potential environment of a person seeking protection and claiming refugee status?
Ms. Leddy, you have already come to speak to the committee to warn us about the coming into force of the Safe Third Country Agreement. Now that the law has been in effect for two years, do you have a particular opinion on the subject?
Thank you.