Ms. Leddy pointed out the difficulties of the process in the system and its fragmentation. Our experience is that the removal process works very efficiently: within 12 to 14 months after a negative decision, you are removed from the country. However, the humanitarian and compassionate application takes up to three years to be reviewed; the waiting time to have your initial hearing is about two to three years also.
There's a lack of efficiency in the operation which traps people into not being able to afford to go to the Federal Court and thereby appeal. They're lucky if they get a sympathetic ear in the neighbourhood where they are. There aren't many churches with refugee committees that have a knowledge of the system and an experience of meeting these people and knowing how to listen to them, be sympathetic, and understand them with all of their difficulties of communication—because this is when they first arrive, and a lot of them are not fluent in French or English. It's not an easy task to accept.